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. 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. 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. 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 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 Copyright © 2004 - 2006, Bicuspid Aortic Foundation. All Rights Reserved. The information on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website is provided for general informational purposes only. This information is not professional, legal, or medical advice. Any medications, products, or treatment mentioned are presented as information only and do not constitute any recommendation, approval, or endorsement. Any information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical care. You should contact a physician or other qualified medical professional for advice about all health-related conditions. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation, including its officers, directors, volunteers and any others acting on its behalf, individually and collectively, make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the contents of this website, including its accuracy, completeness, or reliability. Any links or references to other websites provided on the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation website are made available as a convenience only. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation has not reviewed all of the websites linked to this website and is not responsible for the content of these sites or your use of them. |
Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease |
All aortic aneurysm and dissection in the chest |
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. |
Creating a climate of hope |
BICUSPID AORTIC FOUNDATION |
is Awareness Month! |
September is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (TAAD) Awareness Month 2006 Theme: Our Families, Our Friends |


Proclamation of TAAD Awareness 2006 State of Hawaii |

