02/01/2010

Olauson receives royal medal in Sweden

Anders Olauson, President of the European Patients’ Forum was awarded with H.M. The King's Medal at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. This prestigious award was presented to Anders for his distinguished commitment in the field of patients rights and his tremendous support for families with young patients in Sweden . The King’s Medal is the second highest award that can be received by a Swedish citizen.

Anders Olauson, President of the European Patients’ Forum

Anders founded the Ågrenska Centre in Gothenburg over 20 years ago, and was a pioneer in empowering children, teenagers and adults with rare diseases and disabilities by providing unique programs to support them and their families. The values and spirit of the work of the Centre is also reflected in EPF’s development as an organisation and in December EPF held a major conference in Agrenska on patient involvement under the patronage of the EU Swedish Presidency.

Anders also started Eesti Ågrenska, an Estonian counterpart to the Swedish Ågrenska. He is a board member of EURORDIS, an umbrella representative organisation focusing on rare diseases and also sits on the Social Welfare Board Advisory Council, Board of Directors for Disability Research in western Sweden, and the reference group for Parents Empowerment.

Upon acceptance of his award, Anders said “it is with tremendous honour that I accept this award. This medal symbolizes my true commitment to the field of disability and patients”.