News & Blog

It is with great pride that we share with you a momentous occasion: the 40th anniversary of the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA). For four decades, our unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people living with IC/BPS has fueled our mission. With grateful hearts, we extend our deepest appreciation to you, for standing with us.

Today, we invite you to explore our remarkable journey, tracing the path that led us to this pivotal moment and to consider continuing your critical support for the crucial work of the ICA.

Acknowledging Our Past Successes

Over the past four decades, the ICA has achieved remarkable milestones. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of donors like you, we embody our mission through three essential pillars: Advocacy, Education, and Community.

Advocacy resonates as our heartbeat, reverberating in legislative chambers, medical symposia, and research arenas. Through tireless efforts, we’ve championed efficient diagnosis, optimal care, and groundbreaking studies, advancing our understanding of IC/BPS.

Our educational initiatives empower patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike, fostering a vibrant community of knowledge-sharing and compassion. Within our supportive ICA communities, connections flourish, experiences are shared, and collective growth thrives.

As a vital link and hub of science-backed information, we connect healthcare providers, researchers, and patients, ensuring that no one faces IC/BPS alone.

A Patient’s Journey: Carol’s Story

Carol Davis is a resilient member of our community. Her experience with IC/BPS has been a constant companion since day one, with only two fleeting periods of remission during the initial five years. Carol’s commitment to the ICA shines through as she actively engages in research studies and clinical trials, always seeking to stay informed about new developments and treatment options through the ICA. For Carol, supporting the organization that has consistently stood by her side feels like the natural course of action.

“The ICA has been an invaluable resource on my IC/BPS journey. Knowledge truly is power, and understanding my condition has allowed me to ‘live well with IC’ for over three decades. Becoming my own advocate and taking charge of my condition gave me a sense of control. I am fortunate to have a robust support system of family and friends, who have helped me navigate this path with resilience and hope.”

Carol’s words resonate deeply. They remind us why our work matters—to provide hope, support, and a lifeline for those navigating the challenges of IC/BPS.

A Vision for the Future and Our $40,000 Goal

As we mark our 40th anniversary, we eagerly look ahead to what lies beyond. We are thrilled to unveil our goal: to raise $40,000! These funds will empower us to: 

• Expand Awareness: Reach more patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
• Enhance Education: Create new resources and innovative programs.
• Advocate Stronger: Continue our fight for policies and continue advocating for research that benefits IC/BPS patients.

Honoring Resilience: Join Us in Making a Difference

We respect the enduring strength displayed by IC/BPS warriors, like Carol. Their stories are woven into the fabric of our community—a testament to compassion, courage, and hope.

You, our supporters, play an integral role in this narrative. Your commitment ensures that more stories find their way into the world. Together, we create a legacy of empathy and transformation.

Will you join us? Your donation today isn’t just a contribution; it’s a piece of history—a symbol of hope for those navigating the challenges of IC/BPS. Let’s make a difference, one story at a time.

Thank you for being part of our shared journey! Your support will propel us into the future.

The ICA is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare and lives of people living with IC/BPS and is a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 13-3292137).

Donations to the ICA are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.