Anniversary ild care foundation
Twenty years ago, on April 18, 2006, the ild care foundation was established—at a time when there was still limited awareness of interstitial lung diseases (ild), an umbrella term for more than 150 often serious, rare, and still insufficiently recognized lung conditions with a major impact on daily life.

Over the past two decades, much has changed. Not only in science, but also in awareness, collaboration, and the care of people living with rare lung diseases.

What began as a mission to raise awareness has grown into a platform for knowledge sharing, connection, and collaboration. Through education, masterclasses, symposia, the journal ild care today, and the podcast ‘Breath-Taking Conversations’, we have gradually brought ild out of the shadows—working closely with dedicated colleagues and patient organizations, both nationally and internationally.

Thanks to the commitment of many passionate colleagues, researchers, and patient organizations, significant progress has been made in knowledge, care, and awareness.

The Netherlands now holds a strong international position, with leading centers of expertise and pioneering research in the field of ild. Perhaps we are even moving closer to the moment when our mission becomes almost unnecessary—and that would be the most meaningful achievement of all.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this journey, in particular our board, supervisory board, advisors, and our dedicated volunteer.

Watch the video of our 10th anniversary: LINK