Our mission
Saving and enhancing lives, supporting microbiome research.
Life and the gut microbiome are intricately intertwined. A healthy gut manages inflammation, bolsters immunity and aids metabolism. A disordered gut can worsen chronic issues such as diabetes, IBD, and heart disease (and affect lifespan), cause severe, acute conditions like C. difficile and ulcerative colitis, and lead directly to life-threatening diseases. Our mission at ACT is to push the boundaries forward: saving and enhancing lives by supporting the advancement of microbiome research.
A new start with microbiota transplantation.
ACT supports the first stool donor program developed by the University of Minnesota that has provided over 65,000 treatments for C. difficile patients and clinical trials.
Multiple health conditions investigated.
ACT-supported research studies the microbiome across 20 health conditions, including liver disease and ulcerative colitis.
Our story
A dream denied gives rise to a hope for many.
Bringing a business approach to tackling a devastating disease.
Peter Westerhaus
Founder
Peter Westerhaus was destined to play football. A high school standout, he was recruited by the University of Minnesota in 2010, with expectations that he would go on to a career in the NFL. But in his freshman year, Peter was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a condition that became very serious, very suddenly. With his path to football blocked, Peter shifted his vision to defeating the disease that had changed his life. He transferred to the Carlson School of Management and established ACT, determined to bring a business mindset to curing intractable conditions like his own.
We are a non-profit organization with dual missions—raising funds for gut microbiota research and microbiota transplants, and also raising awareness of treatments for microbiota-related conditions to help individuals and support medical professionals.
A record of accomplishments
Making strides since 2015.
Promising developments from investments in microbiome research and therapy.
2015: ACT founded
Peter Westerhaus launches ACT following his own struggle with ulcerative colitis and experience with microbiota transplant therapy.
2015: Microbiota transplant therapies formulated
In partnership with the University of Minnesota, ACT supports the development and production of microbiota capsules approved for clinical trials.
2019: Treatment success achieved
ACT has supported the treatment of 600 patients suffering from recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections with a 98% success rate.
2022: Autism clinical trial grant award expands impact
ACT awards a grant to Arizona State University to support a clinical trial for patients with autism.
2023: New microbiota transplant therapy developed
ACT supports the development of a new microbiota transplant therapy in powder form for liquid suspension, approved for clinical trials.
2025: Support for clinical trials reaches new heights
On its 10th anniversary, ACT celebrates raising more than $3 million for microbiota transplant therapy production and research.
Leadership Team
Visionaries and healers.
Reflecting our status as both a fund-raising and advocacy resource in the health field, ACT has recruited a diverse team of leaders from philanthropy, business, and medicine.
Peter Westerhaus
Founder & President
Jon Westerhaus
Board Chairperson
Christie Lansdowne
Executive Director
Bob Conroy
Vice President
Greg Margarit
Treasurer
Aaron Bostrom
Board Member
Carolyn Graiziger
Board Member
Brendan Halleron
Board Member
Christian Johnson
Board Member
Al Bill
Advancement Consultant
