As our decision makers continue to discuss the most important issue concerning American citizens, healthcare reform, we can understand more in depth their individual concerns. Healthcare concerns us all.

This writer encourages you to view the Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform and learn more about what influences the current costs of healthcare and limited market choices for those suffering from pre-existing, chronic or terminal illnesses.

You can download the hearing for your portable device:
Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform Pt. 1
Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform Pt. 2
Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform Pt. 3
Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform Pt. 4
Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform Pt. 5 

As citizens, it is our duty to actively participate in this discussion by understanding the bill, discussing specifics with our decision makers and supporting the efforts of our Representatives as they embrace reform.

America can’t wait for universal and affordable coverage, the elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions, the elimination of annual and lifetime out-of-pocket caps and halt rescission of insurance policies.

To learn how you can get involved, visit The National Patient Advocate Foundation’s website or read their position papers.

In 2002, Keith Houston was diagnosed with a Grade 3 malignant brain tumor at age 36. After receiving treatment, he and his wife Julie took their first trip to Washington, DC to advocate with The North American Brain Tumor Coalition during Brain Tumor Action Week. Julie, a former postal employee began her campaign then for a semi-postal stamp for brain tumors. She began by contacting an internationally renowned artist, George Pocheptsov to design the stamp. George, who lost his father to a brain tumor when he was only a toddler, has donated his paintings to benefit charities over the years. Though George’s art is highly detailed and he may not be selected to design such a stamp, he is the Brain Tumor Awareness Organization Ambassador and supports the mission and programs through his paintings.

Since the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee had previously nominated for consideration a Silver Ribbon Stamp proposed by the Silver Ribbon Coalition, which represents all brain diseases, disorders and injuries, there was an opportunity for collaboration to bring both the brain tumor community and the Silver Ribbon Coalition together as one voice. The Breast Cancer Research Stamp had generated $52 million in 9 years and greatly increased research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and The Department of Defense (DOD). Julie approached members at each one of these institutes to learn how multiple research projects were benefiting various brain disorders, dysfunctions, diseases and injuries. Upon identifying the advances in these areas of research and the impact that traumatic brain injuries are having on our Veterans at war, she recognized that the numbers were significant to lobby The Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC)  and Congress for a semi-postal stamp, supported by all brain organizations.

A recent conference revealed that the success of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp was a direct result of the numbers of supporters, the organized campaign, the purchasing power and the increased awareness about the significant funding the stamp provided. It is recognized by the CSAC that to issue a stamp, it must be supported by such a grassroots effort.

Therefore, we are asking that you support the campaign for a semi-postal stamp to benefit brain research and invite anyone you know in support of this effort to sign a petition or send a letter to the CSAC.

Together, we can be heard.

My special thanks to all those individuals and organizations that provided their 800 signatures in 2004 and especially to the Silver Ribbon Coalition, who pioneered this effort early on. Thanks to their impact, this stamp can become a reality with all efforts coming together for one cause.

Click here to learn more and submit your letter.

Many issues continue into a new year but as it begins, it is a time to assess your overall health-physical, emotional, spiritual and financial. To assist with this, we created a financial planning tips sheet . This first set of discussion sheets in the series addresses basic management skills:

• Sorting and organizing your mail
• Setting up an electronic filing system
• Accessing computer program tutorials
• Employing an erasable china marker for easy labeling of items
• Filing for Homestead Exemption to reduce property tax liability
• Filing your taxes-getting assistance from a United Way Agency or through www.irs.gov
• 2010 Medicare Advantage open enrollment period and criteria
• Self-advocacy tools available on our website

Some simple organization steps can result in supportive measures that reduce stress and provide clear communications about the processes you are engaged in.

Christmas Eve brought sweeping reform in the Senate when 60 votes were cast to pass legislation to provide health care coverage for Americans.
Now that the Holidays have passed, the House and the Senate will conference on the legislation and continue the hard work.
To learn more about where this effort is currently, visit The National Patient Advocate Foundation’s website.

Visit THOMAS.GOV to learn about recent action on:
H.R. 3590-The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
H.R. 3962-Affordable Health Care for America Act

Well we are back from the bicycle ride to Austin Texas with the Palmetto Peloton’s Challenge to Conquer Cancer team. I once again went as their Medic.
As a team we have raised over $200,000.00 for cancer research both here locally and for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The ride is a relay from Greenville SC. To Austin Tx. In which there are teams that ride 24 hours a day until we get to Austin where we all participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge.

Convoy to Austin

This is a fantastic and heartwarming experience, it is incredible to see and be with all the people whose lives have been affected by this horrible and life-altering disease.

Our C3 Warriors

The best part for me is to not only see Lance but to see the changes in people’s lives as they are forever touched by what they see and the stories they hear. I know for me how great it felt to hear people encouraging me as I rode with them or more like when they passed me and at one point even help push me up a long hill, it is a feeling that will be with me forever, and yes it is kind of cool to see Lance.

The C3 Survivors finshing the 5K

Help us support the effort for The International Brain Tumour Alliance’s “Walk Around The World” by downloading an awareness bib and donning it for a walk. You can download our bibs to pin on your shirts at Advocates’ Corner

Click on Home>Documents>Awareness Bibs
Go to our Walk Form to log your miles.

You will need to create an account to log in to use these tools.
Organize a walk in your neighborhood…raise funds for the BTAO by starting your own fundraising page at Firstgiving

Support our Mission…Raise Awareness!

Organizing the Assembly Line

Today on Furman’s campus, volunteers came together to support the mission of The Brain Tumor Awareness Organization by assembling 600 patient backpacks with resources to be distributed through 3 Charleston cancer centers serving brain tumor patients.

Prior to the David Bailey concert, a presentation was given about the project and the many partners who came together to provide valuable resources within one backpack so that immediate support could be provided upon diagnosis by a neuro-professional.

Supporters of all ages

 

Travelers Rest High School Students

Thank you PWF-Furman University

Buncombe Road Methodist

 

 

Buncombe Road Methodist has a home in our community at “The House” which sits in front of Travelers Rest High School. They encourage the youth through their after-school and outreach ministries and answered the call for this community project.

Job well done guys!

 

 

 

 

Greenville Senior High

The Founder of The BTAO is an alumni of Greenville Senior High School and would like to thank Connor Hipps and his Greenville Red Raider friends for again dedicating their volunteer service to our mission.

Troop 282 returns blessing through community service.

How great it was to have our own Troop 282 turn out to support the cause and one of its troop leaders-Keith (also co-founder of BTAO). A special footnote-Furman University was home to this troop for many years in an authentic train car parked on campus.

It is a true honor to come full circle on a project such as this and see leadership skills reign throughout these young individuals. There is no greater service than to help another.

Many of these volunteers had the opportunity to meet David Bailey and listen to his “Message of Hope”. Thanks to these volunteers, we get to pay it forward.

David Bailey will be performing at Daniel Music Hall at Furman University Saturday September 19th at 7 pm. This will be the first visit in over 3 years to Greenville.

One Furman student, an avid fan, worked with the Presbyterian Westminister Fellowship to bring David to the campus and for him to share his message of hope.

There is no cost for the concert.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Read more from the Huffington Post

It is hard to believe that this happened to a resident of North Carolina…and with Duke just up the road. This is why I have fought for healthcare reform.

Take Action Now!

We want to express our condolences to The Kennedy Family on the loss of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

The Kennedy Family has dedicated their lives to causes that needed champions by raising awareness, implementing policy changes, and changing the social landscape of acceptance.

On behalf of our organization, we thank The Kennedy Family for their dedication to these important issues, for each one of our lives have been improved by their efforts.