Share Your MDS Story

Hi, I’m Tom. I work at Colab Health, the team that builds and maintains MDS Exchange. While I’m not a patient myself, I’ve been part of the journey of this platform from very early on, and it’s something I care deeply about.

My background is in technology and design, and I’ve always believed that good software should make people feel more connected—not more overwhelmed. With MDS Exchange, we’ve tried to create a space that feels human: somewhere you can tell your story, ask questions without judgment, and find comfort in knowing that others genuinely understand what you’re going through.

One of the things that’s struck me most since working on this platform is just how powerful it is to read the personal stories of people affected by MDS—whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or someone supporting a loved one. These stories aren’t just emotional; they’re brave, practical, funny, generous, and often incredibly moving. They remind me that even though I’m not going through it myself, I can still play a small part in helping people feel seen and supported.

Outside of work, I live in the UK with my wife, our son, and our very determined sausage dog—who never misses an opportunity to beg for a bit of my sandwich at lunchtime. I'm someone who enjoys quiet routines, good coffee, and building things that (hopefully) make a difference.

If you ever run into anything on the site that isn’t working quite right, or if you have an idea for something that could make the platform more helpful, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I might be behind the scenes, but I’m always listening.