From the Desk of Joan Bishop, Executive Director (12/1/11)
As
we enter this holiday season, Oley staff has been reflecting on how fortunate we
are to be serving our members. Your confidence in the programs we provide
inspires us to strive to offer more. We thank each of you for supporting our
efforts to help others.
Your choice to respond favorably to our appeals for assistance, whether it was in the form of a request for information, a call to reach out to a fellow “lifeliner” and/or a decision to support Oley financially, was a meaningful choice that represents a powerful partnership…for the good of Oley. Your investment keeps us moving forward as a trusted source of information and support. Some of you were involved in getting Oley off the ground, and many of you have joined the long list of people whose energy and vision is the best assurance of Oley’s future.
With this year’s annual appeal under way, we can only hope for another wonderful response and a year filled with opportunities to expand our reach and keep you informed and connected.
Oley Updates
We’ve added seven new Regional Coordinator volunteers this year. Oley members who volunteer to serve as Regional Coordinators are experienced HPEN consumers and caregivers. Please reach out to them with your questions, and take advantage of their willingness to help.
We’re proud to introduce Mary Patnode as the new Oley Foundation President. Mary has thirty-one years of experience as a home parenteral nutrition consumer and has served for many years as an Oley Regional Coordinator. She has been on the board since 2008.
Rick Davis, who has guided the Oley Foundation Board of Trustees as President since 2006, has completed his term as President, and we are very grateful for his many contributions. We are pleased that he will continue to serve on the Board.
We are sorry to see Dr. Jane Balint’s term on the Board of Trustees come to an end. Dr. Balint has been a valued member of the Board for several years. We thank her for her many contributions.
Newly elected to the Board of Trustees, strengthening the backbone of Oley, are: Terry Edwards, HEN consumer, Darlene Kelly, MD, and Ann Michalek, MD. Please watch for more information about Board updates in the next issue of the Oley newsletter.
Sponsor Highlights
We are pleased to continue partnering with so many dedicated companies, and were especially heartened by several increased donations. Generous contributions from our corporate partners, and increased sponsorships of individual programs such as the conference, have strengthened Oley’s services and outreach. Please join us in thanking our corporate partners.
Oley as Advocate
Drug shortages remain front and center on the advocacy forefront. Writing to elected officials and adding “your” personal perspective is most effective. Share your stories with us, also. We applaud the folks at A.S.P.E.N. who have been working tirelessly on this issue. With YOUR stories, they’re bound to make progress!
The Transportation Security Authority (TSA) has also been receptive to your concerns and has made great strides in getting you through security. Hat’s off to everyone who helped! It’s not perfect, but we’re moving forward.
Best wishes for health and happiness in the New Year!
Joan Bishop