Bicuspid Aortic Foundation September Awareness Month 2006

Our Families, Our Friends

TAAD is not a familiar term, but it should be. It has the potential to touch many of us. Through its September awareness campaign, the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's goal is to help everyone learn about TAAD. It may affect your family, or someone you know well - your neighbors, your friends. Knowing the risk factors, how it is detected, and how it is treated can save lives.

Our Families

Terry Lopez (left) with her daughter, Jen

TAAD may threaten the lives of more than one member of the same family. It is important to know about any sudden deaths in a family that appeared to be "heart-related", to learn about the conditions associated with TAAD that are inherited, and to share that information with family members. This year the Foundation is highlighting one family's experience with TAAD, sometimes also called familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Syndrome, through the experience of Board of Director's Member Terry Lopez during September Awareness 2006. Through Terry's efforts, the State of Hawaii has proclaimed TAAD Awareness Month in September 2006. (see Proclamation section below).
Click here to read the Lopez family story.

Our Friends

Brian Cleary (left) and Richard Houchin

One large identifiable group that is vulnerable to TAAD are those with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease, which is estimated to occur in up to 2% of the population. Whether at work or in your community, two out of every 100 people, more commonly males, may be affected. As part of September awareness this year, two men who knew each other for many years tell what happened to them. Click here to read Brian Cleary's story. Click here to read Richard Houchin's story.

Commendations and Proclamations

The City of Laguna Niguel, California has proclaimed September 2006 as TAAD Awareness Month. Click here to read the Proclamation.

The City of Lodi, California has proclaimed September 2006 as TAAD Awareness Month. Click here to read about it.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has written a letter of commendation to the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation in observance of TAAD Awareness 2006. On behalf of all Californians, Governor Schwarzenegger extended his gratitude and best wishes.

Celina, Ohio and Mercer County, Ohio have proclaimed September 2006 as TAAD Awareness Month. Click here to read about it.

The State of Hawaii, home of Terry and Jen Lopez, has proclaimed September 2006 as Awareness month.

September 2006 Events

Tour of Edwards Lifesciences, September 14, 2006
(Back, left to right) Dr. Sharo Raissi, Jim Velebir, Chris Svensson, Jim Kirby of Edwards Lifesciences, John Johnston, Dianna Rose
(Front, left to right) Arlys Velebir, Carrie Mettler, BJ Sanders

On September 14th, Edwards Lifesciences hosted a tour of their Irvine, CA head- quarters for Foundation Board members and supporters. Among tour participants were several whose bicuspid aortic valve has been replaced with a bovine pericardial valve made at this facility. Click here to view scenes from our tour of the Edwards' Heart Valve Museum.

On September 16th the Foundation sponsored an "Our Families, Our Friends" meeting in southern California. Dr. Sharo Raissi and Dr. Wouter Schievink spoke to the group, and the Board of Directors were all present along with several of those whose stories appear in "Memories and Hope". Click here to view pictures from the event.

On September 21st and 22nd, the Doug Grieshop Memorial Garage Sale was held in Celina, Ohio. Sale proceeds are being donated to the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation. Click here to read about the event.

Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS) Awareness Alert

Acute Aortic Syndrome is pain caused by the aorta. It may be a life threatening situation for those with TAAD. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation has issued an Awareness Alert Poster for paramedics, who often may be the first ones to encounter someone with AAS.

Pictured below is Carrie Mettler presenting an AAS Awareness Alert poster to the Foster City, California, Fire Department, where she once was a volunteer firefighter.

Captain Al Piacente, Foster City Fire Department, and Carrie Mettler
with AAS Awareness Alert Poster

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

Fax: (949) 606-0413

Email: contactus@bicuspidfoundation.com

Disclaimer

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