Saying goodbye to Edna

Nov 18, 2025

After 11 remarkable years, we say a heartfelt thank you to one of our founding trustees, Edna, as she steps down from Beacon’s Board of Trustees.

Edna has been instrumental in shaping Beacon from the very beginning, bringing dedication, wisdom, enthusiasm and a steady hand- specially in strengthening our approach to communications and helping us grow into the organisation we are today.

Photo of Beacon's Board of Trustees
Photo of Edna Kissmann

As Edna reflects:

“It has been a great privilege to help bring Beacon to its current eminence within the rare-diseases ecosystem. Together, we have created a very strong foundation and reputation for the organisation, its main beneficiaries and staff.

I look forward to observing and enjoying the outcomes of the future strategy we have charted. I am sure Beacon will continue to fulfil its mission with great success.”

On behalf of the entire Beacon community: thank you, Edna, for your extraordinary service, guidance, and belief in our mission.

And stay tuned — we’ll soon be announcing five new trustees who will be joining our board as we enter an exciting next chapter for Beacon.