About UC Well
Foundation built on experience & determination
.avif)
Why we started
UC Well
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that turns lives upside down. It affects daily routines, relationships and overall well-being. But despite decades of research, there are still too many unanswered questions about what really causes UC and how to treat it effectively.
That’s why we came together to create UC Well. As doctors and patient advocates, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of living with and treating UC. We believe in a future where UC sufferers have answers, effective treatments, and ultimately a cure.
That’s why we came together to create UC Well. As doctors and patient advocates, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of living with and treating UC. We believe in a future where UC sufferers have answers, effective treatments, and ultimately a cure.
What we believe in
Our Mission
Our nonprofit organization is dedicated to advancing the understanding of ulcerative colitis by investigating its underlying causes and pathophysiology through evidence-based research.
We aim to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes scientific integrity and transparency, free from external financial influences.
We aim to foster a collaborative environment that prioritizes scientific integrity and transparency, free from external financial influences.
Our Vision
We envision a world where individuals affected by ulcerative colitis receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatments based on a deep understanding of the disease's origins.
Our commitment to education, awareness, and support will empower patients and their families, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge necessary to navigate their journey with ulcerative colitis.
Our commitment to education, awareness, and support will empower patients and their families, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge necessary to navigate their journey with ulcerative colitis.
Our foundation is supported by a team of strong advocates with a focus on patient-centered care.
Dr. Richard Gordon
President
Dr. Gordon specializes in consultative cardiology and is most interested in delivering expert care in a personalized manner. He has over 30 years of experience taking care of patients with a variety of cardiac disorders including (but not limited to) hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, coronary disease and heart rhythm disorders.He has a special interest in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology.
.avif)
Rami Spahiu
Vice President
Rami has navigated life with ulcerative colitis for 15 years. As both a professional engineer and a patient, he brings a unique perspective to problem-solving, blending technical knowledge with lived experience. This has deepened his passion for medical research, especially in the areas of chronic illness and patient-centered care. He is driven to stay informed about the latest developments in treatments for Ulcerative Colitis and to contribute through advocacy, collaboration and direct involvement to research that improves the lives of people living with this disease.
Rami has hands-on experience working for non-profits, such as the United Jewish Appeal of New York and Trinity New York. He has contributed to mission-driven initiatives, fundraising, volunteer coordination and compliance. In Rami’s personal time, he is a music enthusiast who continues to explore analog and digital synthesis, sound design, and has built a personal vinyl collection of over 20,000 records.
Rami has hands-on experience working for non-profits, such as the United Jewish Appeal of New York and Trinity New York. He has contributed to mission-driven initiatives, fundraising, volunteer coordination and compliance. In Rami’s personal time, he is a music enthusiast who continues to explore analog and digital synthesis, sound design, and has built a personal vinyl collection of over 20,000 records.
.avif)
Angela Gordon
Treasurer
Angela Gordon was born and raised in England. After completing her nursing degree at the Royal London Hospital in England, she moved to the United States to pursue a career in nursing. Her 30-year career included neonatal intensive care, adult medical and surgical nursing, renal transplant and dialysis. Angela was the office manager and senior registered nurse at a cardiology clinic for five years. In addition to her long nursing career, Angela raised four children along with her husband Richard. Managing a real estate company for the past 15 years her responsibilities have included rental management and financial officer. Angela is excited to be a part of the UC Well team.
Dr. Pamela Sylvestre
Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Pamela Sylvestre is a pathologist with subspecialty expertise in gastrointestinal and liver disease. She earned her medical degree at the University of Southern California with highest honors and completed residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Southern California, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. She has completed two fellowships, one in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary pathology at the Mayo Clinic and the other in pediatric pathology at Emory University, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. For 20+ years, her career has been focused on microscopic evaluation of tissue from patients of all ages for gastrointestinal and liver disease. She has also been involved in various research activities within her subspecialty, most notably in ulcerative colitis. Dr. Sylvestre currently serves as section head of GI pathology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and holds an academic appointment as Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Sharif Mansur
Scientific Advisory Board
Sharif Mansur serves as the Executive Director of Project Management and Quality Initiatives at UT Health Houston– UT Physicians. With over 12 years of experience leading federally funded programs, Sharif has played a key role in redesigning healthcare delivery across the greater Houston area. His work is rooted in advancing the Triple Aim—enhancing the patient experience, improving population health, and reducing the cost of care without compromising quality. He has helped the institution secure significant incentive funding, led numerous strategic initiatives, and contributed to the oversight of a broad set of quality measures across the system. His leadership has fostered cross-sector collaboration and the implementation of evidence-based strategies that drive sustainable improvements in health systems.
Outside of work, Sharif lives in Houston with his wife and energetic three-year-old son. They enjoy spending time outdoors as a family—biking through local trails, playing sports, and making frequent trips to the beach.
Outside of work, Sharif lives in Houston with his wife and energetic three-year-old son. They enjoy spending time outdoors as a family—biking through local trails, playing sports, and making frequent trips to the beach.
Our core focus
Donate
Hypotheses and Research
Conduct and promote rigorous, evidence-based research aimed at uncovering the underlying causes and mechanisms of ulcerative colitis. Collaborate with researchers, universities, and medical institutions to facilitate groundbreaking studies and innovative approaches to treatment.
Education and Awareness
Develop comprehensive educational programs and resources that inform patients, families, and the general public about ulcerative colitis, its symptoms, and management strategies. Raise awareness about the impact of ulcerative colitis on individuals and communities, advocating for increased recognition and understanding of the condition.
Integrity in Funding
Maintain a strict policy of not accepting donations from organizations with financial interests in the outcomes of our research or initiatives, ensuring our work remains unbiased and focused solely on advancing understanding and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Patient and Family Support
Provide a supportive network for patients and their families, offering resources, guidance, and peer connections to help them cope with the challenges of living with ulcerative colitis. Organize workshops, support groups, and informational sessions to empower individuals with knowledge and foster a sense of community.
Help us find a cure to ulcerative colitis
By donating you help our foundation reach its goals to find a cure to ulcerative colitis
Contact UC Well
Do you have a question about the foundation or would you like to learn more about our research program? Please send us a message, we will get back at you as soon as possible.
