Lucia Contofalska, PharmD, joined Chiesi Global Rare Diseases in 2021, bringing her deep-rooted passion for patient advocacy after a career in the medical field. With a PharmD in Clinical Pharmacology, she conducted research on autoimmune thrombocytopenia, gaining valuable insights into the complexities of rare disease treatment and patient needs. Motivated by the critical importance of patient representation in healthcare, she transitioned into advocacy working to ensure that the patient voice drives meaningful change in research, policy, and care delivery. At Chiesi, she partners closely with the Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) communities. As an individual personally impacted by rare disease, she is also committed to the Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) patient community and bone marrow transplant survivor community in Czech Republic and Slovakia. An active member of several patient organizations, Lucia champions access, empowerment, and co-creation across the rare disease ecosystem. Her dedication to advocacy continues to ignite innovation, amplify patient voices, and drive lasting impact in global healthcare conversations.