A Letter to Our Community from NFOSD President, Ed Steger
As we enter the month of June, I am proud to announce the start of Dysphagia Awareness Month, a statute passed by Congress in 2008 to shine a light on the millions of individuals living with swallowing disorders — myself included.
This year, I’m writing to you not only as President of the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders, but also as someone who continues to personally navigate the realities of dysphagia every single day. Over the past year, my own health challenges have deepened my understanding of what so many in our community experience — the physical, emotional, and social impact of swallowing disorders, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward.
As I reflect on this year’s Awareness Month, I am especially grateful for the privilege of serving this community. Watching the NFOSD increase dysphagia awareness, support important research initiatives, and grow into a source of patient/caregiver education, advocacy, support, and hope for so many has been both a gift and an honor. While the future may bring new transitions for me personally, my belief in this mission — and in the strength of this community — has never been greater.
Dysphagia is more than a medical condition. It affects nutrition, health, communication, relationships, mental well-being, and quality of life. It can result from stroke, neurodegenerative disease, head and neck cancer, trauma, congenital disorders, aging, and countless other conditions. Yet despite impacting millions, dysphagia remains under-recognized and under-discussed.
This June, we are proud to once again elevate the voice of the dysphagia community through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, support programs, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the journey firsthand. I encourage you to join us throughout the month and help us continue building awareness and compassion for those impacted by swallowing disorders.
To our members, volunteers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, industry partners, and sponsors: thank you. Your support fuels our mission and reminds every person facing dysphagia that they are not alone.
Let’s make this month a time of action, connection, education, and hope — and continue working toward a future where every individual impacted by dysphagia has access to the treatment, understanding, and support they require.
With warm regards, Ed Steger President, National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders Head and Neck Cancer Survivor Ed@nfosd.com
P.S. If you are not already an annual member, please consider becoming an NFOSD member (suggested donations: patients/caregivers ($10/year); healthcare professionals ($50/year)). Your support helps us continue our mission of making life better for all those impacted by dysphagia. Click here to sign up for your 2026 membership.
