[Peter]

in reply to: 2011 Patient & Family Conference will be in Boston #1063411

Hi Everyone,

The Graves’ Disease Foundation is exploring Boston for the 2011 Patient & Family meeting either end of October or early November.

Please make note if case you’re interested in coming.

The San Diego meeting got great reviews for the attendees.

If you have questions, please send me a note.

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: Fundraiser in Pittsburgh, PA yesterday #1065488

Special thanks to Danielle for organizing a very successful Bowl-thon.

The Graves’ Disease Foundation will receive more than $2000 for patient services. Danielle’s sister has Graves’ disease. She is planning to make this an annual event. If you would like to help with this or maybe learn how to do a fundraiser in your community, call or write the Graves’ Foundation.

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: Watch Illinois Support Group mtg tonight at 6:30 CST #1065644

REMINDER TO WATCH A LIVE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING PRESENTATION ON GRAVES’ DISEASE by Endocrinologist Dr. Wael Girgis tonight from Belleville, IL at 6:30 PM – Central Standard Time.

[Peter]

in reply to: 2010 PATIENT CONFERENCE held in San Diego #1066018

There is still time to get a discount for the 2010 Patient & Family Conference to be held at the Bahia Hotel in San Diego, CA starting Friday Oct. 22-24. After September 25 both registration and hotel rates will be increasing.

The Bahia offers economical and casual accomodations right on the beach. Conference rates will be $99 @ night or for a larger room – $119. Our room block will be limited at these discounted prices so early registration will be important. It’s first come availability and once they are gone – the rates will go back up to seasonal prices.

Conference registration is $175 for meals and handouts. Past attendees have given our speakers – specialists and researchers very high reviews for their discussions on treating Graves’ and other thyroid-related diseases. If you would like to register now go to the http://www.NGDF.org Home page and click on the Conference or you call the National Office 877.643-3123!

Here is a link to the Bahia hotel: http://www.bahiahotel.com/

Join us for a educational and supportive meeting for all!

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: definative tests for Graves’ ? #1067610

HI Susan,

Nancy & Jake George’s book is "Graves’ Disease In Our Own Words." You may want to check with Amazon.com or go to the Graves’ Foundation’s website and click on Find a Support Group at the bottom of that page you’ll see contact info for Jake George.

Suggest you contact him for more details.

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: Host Families for Out of State Conference attendees #1067819

Hi Lynda,

I did speak to her, she is unable to come this year. Thank you again for your offer – it is deeply appreciated.

During the next several days, should anyone else contact the National Office, I will call you to discuss your gracious offer.

Should anyone have an interest in coming next weekend, please call me at 877.643.3123.

Regards,

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: Debating Upcoming Conference… #1067888

I would be happy to discuss the October National meeting with you (and others). It definitely is helpful for learning more about Graves’ plus you’ll talk directly with world-renowned medical experts; plus many patients. Check out the topics at our home page: http://www.NGDF.org. Registration includes meals.

Give me a call at the National Office – 877.643-3123. You can also send an email to: Gravesdiseasefd@gmail.com.

[Peter]

in reply to: Depressed 13 year old #1068593

HI Carla,

The Graves’ Foundation has "advocates" or volunteers who are available to offer help in specific areas.

I suggest you send an email to Michelle – she has a teenager and has alot of knowledge on the struggles you’re going thru.

Here’s her email: michelle.moraczewski@norfolk.gov

Let me know if we can help further.

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: Hi, everyone! I’m the new facilitator. #1069064

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and dedicated volunteers we welcome Ellen to the Graves’ Disease Foundation.

I’m working closely with Ellen and she demonstrates her knowledge, patient rapport and enthusiasm every day.

Don’t hesitate to contact Ellen thru our website, BB, or national Office. She’s here to HELP!

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: graves and drug abuse #1069029

HI Chesney,

The Board allows you to say what you feel. You’ll find so many members who can encourage you, support you, and help you.

No matter what happened in the past, you can overcome that. Now that you know Graves’ disease was a factor in some of your decisions – look at the positives and take it one step at a time. I am sure your family, friends and even us long distance will support you to rebuild your confidence.

Are you seeing anyone whether its a medical professional or counselor to overcome your addictions?

WE CARE!

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: UGH, ROUGH DAY AT THE OFFICE…. #1069024

Dear Krystal,

I can feel your frustration. I hope tomorrow will be better. You need to remain strong and keep up your spirits!

Let us know how you feel tomorrow. We care about you!

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: Is the archive search engine working? #1069771

Unfortunately, the archive search feature is not working. When we transitioned our Bulletin Board to a new server, not all the capabilities were available. We are attempting to see if it can be activated.

If you have a specific question or topic please post it on the main BB and we’ll research it to give you an answer or call from the National Office to discuss.

Thanks for your understanding,

Peter

[Peter]

in reply to: Unemployed, no insurance – meds running low… #1069492

Below is information from Abbott Labs the makers of Synthroid. They have a patient assistance program to help patients that meet their criteria. I would also suggest you contact your doctor – who may also be able to provide some assistance.

Abbott Patient Assistance Programs
Following is a summary of our patient assistance programs in the United States. For more information on these programs and for details on our global initiatives, see Abbott’s Access Programs Summary.

The Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation
The mission of the Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation is to enhance patient lives by providing Abbott products to individuals facing financial difficulties who cannot access needed treatment through meaningful coverage.

Expanding Access to Abbott Medicines
The Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation,programs offered and supported by Abbott, provide access to Abbott medications, at no cost to patients in financial need. In 2008, more than 155,000 patients were assisted with free Abbott medicines, valued at over $255 million. (Value is estimated based on the Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) of products distributed through these programs in 2008. WAC $ values reported per the Abbott PPD Price Catalog and does not include prompt pay discounts or other discounts, rebates or reductions in price. The actual price paid by wholesalers and retail price paid by consumers at a pharmacy may vary.)

Eligibility for Most Medications
Financial eligibility is based upon current Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) adjusted for household size. If a patient’s medication cost is reimbursed by a private or public insurance program (including Medicaid and Medicare Part D plans), the patient will not routinely be accepted into the program. However, The Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation recognizes that extenuating circumstances may exist and encourages any patient to request special consideration if, despite existing prescription insurance coverage, he or she cannot pay for needed medication. All such requests will be considered or reconsidered on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility for the Abbott Virology Patient Assistance Program
Due to the life-threatening nature of HIV infection, the complexity of overall care, and the critical need for continuity of antiretroviral therapy, the Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation, Virology PAP was designed with several unique attributes. These provisions ensure that patients impacted by HIV have access to Abbott’s two protease inhibitors. Eligibility criteria vary by medication.

For more information about this program, call (800) 222-6885 or visit http://www.abbottpatientassistancefoundation.org

Hope this helps!

[Peter]

in reply to: GDF Conference Info #1072230

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the Graves’ Disease Foundation Conference — starting Friday Oct. 16 at 9:00 AM (you may want to arrive Thurs if you are staying at the hotel) till Sunday Oct. 18, 2009.

SIGN-UP NOW & SAVE! To register for the "EARLY BIRD" Special go to Conference at the Graves’ Disease Foundation Website — http://www.NGDF.org and you will also be able to make your hotel reservations directly online also. The agenda, topics, speakers are available.

Here is a brief overview of the Conference:

The Graves’ Disease Foundation will hold its 2009 national Patient & Family Conference on October 16-18 at the Ballantyne Luxury Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. The meeting is open to all patients and families members with Graves’ disease or other thyroid gland disorders.

The leading cause of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease represents a basic defect in the immune system, causing production of immunoglobulins (antibodies), which stimulate and attack the thyroid gland, causing growth of the gland and overproduction of thyroid hormone. Similar antibodies may also attack the tissues in the eye muscles and in the pretibial skin (the skin on the front of the lower leg). Graves’ Disease affects two out of every 100 women but less common in men.

The Conference will focus on Graves’ disease symptoms & treatment, hypothyroidism & hyperthyroidism, thyroid-related eye conditions; and an update on the latest Graves’ disease research. Also workshops on the emotional and psychological impact of Graves’ disease. You’ll meet other patients coping with Graves’ and thyroid-related illnesses.

GDF has a special discount Conference hotel room rate of $150 (a significant discount from the hotel’s regular rates)! Space is limited. Questions, send a note to Gravesdiseasefd@gmail.com.

Peter Filocamo, President
Graves’ Disease Foundatioin
Toll-free 877.643-3123

[Peter]

in reply to: GDF Conference Info #1072227

Here’s an update on the Graves’ Disease Foundation Conference — starting Friday Oct. 16 at 9:00 AM (you may want to arrive Thurs if you are staying at the hotel) till Sunday Oct. 18, 2009.

Arrangements are being made to register for the Conference at the Graves’ Disease Foundation Website — http://www.NGDF.org and you will also be able to make your hotel reservations directly online also. In the meantime, you can send an email to the GDF stating that you are planning to attend. The agenda, topics, speakers, and "early bird registration" will be sent to you shortly.

Here is a brief overview of the Conference:

The Graves’ Disease Foundation will hold its 2009 national Patient & Family Conference on October 16-18 at the Ballantyne Luxury Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Click here to see the hotel information: http://www.theballantynehotel.com.

The meeting is open to all patients and families members with Graves’ disease or other thyroid gland disorders.

The leading cause of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease represents a basic defect in the immune system, causing production of immunoglobulins (antibodies), which stimulate and attack the thyroid gland, causing growth of the gland and overproduction of thyroid hormone. Similar antibodies may also attack the tissues in the eye muscles and in the pretibial skin (the skin on the front of the lower leg). Graves’ Disease affects two out of every 100 women but less common in men.

The Conference will focus on Graves’ disease symptoms & treatment, hypothyroidism & hyperthyroidism, thyroid-related eye conditions; and an update on the latest Graves’ disease research. Also workshops on the emotional and psychological impact of Graves’ disease. You’ll meet other patients coping with Graves’ and thyroid-related illnesses.

GDF has a special discount Conference hotel room rate of $150 (a significant discount from the hotel’s regular rates)! In order to get all the details coming soon, send an email to Gravesdiseasefd@gmail.com.

Peter Filocamo, President
Graves’ Disease Foundatioin
Toll-free 877.643-3123

[Author]

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