Think Tank Meeting Recap
Thank you to the Richmond County Savings Foundation for their support of the 2010 CSF Think Tank Meeting.
On May 1, the Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation held their annual “Think Tank” meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In attendance were members of CSF’s Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, Medical Research Board (MRB) and staff. In addition, CSF is pleased to have had other distinguished members of the medical community to discuss topics associated with CSF’s three pronged focus of education, awareness and research. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Edward C. Benzel, Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery and Director, Center for Spine Health, at the Cleveland Clinic, and member of the Executive Committee of the MRB.
Dr. Benny Iskandar, University of Wisconsin Hospitals, Madison, Wisconsin, presented a group of informative and educational articles written for inclusion on the CSF website, four of which have already been completed and are currently posted our site. Nine additional articles are in the process of review by the Executive Committee of the MRB and will also be included.
Dr. Dominic Marino, Long Island Veterinary Specialists, discussed working with his team of veterinarians on the recent completion of a comprehensive directory for Chiari-like symptoms and syringomyelia in dogs that will be available for pet owners around the world.
CSF continues on its course to expand the educational and awareness lecture series around the country. Meeting attendee and MRB member Dr. Allison Ashley Koch, Duke University, along with MRB Executive Committee member Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, University of Washington are in the process of establishing new chapters in North Carolina and Washington State with the help of their respective institutions.
Dr. Richard Kuntz, one of CSF’s newest Board of Trustees members and Senior Vice President of Medtronic, discussed the possible development of a model for awareness through improvements in health economics and utilities in quality of life.
Dr. Fraser Henderson, Georgetown University Hospital, spoke about the upcoming CSF Night of Light Children’s Gala to be held on November 13, 2010 at Anderson House in Washington DC. This exciting fundraising event will be held for a limited number of philanthropic guests to raise much needed funds for Chiari and syringomyelia research.
Dr. Bob Riddle, from the National Institutes of Health, was present at the meeting and continues to play a role in the ongoing dialogue between CSF and the NIH/NINDS.
In an effort to develop a national registry and usable clinical database, CSF has started discussions with Dr. Raj Narayan, Dr. Yosef Dlugacz, both of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, and various other members of the Medical Research Board to compile a database that meets the standards of multiple institutions.
We look forward to next year’s “Think Tank” meeting as we continue to chart a course for CSF’s future. Thank you to all those who attended this year’s “Think Tank” meeting and for their valuable contributions to the meeting and to our organization.
Newly appointed Board of Directors member, Jim Feisthamel:
“As a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors, I have worked closely with various members, mostly by phone and email, on many topics. Before the "Think Tank" meeting I had an idea of what to expect, but what I found was quite different.
From the first moment, I was warmly welcomed by everyone. The various achievements of the Utica Chapter of CSF were expounded on during my introductions and everyone I met was very supportive of our accomplishments. I felt that the contributions of the Utica chapter, though smaller compared to others, were equally appreciated on the same level as all other fundraisers and educational events.
I was personally impressed by the amount of medical information we went over as well as the dedication of all the doctors present. The advances that have been made in research and medical procedures are amazing. With the commitment of all those who are searching for a cure for CM and SM, I feel that a cure can and will be found. It is reassuring to know that CSF has doctors of such caliber supporting all of us and our children.
The forward thinking of all members of CSF was and is evident, not just in the lectures of May 1st but in conversations I have had with everyone involved. The equality shown in each chapter's events and the personal dedication of all is truly amazing. Not since the time I spent in the military have I seen a group of people from all parts of the country and from all walks of life come together for a common cause. The motto of CSF: "Built on leadership, vision and commitment to find a cure", cannot be more evident. The mission of CSF: "To advance knowledge thought research and to educate the medical, allied sciences, and lay community about Chiari malformation, syringomyelia and related CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) disorders", will definitely be accomplished through the hard work by all supporters of CSF.”
