As 2008 begins, the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is working on a number of plans.
Among them are the sessions for our Third Annual Conference, which will be held
in July . A great deal of important information was shared last year, and we are
looking forward with anticipation to this year's event. Please check the web
site often for additional information.
It is encouraging to see new
papers being published in the medical literature that indicate continued focus
on thoracic aortic disease. Some papers are now referring to bicuspid aortic valve
disease as a syndrome in recognition of a condition that goes beyond isolated
valve disease. Aortic disease in the chest continues to be a focus at various
professional meetings scheduled this year as well. The
88th Annual AATS meeting in San Diego, where there are several sessions on thoracic aortic disease
as well as cardiovascular imaging.
As I look at all of these important
papers and meeting presentations, I remember my desperate search for information
when we first learned about my husband's ascending aortic aneurysm. It
was seven years ago this month, in January 2001. The abstract of one paper, by
Dr. John Burks, gave an example of two young men with BAV - it was the first glimmer
of light I found, explaining why my husband had developed an aneurysm
in his chest. I will always be thankful for that paper.
Today I
am encouraged that much more has been published to help families with thoracic
aortic disease, but also very aware that many questions remain. Those who visit
the Medical References page will find links to several papers regarding BAVD and TAAD..
As 2008
unfolds, the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation will continue to increase awareness
and understanding of thoracic aortic disease through dissemination of accurate
information. We also are here to offer support and encouragement to all who are
affected by BAV and TAAD. Those of us who volunteer with this Foundation understand
BAVD and TAAD because it is present in ourselves and/or our loved ones.
We invite you to join with us and welcome your calls and emails.
In 2008, through accurate information and support,
we will continue to
help one another,
creating a climate of hope.
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.
