Phil Fortier is an international volunteer activist dedicated to improving the lives of all people affected by multiple system atrophy (MSA). His work was inspired by his brother Joe, whom he lost to MSA in 2013.

He also lost his mother to Alzheimer’s disease.
Since 2014, Phil has helped establish ten MSA charities worldwide and is the primary founder of Defeat MSA USA, Defeat MSA/Vaincre AMS Canada, Move for MSA, Hope MSA, and Defeat MSA New Zealand Trust. He currently serves as a director-at-large of National MSA Research Australia, having previously served as an early advisor. His work connects patients, families, researchers, and clinicians to advance MSA research, strengthen community support, expand medical education, and raise awareness worldwide.

Under his direction, MSA United Research Consortium has funded more than $1 million USD in research—a significant achievement for a young organisation.
Phil holds a graduate degree in philosophy and theology. He has taught for many years across philosophy, comparative religions, interdisciplinary studies, and other humanities courses. He currently teaches philosophy at all levels and ethics at Macomb Community College. His previous teaching appointments include the University of Detroit Mercy, Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and several other educational institutions.