As CARES celebrates its 3^rd anniversary, I marvel at how far we have come in such a short time. Every day, I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of our members, by your willingness to help spread the word and to be active participants in our CAH community. Our phenomenal staff, Meryl Stone, Laurie Hitzig, Pam Knight and Robin Levan amaze me with their dedication to making CARES a successful organization and to serving the needs of our community. We have been blessed with terrific a Board of Trustees and Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, who give so much of their time and resources. In my wildest dreams 3 years ago, I could not have imagined that CARES would be where it is today.

Since CARES began, the number of states screening for CAH has doubled, due in large part to the advocacy efforts of members. Our recent victory in California illustrates the power of our grassroots message, "Save Our Babies". We set out to educate the California legislature and Governor about the benefits of newborn screening and succeeded. Now, over half a million more babies will be screened at birth for CAH and about 40 other life-threatening disorders in California. I cannot thank all of you enough. It seems everyone helped—whether you distributed Pink Postcards, wrote letters, made phone calls, visited legislators or just talked about the importance of comprehensive newborn screening to educate your friends. Now, only 10 states remain that don’t screen for CAH: Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana (limited pilot program only), Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia, along with the District of Columbia. We are expanding our efforts now to Canada and Puerto Rico. Over the summer, Idaho and Wyoming began screening for CAH as well.

We have been active participants in research for a better understanding of and better clinical treatments for CAH. Research into various aspects of CAH has expanded in recent years as a result of our encouragement and involvement. We have given funds for research and expect to raise more money as we grow. Perhaps some day, with your continued support, we can help to develop a cure for CAH.

When I visit with other CAH families, there is an instant connection. We share a common bond, a common experience. I began CARES quite selfishly—because I wanted to connect with others going through the same things with their kids and because I wanted to learn as much about CAH as I could. I have gotten so much out of CARES and am so gratified to see that others are benefiting as well. I get so excited about our conferences and support group get-togethers with the prospect of meeting so many of my new email/telephone friends and seeing familiar faces. Our upcoming conference on October 24^th, promises to be a phenomenal day. We have a great line-up of speakers and panels. I hope you will all try to come, learn and connect. We are trying, at this conference, to provide information for CAH, NCAH parents and adults—a tall order. So, please come!

Welcome to Pam Knight, formerly a Board member, who just joined our staff. You can learn more about Pam on page 9. We also welcome Laurie Ember from Los Angeles who just joined our Board. We are honored to have them working with us.

Board Member Jami Abell Patterson is planning a major fundraiser for CARES on March 10, 2005 in Los Angeles. Read more about this exciting event on page 16 and PLEASE offer to help! We really want to make this a success, but cannot do this without you.

Have a wonderful fall!