Wednesday, November 28, 2007

December 1st is World AIDS Day



AIDS is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world, this scurge on humanity will only be contained and cured with the concerted efforts of medical researchers around the world.

For more information:
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
unaids@unaids.org
www.unaids.org/en/default.asp

Friday, November 23, 2007

Iraq and Afghanistan War Casualties 66% Higher than Previously Reported.


The Healing Project has observed the poor treatment of our wounded warriors since our inception. Greg Zoroya in USA Today reports 20,000 Vets' Brain Injuries Not Listed in Pentagon Tally. In our view, this casualty count is the tip of the iceberg. So-called soft injuries including combat-traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, Depression, Suicide and Severe-Mental Illness have been ignored since the beginning of these conflicts.

While much attention has been focused on the gallant and extraordinary efforts of our field surgeons, medivac teams and medics that have driven survival rates to unprecedented levels; little attention has been paid to the bulk of the injuries in these conflicts. These injuries and illnesses are real. The research community has been perplexed for years (2003 forward) at the lack of preparation to deal with these ailments.

It is time to call on your Senators and Representatives and demand an explanation of how these injuries went undiagnosed and untreated for five years. If your Representative serves on the House Armed Services Committee or House Veterans Affairs Committee or your Senator serves on the Senate Armed Services or Veterans Affairs Committee, it is especially important to make your voice heard. These committees drive the legislation and control the budgets for the Department of Defense and the Veterans the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is time for accountability. $600MM was set aside in the June Supplemental Budget for the screening and treatment of PTSD and TBI. It would be useful to know how this money was spent, who spent it, and what are the results? If it has not been spent, why has it not been spent? It is no longer sufficient to believe that an increase in funding will result in any benefit of our warriors. The same people who understated the number of casualties are still in charge of the programs and there budgets intended to screen and treat the wounded; this is rewarding delay and inaction. This is not tolerable.

The Healing Project advocates the immediate mobilization of the civilian healthcare sector to relieve the backlog of wounded veterans. Our research hospitals and teaching hospitals have the diverse range of facilities and personnel to quickly triage and treat the bulk of these cases. Further, the latest systems and technologies should be employed to rapidly screen and identify these injuries. Finally, a request for volunteers (paid) should be publicly made to individual practitioners with appropriate training across the country, especially in mental health, to relieve the stress of the military and veterans medical system. Many, if not most, civilian medical personnel, are more than willing to serve their country and help those who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving from The Healing Project




The Healing Project wishes that everyone in our US community has wonderful holiday.

Given this is a celebration on America's bounty, please take a moment to reflect on those that are less fortunate and make a donation to extend our reach to those that have unmet medical needs.

Again have a happy, healthy and enjoyable holiday.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Healing Project Wishes to Thank All the Participants in Making the Autumn Children's Programs a Sucess


The Healing Project's Autumn Children’s Programs were made possible through the generous sponsorship of Ms. Jennifer Fox and Ms. Roberta Comrie. Ms. Fox, pictured left, is Managing Director, Healthcare Investment Banking for Deutsche Bank, and Ms. Comrie is private investor and fine artist residing in Leesburg, Virginia. Both women are native New Yorkers who have long histories of supporting charities that enhance the health, education and well-being of children. Jennifer currently sits on the Board of Directors of The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation; and Roberta is the past President and Member of the Board of Directors of the Loudoun Academy of the Arts Foundation.





THP would also like to acknowledge the support of Edward M. Stroz, founder and co-President of Stroz Friedberg LLC, for providing the tutoring material.





We are also indebted to Ann W. Marr, PhD, The Head of the Lower School of Convent of Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT; and Phil Yee co-founder and Technical Director of PanMedix. Ann and Phil were kind enough to volunteer and assist the children in producing their first two books The Golden Ruby Plums and The Special Box.

THP is gratified to have benefited from the sponsorship and support of such a distinguished group of donors, volunteers and professionals.

Finally, none of the children’s programs would be possible without the dynamic leadership and dedication of program manager, Adele Lonas (Adele pictured with, Ana, one of her students).
Photo by Betty Pamais
Due to the success of the programs, demand far outstrips our capacity. If you would like to sponsor a class and join our team, contact Melissa Marr at The Healing Project. Also, one can make donations online to The Healing Project through a Network for Good.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

November 15th is the Great American Smokeout


It is time to pack it in. The American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke Out is an event to help you kick the habit.

The damage done by smoking is well-established. Stopping smoking is great step to improving one's health and extending one's life span.

Accept the Great American Smokeout Challenge

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.

