Nancy Di Salvo
International Affairs Director
Nancy DiSalvo has been a tireless international volunteer for the GBS|CIDP community since 2013 and served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. As our Director of International Affairs, she has educated and supported countless patients and caregivers around the world with compassion, knowledge, and dedication.
Nancy was born in Palermo, Italy. When she was four years old, her family immigrated legally to the United States, settling in New Castle, Pennsylvania. She fondly recalls a happy and healthy childhood, playing baseball and kickball on the corner of Galbreath Avenue. At age thirteen, her family returned to Italy, beginning a new chapter in her life.
While navigating the early years of her working life, Nancy was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at age 20. After a slow but steady recovery, she was later diagnosed with CIDP in 2006. Her journey with chronic illness led her to the GBS|CIDP Foundation in 1997, where she found the support and comfort she needed. This connection soon evolved into action – Nancy became the Foundation’s International Liaison for Italy and later joined the Board of Directors.
Nancy’s bilingual background and American upbringing have been an asset throughout her professional life. She has worked as an interpreter for EU social fund programs and was employed by UPMC Italy for over 19 years. Her international experience and empathy make her a vital advocate for patients, volunteers, clinicians, and policy makers across the globe.
Outside of her work, Nancy enjoys tending to her plants on her terrace, playing guitar and cooking. She is also deeply involved in her local church and is a member of the Franciscan Third Order.
“Meeting and traveling around the world, connecting with patients, caregivers, and specialists- what GBS and CIDP had taken from me, the Foundation has given back in countless ways. I often wish I could go back and tell my 20-year-old self that everything would turn out just fine.” – Nancy
Spotlight
