[Anonymous July 1, 1998 at 3:28 pm Post count: 93172]

#1050392

Morning Warriors,

I did this on word and copied it in to the post. Not sure how it will look on
the BB. So be prepared.

It seems about every six months or so that someone posts a question on the BB
about the NGDF and their lack of support to research. Casey’s e-mail this
morning made me think about that. Casey stated there are many groups out there
that perform different functions. They hit the nail on the head when they said
it appears we a support and educational organization we do encourage research but
do not have the funds to fund it. We do work with research organizations to
provide them information and work with them in finding people interested in being
part of a study. We have been parts of many studies over the years. Some of our
bulletins give the results of those studies.

Our Mission Statement says:

· To provide current medical information and referral and resource information to
those with Graves’ disease.
· To provide social and psychological support for those with Graves’ disease by
aiding in the development of locally based support groups, and providing a One-to-One
individual network.
· To provide information that incorporates a multi-disciplined approach to the
treatment of Graves’ disease.
· To provide public education through the distribution of literature, lectures
and presentations in the media and the community.
· To provide professional education through lectures and forums on the prevalence
and treatment of Graves’ disease.
· To publish a periodic newsletter to share information with the membership.
· To establish liaison relationships with the major schools, hospitals and research
institutions both nationally and internationally.

Our board of Advisor’s reads like a who’s who in the Thyroid world. Many of them are doing research in the fields of drugs for Graves (Dr. Betty Dong), the Psychiatry aspects of Graves (Dr. Arthur Prang) and research in testing antibodies and other research relating to autoimmune disease.

Our board of Directors and Advisors:

Directors & Medical Advisory Board
Nancy Hord Patterson, ARNP, PhD        Burnice Z. Brown, MD        Robert L. Bucher, MD
Executive Director         Reconstructive Surgery        Endocrinology
Brevard, North Carolina         Los Angeles, California        St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

                                
Allen S. Burris, MD        Betty J. Dong, Pharm.D        Thomas J. Flynn, MD                
Endocrinology         Pharmacy         Internal Medicine                
Richmond, Virginia        San Francisco, California        Green Cove Springs, Florida                

                                
Michael J. Glade, PhD        M. Carol Greenlee, MD        Clinton D. McCord, MD                
Pharmacy         Endocrinology         Reconstructive Surgery                
Chicago, Illinois        Allentown, Pennsylvania        Atlanta, Georgia                

                                
James A. Pittman, MD        Arthur J. Prange, Jr., MD        William Starkweather                
Endocrinology         Psychiatry         Biological Research                
Birmingham, Alabama        Chapel Hill, North Carolina        Gaithersburg, Maryland                

                                
Robert A. Stern, PhD        David R. Sutton, Jr., MD        Robert Volpe’, MD                
Neuropsychology         Endocrinology         Endocrinology                
Providence, Rhode Island Jacksonville, FL         Toronto, Canada                

                                
Harvey B. Walkov, MD        Jack R. Wall, MD        Robert R. Waller, MD                
Nuclear Medicine        Endocrinology         (Emertis) Ophthalmology                
Sacramento, California        Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Rochester, Minnesota                

I almost started to take offense to Casey’s comment about letting them know
about a reputable organization to donate funds to until I thought about it for
a moment. It really does make sense. Two years ago there was nothing on the
Internet about Graves disease. Now there are quite a few sites. Each is geared
towards a particular audience. One must be careful about where one sends money
or who you donate to. We provide Education and support. I have also included our
history here for you all to see.

History:

Established in 1990, the National Graves’ Disease Foundation is the only national,
lay, nonprofit, educational organization open exclusively to people with Graves’
disease, their families, friends and health care professionals.

The NGDF offers a multi-disciplinary approach to a complex problem. Representatives
of all related disciplines are included on the Medical and Advisory board: Endocrinology,
Surgery, Nursing, Opthalmology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Pharmacology,
Internal Medicine, Family Practice and Graves’ disease patients.

The National Graves’ Disease Foundation is dedicated to increasing the public awareness of
the disease and providing support and information to people with the illness.

All of this andMore is available from our web site by clicking on the Green thyroid on the
top of the page. We are there for you. Each and every one of you!! We may take some time
to answer e-mail because we are all volunteers. We do not have a paid staff like some other
organizations. We do not have a paid staff to go out and hit the Internet to add our Links
to every site that pops up. We devote our time to trying to help others and to educate. If
we have time left after working, school, kids, family, answering posts, e-mail etc. then we
surf the net to add our site to others out there.

We do this for free. Only twice have I asked people on the BB to join the NGDF. If you join
great it will help. If you don’t we still support everyone no questions asked. I run the BB
for the NGDF and have no clue nor do I care how many are members. I also run the local support
group here in Melbourne FL. I also do not know who in my group is a member of the NGDF nor do
I care if they are members. We are there to provide support and education.

I know this was long but felt it had to be said. We need to be reminded once in awhile that we
do this for you at no cost to you unless you choose to join the NGDF.

Jake George
On-line Facilitator
National Graves Disease Foundation

[Anonymous July 2, 1998 at 9:08 pm Post count: 93172]

#1149162

That was very informative, but, is there a cure? Many people who take supplements still experience many hyper or hypo thyroid symptoms. Is there any way to return to normal, enjoy optimal health, well being, and vigor? You may email me at home. Thanks, avak

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