Theme for September 2007: "Creating a Climate of Hope" Chuck and Cheri Sheridan know about the importance of hope. In writing about their experience, Cheri recalls a very low point, a time when they almost lost hope. Chuck had already gone through two surgeries on his aorta, the first one an emergency. Learning that he needed surgery yet again, it was understandably overwhelming for them both. But in continuing to search for information and help, they kept the door of hope open. They walked through that door, and because they refused to give up, they found the help they needed. Today, as Cheri has written, they "have their life back". And this is the message of TAAD Awareness 2007. We are surrounding those with TAAD with hope - hope that they too can triumph over aortic disease. 2nd Annual "Our Families, Our Friends" Conference September 14 - 15, 2007 Marina del Rey, California Do you have questions about BAVD and TAAD? Do you wonder what diagnostic tests should be done and how your family members can be screened? Ever feel alone and wish you could meet someone else who has been there? No matter where you are in your own experience with thoracic aortic disease or in supporting someone who has it, you are not alone. The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's second annual conference is being planned to provide information and support to help you. Conference sessions will be held at the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey. There is no charge to attend the sessions. Costs to attendees will consist of travel, food, and lodging. Following are links to the California Yacht Club location and suggestions for lodging in the area. Following the final session on Saturday, anyone who is interested may attend a dinner.
This is not an official conference event and is not sponsored by the Bicuspid
Aortic Foundation. Details are available for anyone interested in attenting.
If you would like more information or plan to attend please contact us as listed below, providing the names of all attending, and email and phone contact information. Space is limited so please contact us soon to make reservations. We hope you will join us! Southeastern Heart Center, part of the Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Lumberton, North Carolina, is hosting a series of activities through out the month of September to raise awareness of TAAD. One of those events is an educational seminar and dinner for medical professionals where Dr. G. Chad Hughes of Duke University Medical Center's Thoracic Aortic Surgery Program will speak. Pictured above are Amy Kessenich, Director of the Southeastern Heart Center, Dr. Terry Lowry, cardiothoracic surgeon, and BJ Sanders, Bicuspid Aortic Foundation Board Member. Stacey Grieshop and the Grieshop family will again host a fund raiser in memory of Douglas Grieshop, who lost his life suddenly due to aortic dissection associated with BAVD on September 20, 2004. Again this year, we encourage eveyone to contact their local and state officials regarding TAAD Awareness 2007. Commendations and proclamations greatly help raise the visibility of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in our communities. Please contact us for details about how to request a proclamation in your area. 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 - 2007, 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. |
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Creating a climate of hope |
BICUSPID AORTIC FOUNDATION |
is Awareness Month! |
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (TAAD) Awareness Month September 2007 Activities |
Come and join us in Southern California September 14 -15, 2007 ! |
Conference Sessions Friday, September 14th Please Note: Session Topics and Schedule Are Subject to Change 9:00 - 10:00 Registration 10:00 - 10:10 Welcome 10:10 - 10:30 September 2007 "Creating a Climate of Hope" Arlys Velebir 10:30 - 11:30 BAVD, Aortic Aneurysm, Aortic Dissection Richard Houchin, Michael Kirk, RN, Sharo Raissi, MD 11:30 - 12:00 Familial TAAD - What We Know, What We're Learning Jen Lopez, Terry Lopez, Sharo Raissi, MD 12:00 - 1:00 Lunch Break 1:00 - 1:40 The BAVD/TAAD Experience "Our Families, Our Friends" Panel 1:40 - 2:30 Thoracic Aortic Disease - the Surgeon's View Sharo Raissi, MD 2:30 - 3:00 Blood Pressure, Exercise, Life Style Carrie Mettler, BJ Sanders, Sharo Raissi, MD 3:00 - 3:30 Break - Mix and Mingle 3:30 - 5:00 "Birds of a Feather" Break Out Sessions: • Pre and Post Surgery Experiences • Survivors: Aortic Dissection and Other Emergencies • BAVD/TAAD and My Loved One: Support for Non-Patients • Maintaining Personal Medical Records |
Conference Sessions Saturday, September 15th Please Note: Session Topics and Schedule Subject to Change 10:00 - 10:30 BAVD and Heart Valves Sharo Raissi, MD 10:30 - 11:00 Prosthetic Valves and Valvular Strands Arlys Velebir, Sharo Raissi, MD 11:00 - 11:40 Brain Aneurysms Carrie Mettler, Wouter Schievink, MD 11:40 - 12:00 Audience Q& A Dr. Sharo Raissi, Dr. Wouter Schievink 12:00 - 1:00 Lunch Break 1:00 - 1:30 Acute Aortic Syndrome - Chest Pain and the Aorta Jennifer Simon, Sharo Raissi, MD 1:30 - 2:10 Ten Minutes That Could Save Your Life: 64 slice CT and other state-of-the-art imaging technologies Jen Lopez, Gerald Friede, MS, Sharo Raissi,MD, Rola Saouaf, MD 2:10 - 2:30 Break 2:30 - 3:00 Family Screening for BAVD and TAAD Dianna Rose, John Johnston, Gerald Friede, MS, Sharo Raissi, MD, Rola Saouaf, MD 3:00 - 3:20 Panel Discussion: Imaging and Family Screening Gerald Friede, MS, Sharo Raissi, MD, Rola Saouaf, MD 3:20 - 3:50 Advancements in Thoracic Aortic Surgery - Past, Present, Future Sharo Raissi, MD 3:50 - 4:00 Closing Remarks |
Stacey Grieshop with her children, Grant and Olivia. September 20, 2007 is the third
anniversary of Doug Grieshop's death. Doug had undiagnosed Bicuspid Aortic
Valve Disease and lost his life suddenly to aortic dissection. |
(l to r) Amy Kessenich, Director, Southeastern Heart Center, Terry S. Lowry, MD,
Cardiothoracic Surgeon, BJ Sanders, Bicuspid Aortic Foundation Board Member |