Board member since 2023

“The Foundation and all the resources available were a big help to me as I began to understand this disease and what was happening to me. Attending my first Patient Forum was transformative and empowering. I’m pleased to be able to participate in the further success and growth of the Foundation.”

Rich was diagnosed with FMF in 2017 following a decade of misdiagnoses. A biopsy finally revealed the cause behind the years of itching and various rashes. Having been a survivor of Hodgkin’s Disease, he knew to turn to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society for more information. There he was directed to the CL Foundation and the resources he needed. When encountering newly diagnosed patients on email lists and social media, many of whom are full of fear and questions, he immediately directs them to the Foundation. In this way he’s connected with similarly diagnosed patients across the country and around the world. 

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Susquehanna University, and a Master’s in Communications from Temple University. Today, Rich is partially retired from the business he founded in 1996, Tolsma Productions. The company focuses in on creating video programs for nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes, helping them communicate their mission, raise funds, recruit volunteers, and educate audiences. As a trained musician, Tolsma Productions also produces programs for musical organizations and other cultural institutions. He is a long time member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals where he has connected with and learned from development professionals in order that his company could better meet their needs. 

Rich looks forward to contributing his abilities in communications, fundraising, and education to the Foundation in whatever way may be needed.