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A Message from the

                   Executive Director

Dear Friends,
 

Happy New Year! I hope this newsletter finds you all well and excited to welcome 2006. A lot has happened since our newsletter and there is so much more in store for this year.
 

As we grow as an organization, it becomes increasingly important to keep our finger on the pulse of all of our families. To help us better serve you, we have developed a comprehensive membership survey, to be mailed shortly, that we hope you all will take the time to complete and return to us.
 

As you all read in our year-end letter, CARES is focusing on research for 2006. One of the most promising developments is a new technique for Embryonic Stem Cell Research (click here). The implications for this research are astounding and likely hold the key to a cure for future generations.
 

Many of you are familiar with the controversy that surrounds this type of research and may have very strong feelings about it, but it is our hope that these new embryo-sparing methods for obtaining stem cells will help to alleviate ethical concerns. I hope you will read Dr. Breault’s article with an open mind and come to your own conclusion.

We all agree that research is a priority for our community and I’d like to extend a big “Thank You” to everyone who has given to this campaign to date. We so appreciate your enthusiasm to keep us thriving as the only US organization devoted entirely to this disorder. Your contribution is so important as we continue to support the most promising research while adding new programs and staff to fit your support and education needs.

While I am sad to say goodbye to Renata Blumberg who was such an integral part to our success in 2005 and the Indiana Family Conference, I am excited to welcome three new members to our team—Mariel Vargas, Cheryl Karch and Gretchen Alger Lin.

A graduate of Arizona State University, Mariel is leading our Hispanic outreach efforts— working on our Spanish website as well as printed materials for new families.

In September, we welcomed Cheryl Karch to assist with our development efforts. Cheryl has a comprehensive background in planning and development and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with her.

I’m also pleased to welcome Gretchen Alger Lin, who has a SWCAH child, to our staff. Gretchen brings 15 years of marketing, advertising and public relations experience to CARES. Expanding our staff is very important as we work to increase our outreach and provide important programs, such as our regional conferences, for all of you.
 

Our conferences are always the highlight of my year. I get to catch up with old friends and experience the energy of being with our members who all want to make the world a better place for those with CAH. Our 2005 CAH Family Conference was a huge success, and we are so thankful to Riley Hospital for Children and Clarian Health Partners for donating their beautiful conference space. We extend a special thanks to our Riley hosts: Dr. Rick Rink and Dr. Erica Eugster. Your support in the months and weeks leading up to the conference, your graciousness and patience helped to make it such a tremendous success, and we are so grateful. In fact, we thank all of our presenters and panelists for all of your hard work, time and travel to educate and support our membership. Every year, it seems like our conferences get better. Can’t wait ‘til next year!!!

Warm Regards,
Kelly

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