The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF), founded in 1980, is the national non-profit patient organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of persons with primary immunodeficiency diseases through advocacy, education and research. Primary immunodeficiency diseases, or PI, affect children and adults who are born with an immune system thatÕs either absent or severely compromised, which leads to a greater risk of infections. In most cases, there is a pattern of chronic infections before PI is suspected, like ear, sinus and other infections as well as more severe illnesses like pneumonia. The World Health Organization recognizes more than 240 types of PIÑsome are relatively common and others are quite rare. While there are approximately 250,000 people diagnosed with PI in the United States, thousands more go undetected. Because PI can lead to serious and debilitating diseases, itÕs critical to get an early diagnosis and proper medical care. Individuals with PI often find it difficult to receive specialized healthcare, proper diagnosis and treatment. They also experience difficulties financing their healthcare, finding educational materials on the disease and locating others with whom to share their experiences. IDF helps individuals overcome difficulties and live healthy and productive lives. The constant presence of IDF assures patients, their families and their medical caretakers that there is a place to turn for help.