Go Global Australia

IgAN isn’t rare — it’s one of Australia’s most common and serious kidney diseases. More awareness, research, and support are urgently needed for patients and families.

IgA Nephropathy in Australia: What You Should Know

One of the most common diseases affecting the kidneys, IgAN makes up as much as 1 in 3 kidney biopsies in Australia.
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Serious health impact — Around 1 in 4 people diagnosed will develop kidney failure, often within 10–15 years.
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Early risks matter — About 14% of patients see a sharp drop in kidney function in their first year after diagnosis.
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Transplant challenges — Even after a kidney transplant, IgAN can come back and is a leading cause of graft loss.
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As part of The IgAN Foundation’s expansion, the Go Global Network will establish a stronger presence in Australia, fostering new partnerships and resources to support Australian IgAN patients and their families.

Some initiatives for the GO GLOBAL NETWORK in Australia are as follows:

Strengthen Relationships

Strengthen relationships with healthcare providers and partner organisations in Australia and beyond.

Establish an International Network

Establish an international network led by local Foundation Ambassadors.

Develop Tailored Resources

Develop tailored resources to meet the unique needs of Australian IgAN patients.

Raise Global Awareness & Advocate

Raise global awareness and advocate for improved access to treatments and support.

“This initiative represents a critical step forward in ensuring that no IgAN patient feels isolated, no matter where they live.

By expanding our network to Australia, we are building a stronger, more connected global community dedicated to advocacy, education, and support.”

–Bonnie Schneider, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the IgA Nephropathy Foundation.

Meet Our Australian Ambassadors

Giselle Gailbrath

I’m a Filipina who spent nine years in Singapore and has proudly called Australia home for the past 10 years. Diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy in 2011, I love scuba diving, four-wheel driving, and embracing adventure while living with IgAN. There are still roads I hope to travel — including Katherine to Exmouth, and one day, Route 66.

Narelle Adem

In May 2024, my son Joel went for routine blood tests—something we expected to be uneventful—only to discover he was already in kidney failure and was subsequently diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy. Like many families, we had never heard of IgAN before that moment, and we were suddenly navigating the shock, grief, and complexity of a diagnosis that had gone undetected until it had already progressed significantly. In those early weeks, finding the IgA Nephropathy Foundation and joining a caregiver support call connected us with people who truly understood and confirmed my decision to become more involved. Since then, Joel received a kidney transplant from a living donor in January 2026. As an Australian Ambassador, I am committed to advancing awareness, earlier diagnosis, and better support so more families are diagnosed sooner and outcomes can change.

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