About the Oley Foundation

The Oley Foundation has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals and families who manage intravenous or tube feeding in their homes. Independent, NIH-funded research has proven the effectiveness of Oley's programs in lowering the incidence of catheter-related sepsis, reducing reactive depression, and significantly improving their quality of life. [Home Parenteral Nutrition: Does Affiliation with a National Support and Education Organization Affect Outcomes? Smith, et. al., JPEN 2002;26(3): 159-163.]

“The information and support I have received from Oley is so helpful.... It has definitely made my life easier, helped me be healthier, and to avoid complications!”
–Tess H., homePN consumer 

“It is the ‘connections’ with those in the trenches that makes Oley such a wonderful support, and different from many organizations.”
–Sue K., parent of a homePEN consumer

"Oley saved my son's life!"
–Linda M., parent of a homePN consumer 

Mission

Founded in 1983 by Lyn Howard, MD and her patient, Clarence "Oley" Oldenburg, the Oley Foundation is a national, independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that enriches the lives of patients dependent on home intravenous (parenteral ) and tube feeding (enteral ) through education, outreach, and networking. The Foundation also serves as a resource for consumer's families, clinicians and industry representatives, and other interested parties. Programs are directed by the staff and guidance is provided by a board of dedicated professionals and patients.

Click here for a copy of the Oley Foundation's bylaws or most recent IRS 990 form and annual report.

Oley Programs:

• LifelineLetter: a bi-monthly newsletter with articles about medical advances and personal experiences, written for consumers,

• Regional Coordinator Network: a national grassroots network of 60+ volunteers — all consumers or caregivers — who run support groups and provide outreach and education at the local level

• National and Regional Conferences: opportunities for consumers, clinicians, providers and industry representatives to share support and information

• Information Clearinghouse: a resource designed to answer questions about through a toll-free hotline,Web site, online education program, video/dvd library and links to other organizations.  

• Consumer Networking: online chat forum  and toll-free calls to experienced consumers and caregivers

• Equipment/Supply Exchange: a program that provides patients with free supplies and equipment donated by members who no longer need them.

Don’t miss our other popular web pages that provide tips for traveling, swimming and tube feeding; advice on diet and hydration; opportunities to participate in research; and helpful printed materials (for a complete list see the “Resources” drop-down menu).

If you would like to receive the newsletter and other timely updates from Oley, join today!  It’s free of charge for patients and their families. It's also free for clinicians and industry members who choose to receive the newsletter via email.

Start-up funds for the Oley Foundation were provided by the Oldenburg family. Ongoing support comes from homePEN families, friends, clinicians and corporations.

Support Oley Programs

For more information on how you can support Oley programs, click on the following links or contact Joan Bishop or Roslyn Dahl at (800) 776-OLEY, bishopj@mail.amc.edu, dahlr@mail.amc.edu:

• tell others about Oley
• become a corporate partner
• advertise in the LifelineLetter
• designate Oley as Your United Way Charity
• make an online donation
• make a planned gift/bequest
• give through on-line shopping.
• raise money while searching the web

Contributions are always needed to continue the Foundation's work.

The Oley Foundation does not accept advertisements on its web site.