EFNA’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a group comprised of 12 dedicated patient advocates who will receive specialised training in advocating for both neurology and their specific disease areas.
Meet our Community Advisory Board 2026:
Ona Albizu, Spain - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
I wanted to join EFNA’s Community Advisory Board because for me, advocacy is not an abstract interest — it is a matter of survival, dignity, and justice.
Peter Di Biaso, France - Early Onset Parkinson's Disease
My entire career has been focused on serving as an advocate on behalf of patient participation in clinical research. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease and my role as a professional soon became that of a patient too. The opportunity to join EFNA as a community advisor board member is my chance to engage and provide valuable patient insights with the leading neurological representatives as we are all committed to finding a cure.
Lutgarde Allard, Belgium - Myasthenia Gravis
Since I started working at the European level, I feel the need to be better educated, expand my network, collaborate with more associations, and EFNA is a great example.
Robert Joyce, Spain - Multiple Sclerosis
This opportunity will help me understand how neurological illnesses are the same, and also to highlight the differences. It will also help me learn how we can support each other to develop better health systems, and research. As each member is from a different country, I will also understand how different health systems work, and bring positive examples back to where I live. Having removed one structural obstacle to PPI in Ireland, I hope being a part of the CAB will help me share this experience with change makers in the EU.
Lynn McDonald, Ireland - Early Onset Parkinson's Disease
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for being selected to serve on the 2026 Community Advisory Board. This opportunity is both humbling and inspiring, and I am truly thankful to be able to join such a passionate and dedicated group of individuals. I look forward to collaborating with each of you, learning from your diverse perspectives, and working together to promote meaningful change in our local and international communities.
Mikko Juutinen, Finland - Dystonia
For me, participating in EFNA CAB is an opportunity to do advocacy work across Europe and increase knowledge about neurological diseases.For me, participating in EFNA CAB is an opportunity to do advocacy work across Europe and increase knowledge about neurological diseases.
Simona Stankovska, United Kingdom - Migraine, Cavernoma
I am delighted and honoured to join the EFNA CAB this year. I have followed EFNA’s fantastic work over the years and am grateful for all that the organisation does for those of us with neurological conditions. I cannot wait to get started and work together with the rest of the CAB to hopefully make a difference in the next year.
As somebody who suffers with migraines and has had brain surgery to remove a cavernoma, I look forward to advocating for those affected by both of these
conditions, as well as providing a patient perspective.
Richard Ballerand, UK/France - Restless Legs Syndrome, Migraine
I am honoured to join EFNA’s Community Advisory Board to help strengthen the role of people living with neurological condi:ons in shaping research, HTA, and policy for brain health. I look forward to working with fellow advocates and partners to ensure pa:ent experience and evidence are central to decisions across Europe and beyond at this cri:cal juncture.
Antonina Cannon, Moldova - Founder&President of The Association for Support of Children with Special Needs
I am keen to serve on the board, offering my knowledge, strategic perspective, and dedication to furthering the organisation’s objectives. My background in neurological diseases, gained as an EFNA Community Advisory Board member, and my dedication to supporting neurological patients, will be valuable in making effective decisions, encouraging new ideas, and enhancing the organisation’s future achievements.
Natalie Diana Busari, United Kingdom - Multiple Sclerosis
Joining EFNA’s Community Advisory Board is an opportunity to contribute to neurological policy in a way that centres patients across the full spectrum of neurological conditions. I am proud to represent the patient voice in neurology more broadly, recognising that while experiences may differ, the need for dignity, inclusion and meaningful engagement is shared.
While much of my advocacy has focused on addressing inequities affecting underserved communities, I believe strongly in collective progress. Advancing neurological care in Europe requires collaboration across conditions, across countries and across communities.
I hope to bring thoughtful challenge, lived experience and strategic insight to the table, working alongside fellow members to strengthen trust, improve policy, and ensure that patients are active partners in shaping the future of neurological care.
Alexandre Silva, Portugal - Rare MS - Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
I am honoured to join the Community Advisory Board (CAB) of the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA). Living with Multiple Sclerosis since the age of 44 and currently serving as President of the Portuguese Multiple Sclerosis Society (SPEM), I bring both lived experience and leadership in patient advocacy. My background in engineering, academia and public service has shaped my commitment to collaboration and to placing people at the centre of health policy and innovation. Through the CAB, I look forward to contributing to a stronger patient voice and to advancing dignity, inclusion and better care for people living with neurological conditions across Europe.
Pia Vejle, Denmark - Cervial Dystonia / Torticollis
I am the president of the Danish Dystonia Association. Working to raise awareness of dystonia and its treatment. I fight for patients’ rightsespecially the right to timely assessment and treatment—and I can feel how much it matters to me to stand up for this cause, including for those who are not able to do so themselves. In Denmark, there are long waiting times for assessment and treatment, and this has a major impact on quality of life when you cannot get access to care. For those of us in the workforce, it can also be difficult to be heard and to obtain assistive devices, among other forms of support. In addition, there is still stigma around looking different, and no one should have to stay at home because of that. We need to talk about it and make it visible that people with neurological conditions such as dystonia have their right to treatment, a right to be part of the workforce to the extent they are able, and a right to a proper assessment.
EFNA’s Community Advisory Board 2026 is kindly supported by:
