PSC Partners Canada Board of Directors Update

April 1, 2026

PSC Partners Seeking a Cure Canada would like to recognize three of our Board of Directors – Mary Vyas, Sandy VanOstrand, and Richard Ayuen – who are completing their Board terms to focus on new endeavours.

After more than 12 years of dedicated service to PSC Partners Canada, Mary Vyas, President and Co-Founder, along with Board Members Sandy VanOstrand and Richard Ayuen, have stepped down to focus on new endeavours. We are deeply grateful for their leadership, commitment, and compassion to the PSC community.

As Co-Founder of PSC Partners Canada, Mary Vyas helped build the organization into a leader in patient-partnered research, education, and support. Inspired by her family’s experience after her teenager was diagnosed with PSC, Mary worked tirelessly over the past 12 years to strengthen the Canadian PSC community, foster collaboration with Canadian and international clinicians and researchers, and ensure patients and caregivers had a meaningful voice in research. Her contributions helped secure a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant, establish the PSC Partners Patient Registry as a powerful research resource, and initiate the groundbreaking WIND-PSC project to advance treatment options for people living with PSC.

Sandy VanOstrand has been instrumental in strengthening PSC Partners Canada’s fundraising efforts. Sandy helped generate funds through online auctions, donor recognition initiatives, and community fundraising support. Her encouragement and guidance have inspired many community-led fundraising initiatives. Sandy’s son, David, was diagnosed with PSC and received a living donor transplant thanks to her older son Jimmy.

Richard Ayuen joined the Board in 2022 after becoming a living liver donor to his son. Drawing on his family’s experience, he brought valuable strategic leadership, strong connections within Canada’s transplant and organ donation community, and mentorship for individuals and families navigating living liver donation and transplantation.

Matt Hodgson will take on the role as President, together with Co-Founders Eve Jedrzejewska, Treasurer, and Rachel Gomel, Secretary. Together, they will continue leading PSC Partners Canada in collaboration with the US-based PSC Partners to ensure its programs and operations remain strong. The Board remains committed to advancing research, education, and support for Canadians affected by PSC while welcoming new leaders who share this deeply personal mission.

PSC Partners Canada thanks Mary, Sandy, and Richard for their commitment and profound impact on the PSC community.