Andy Jablonski
Lifelong Short Bowel Syndrome patient, rare-disease advocate, and the driving force behind the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation since 2010.
Andrew (Andy) E. Jablonski is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation, Inc. (SBSF), a distinguished 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Driven by his own personal journey as a patient, Andy has dedicated over 13 years to a singular, unwavering mission: providing life-changing support, vital resources, and expert advocacy to individuals, caregivers, and medical professionals navigating the daily challenges of Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). Under his compassionate leadership, SBSF has grown from a local initiative into a global lifeline of hope and resilience.
Leadership Pillars
Four interconnected areas that define Andy’s work and the Foundation’s impact
Educational Journey
Andy’s professional leadership is grounded in both business strategy and the human experience of chronic illness.
- Degree in Entrepreneurship — Southeast Community College
- B.A. in Human Relations (Mental Health & Counseling) — Doane University
This dual foundation equips him to run a national nonprofit while deeply understanding the emotional and psychological realities of intestinal failure.
Rare Disease Industry Expertise
From 2011–2017 Andy served as Patient & Physician Communications Advisor for major pharmaceutical partners:
- NPS Pharmaceuticals
- Naia Pharmaceuticals
- Shire Pharmaceuticals
He played a frontline role advocating for the clinical advancement and patient access of orphan-designated therapies, including GATTEX® (teduglutide).
Public Speaking & Education
Andy is a sought-after speaker at medical conferences, university hospitals, and rare-disease forums. He shares a dual perspective:
- Lifelong SBS patient
- Industry and advocacy expert
His talks humanize clinical data, challenge assumptions, and elevate the patient voice in scientific and clinical settings.
Digital Peer Support
Recognizing the isolation that accompanies a rare-disease diagnosis, Andy actively manages and moderates multiple online support communities.
- Pediatric family groups
- Adult patient networks
- Global reach across time zones
These spaces allow thousands of families to exchange practical tips, medical experiences, and daily encouragement.
In Depth
A closer look at Andy’s education, industry work, and ongoing advocacy
đź“š Educational Foundation
Degree in Entrepreneurship
Southeast Community College — strategic skills to build and sustain a national nonprofit organization.
B.A. Human Relations
Doane University — specialization in Mental Health & Counseling, providing deep insight into the emotional toll of rare chronic disease.
🔬 Bridging Patients & Pharma
Andy serves as a critical liaison between pharmaceutical innovators developing rare-disease therapies and the specialized gastroenterologists and surgeons who treat SBS.
🌟 A Lifeline of Hope
Andrew Jablonski’s lifelong mission is simple yet profound: to improve the daily quality of life, care equity, and clinical outcomes for everyone affected by Short Bowel Syndrome. His lived experience, combined with professional acumen, continues to give a powerful voice to a community that spent years waiting to be heard.