Meet Suzanne & Leo
Since 1997, Suzanne and Leo have built a life together, marrying in 2002 and embracing an active lifestyle of surfing, skiing, mountain biking and hiking.
However, in 2007, Leo began facing physical challenges. This culminated in a 2012 diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an incurable disease that has progressed, causing his disability.
Leo lives with the burden of permanent nerve damage, constant pain and increasing mobility limitations. As they anticipate the need for a wheelchair, Suzanne is driven to find a mobility solution that will allow him to maintain his independence and dignity.
Leo isn’t alone.
Approximately 8.1 million adults in the U.S. alone experience difficulty walking.
Globally, One Billion people (15% of the population) live with some form of disability, many requiring mobility aids.
The global population aged 60 and older is expected to double from 1 billion in 2020 to 2 billion by 2050. This demographic shift significantly increases demand for mobility aids.
Suzanne Akullian
Founder, Project Ironman
Suzanne’s professional journey in project management includes corporate events and customer engagement, film and live event production such as the Eco Challenge and World Cup Ski races, as well as extensive non-profit experience.
Currently, Suzanne is involved with Octane OC, a non-profit incubator helping to launch med tech startups in Southern California, aligning her with industry leaders, innovators and investors.
From 2013 - 2025 Suzanne brought her expertise to Edwards Lifesciences, the Med Tech leader in TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valve Replacement) playing a vital role in the launch of a lifesaving therapy and new product development.
Driven by Leo’s life altering illness, Suzanne is committed to creating an innovative solution to transform the lives of up to 1 billion people worldwide struggling with limited mobility.
Interested in Suzanne’s background? See her portfolio linked below.
Join us in making a difference for up to 1 billion people worldwide.
