I’m Supporting Gastroparesis Research…And You Can, Too
On March 7, I’ll be traveling to Washington D.C. for a two-day Public Policy Forum hosted by the Digestive Disease National Coalition. I’m joining a group of physicians and patients from G-PACT to educate those on Capitol Hill about the needs and concerns of the millions of Americans with gastroparesis.
Advocating for digestive diseases, and motility disorders in particular, is especially important this year, given the uncertain future of healthcare and Senator John McCain’s recent remarks regarding proposed funding for motility research at Cedars Sinai Hospital.
Even if you can’t make it to the Forum, you can still show your support by signing this petition, which G-PACT officers will present to Senator McCain’s staff, urging him to reconsider his position.
(Note: the donation page that comes up at the end of the petition is for a donation to the petition service NOT g-pact. You do not need to donate – your signature has already been recorded.)
Related Posts:
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
2 Responses to “I’m Supporting Gastroparesis Research…And You Can, Too”
Leave a Reply
[...] case you missed my initial post, I signed up to attend the 20th annual DDNC Public Policy Forum back in February. I really [...]
Happy Birthday, Crystal ! All GP’ers need to take a stand to end the suffering that is caused by Gastroparesis. We may not be able to get our old life back, but we must figure out how to live well with Gastroparesis. I just emailed a letter to California Senator Barbara Boxer and Congress person Anna Eshoo. I obtained a very nice form letter from the IFFGD’s Development coordinator, Dane Christiansen at dchristiansen@iffgd.org. I personalized it, and then went to Boxer’s and Eshoo’s websites and emailed each of them my letter. I would encourage everyone to contact their Senator and their Congress person before the Digestive Health Advocacy Day, in Washington, on June 14, 2011. I am not able to attend but I will be encouraging and supporting you, Crystal Saltrelli, CHC, and look forward to your report. If other GP’er want to use Dane’s form letter it is as follows:
[DATE]
The Honorable [First and Last name of the Senator/Congressperson]
[Washington, DC Office Address]
RE: Healthcare Issue
Dear Senator/Congressperson [Last Name]:
Thank you for your continued leadership on healthcare issues.
I write you today as a constituent and a patient who suffers with a Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder (FGID). I wanted to let you know that the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) has drafted a unique piece of legislation designed to improve public health outcomes for FGID patients, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional GI Disorder Research and Treatment Act. I hope you will consider supporting this legislation and ensuring its introduction by becoming an original cosponsor.
[Tell your story as an individual affected by a functional GI disorder.]
IFFGD is a nonprofit patient-driven organization dedicated to assisting individuals affected by FGIDs by providing education and support, and advancing critical research. Despite the prevalence and high direct and indirect costs associated with IBS and other FGIDs, little is currently known about underlying causes. Few effective treatments exist. Furthermore, the lack of clear guidelines for designing treatment protocols at the Food and Drug Administration has industry investing few resources in developing innovative therapies. The IBS and FGIDs Research and Treatment Act works to directly address these persistent issues.
Thank you again for your time and your consideration of my request. If you would like additional information on the IBS and FGID Research ansd Treatment Act, such as the other Members of Congress who are interested in taking a leadership role in this effort, please contact the IFFGD’s Development coordinator, Dane Christiansen at dchristiansen@iffgd.org. I have included my contact information below so that you may update me on any action you plan to take in regards to my request.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name]
[Address]
[Contact Information]