As I write this, it is Thanksgiving morning in California. Across the United States
today this holiday is observed in various ways with family and friends. Today,
I am picturing the many who have contacted us. In remembering the emails and
phone calls shared through this Foundation, I am thankful for the privilege
of reaching out to all who need us.
In reading the history of this
holiday, I found the Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln, who declared
Thanksgiving an official national holiday during the midst of the Civil War in
1863. I was struck by his words highlighting so many hopeful aspects of our country,
although torn at that time by such conflict. President Lincoln wrote
"…and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor,
is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom."
But he also mentions "…all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners
or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged….".
I found these thoughts very fitting today, as I think of the mission of the
Bicuspid Aortic Foundation. We have every reason to be hopeful as we look to the
future, but we also are aware that aortic disease in the chest continues to
result in "widows, .... mourners, or sufferers". We are in a very real
conflict with a formidable adversary.
Today as families and friends
gather, many of us are joyful because of state-of-the-art surgical and medical
advancements in the treatment of aortic disease in the chest. The reality is
present with us, either in ourselves or our loved ones. We know that the life
we treasure continues because skilled and caring physicians have not faltered
in their commitment to save lives from thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection
(TAAD). We can never adequately thank these brave pioneers. My husband would not
be with me today without them.
But today there are loved ones missing
from circles of family and friends. TAAD has taken them from us, often
in the prime of life. Through emails and phone calls, you have shared what has
happened to your loved one. And you are so concerned about others in your family
who may be vulnerable to TAAD. I am thinking especially of these families today….those
I have met, and those I do not know…. Today I remember you, and I grieve
for such tragic loss.
The reason for the existence of the Bicuspid
Aortic Foundation, expressed in its mission statement, is defined by the experience of individuals and families with aortic disease in
the chest. The Foundation exists because there is a great need for information
and advocacy for those affected by Bicuspid Aortic Disease and other forms of
TAAD.
The Foundation has achieved many of its initial goals,
including the launch of its web site and obtaining tax-exempt charitable status.
As we look to the future together, the Foundation welcomes your support in pursuing
its goals. Contributions in any amount can mean so much in saving
lives from TAAD. Please visit our Donation page for details about how you can help.
May you find hope and joy in all
that surrounds you this Thanksgiving Day, and throughout the remainder of 2005.
With
all best wishes,
Arlys Velebir
Chair, Board of Directors
Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
Contact Us
Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
30100 Town Center Drive, Suite O-299
Laguna
Niguel, CA 92677
Telephone
Toll free in the US
(888) 310-HOPE (4673)
or
(949) 495-0027
The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation recognizes the importance of maintaining the
privacy of individuals who use its web site.
In using the Bicuspid
Aortic Foundation web site, you are agreeing to the terms of this privacy policy.
If you do not wish to accept the terms of this privacy policy, please do not
access the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation web site.
All personal information
provided to the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation will be kept confidential within
the Foundation, and will not be disclosed to any third party without the permission
of the individual.
Email and messages sent through the web
site are not secure. Therefore, personal information you transmit to the Bicuspid
Aortic Foundation may be intercepted by others and is done at your own risk.
The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation may contact you regarding topics
of interest. If you do not wish to receive such communications, you may contact
the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation and indicate that you do not wish to receive
them. If at a later time you again wish to receive such information, you may
indicate that by contacting the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation.
The Bicuspid
Aortic Foundation makes no representation whatsoever regarding the privacy
policy of other web sites whose links are on the Bicuspid Foundation web site.
Your usage of other web sites is entirely at your own risk. You should carefully
read the privacy policies of all web sites that you visit.
Please
contact the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation regarding any questions you may have about
this policy.
For families and medical professionals,
by families and medical
professionals
Creating a climate of hope, an atmosphere of caring, and a source of information for
all who are touched by thoracic aortic disease and the medical professionals
who care for them.