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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