For more information:
Great American Smokeout
American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
(800) ACS-2345
www.cancer.org

Monday, November 12, 2007

National Hospice/Palliative Care Month



The Healing Project wants to alert its community that November is National Hospice/Palliative Care Month. Hospices and Palliative Care are often the most humane means of caring for a loved one at the end-of-life.

The theme for National Hospice/Palliative Care Month 2007, It Must Be Love, reminds us that hospice and palliative care is about more than traditional healthcare. It's hope and more -- it's providing solutions for difficult times when hope is in question, it's being close in a time of fear, it's a friend with time to share, it's laughter in the midst of tears, it's dignity, it's humanity, it's what we do. It must be love.



National Hospice/Palliative Care Month is a special time of awareness and outreach when hospices across the country reach out to raise awareness about important care issues for people coping with life-limiting illness.

National Hospice/Palliative Care Month
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
1700 Diagonal Road, Suite 625
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 837-1500 or (703) 837-3139
(703) 837-1233 Fax
jradulovic@nhpco.org
http:// www.nhpco.org/

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Monday is Veterans Day Please Show Your Support for those who have Sacrificed so much on our Nation’s Behalf.


The Healing Project hopes that everyone in our community demonstrates their support for those who defend or defended our nation. If one spends time with active duty service members or veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars; you will find intelligent, patriotic men and women of integrity who have served for years in far off lands. In return, these men and women have returned to substandard medical care, denial of benefits and a lack of employment opportunities. Whether you are for or against these wars, one must be for the warrior.

It is time to send a message to both the President and Congress and let them know that our veterans are not political pawns and should be treated in a manner consistent with their service. The Veterans Administration budget should be passed immediately with the full funding recommended by Congress. The Congress should stop tying non-related domestic spending to the VA’s budget.

Finally, reach out to the veterans of these wars. As Bob Woodruff, the ABC News Anchor wounded in Iraq, recently stated, “When he was a boy in Michigan, hr remembers people in his neighborhood were going off to Vietnam and returning from it. Many people today know no one who is going to war or who has returned from it.” These are wonderful young men and women. If you meet those who have served, especially those who have been wounded, you will be pleased to see them present themselves with a grace, elan' and honor that defines the best of what America can be. Many of these vets have been terribly damaged physically and mentally, but they stand steady, don't complain and ask for nothing. It is time not only deliver what is promised to them but also give them what they deserve. If you’re a citizen, remember to say thank you, call your congressional representative and show your support at local Veterans Day event. If you are an employer, give these men and women and opportunity. As Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq Veteran and Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, is found of saying, “these are people who have guaranteed their work with their lives. They will not disappoint you."

November is American Diabetes Month


Diabetes afflicts as many as 20 million Americans. The Healing Project wants everyone in our community to recognize this disease is pushing a failing health care system over the edge.

For information about Diabetes and its related co-morbidities:

American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
(800) DIABETES (342-2383)
askada@diabetes.org
www.diabetes.org

Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Prevent Blindness America
211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
(800) 331-2020
(847) 843-8458 Fax
info@preventblindness.org
www.preventblindness.org

Foot Health Issues Related to Diabetes Awareness Month
American Podiatric Medical Association
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 581-9227
(301) 530-2752 Fax
elwendel@apma.org
www.apma.org

Monday, November 5, 2007

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month



The Healing Project wants to alert its community that November is National Pancreatic Cancer Month.

While we have made tremendous progress on many cancers, there is still much that needs to be done, particularly with regard to pancreatic cancer. While overall cancer death rates are decreasing, pancreatic cancer remains a leading killer. Currently, only 5% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year will reach the 5 year survival mark. PanCAN is dedicated to changing those statistics.

As with every chronic disease, we strongly emphasize that anyone who is capable of participating in a clinical trial do so. It is the only way to conquer this terrible disease. Please visit Clintrials.gov to view currently recruiting trials.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000
El Segundo, CA 90245
(877) 272-6226
(310) 725-0025
(310) 725-0029 Fax

Materials available
mailto:information@pancan.org

November is National Family Caregivers Month



The Healing Project wishes to celebrate the heroic efforts of the Caregivers in our community. November is National Caregivers Month.

Every November the President of the United States proclaims November to be National Family Caregivers Month (NFC Month). It is designated as a time every year to thank, support, educate and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country currently providing an estimated $306 billion in "free" caregiving services. Speak Up For Your Rights



This year NFC Month will focus on family caregivers speaking up for their rights. This is an opportunity to advocate for stronger public policy addressing family caregiving issues and raise awareness about community programs supporting family caregivers.



For more information about National Caregivers Month contact:

National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Caregivers Association
10400 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 500
Kensington, MD 20895-3944
(800) 896-3650
(301) 942-6430
(301) 942-2302 Fax
info@thefamilycaregiver.org
http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/