SENDER’S NAME

Street Address

City, State Postal Code

Phone

Email address

DATE

Office of:

Street Address:

City, State Postal Code:

Dear (name) I am writing to request your assistance in designating May as Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a disease that causes abnormal cell growth of the arterial wall. FMD can lead to areas of narrowing (stenosis), beading, aneurysms, and dissections (tears) of the arterial wall. Until recently, there has been very little progress made in understanding the disease since it was first diagnosed in 1938. There is no known cause or cure for the disease and there are no set protocols to treat the disease. Many researchers now believe FMD is an under-diagnosed disease. Some of the data suggest that 4-5% of the population may be affected by the disease.

Patients and their families must bear a large share of the burden for things such as educating others, including their own physicians, and raising funds for awareness and research. Patients often experience problems such as a sense of isolation, difficulty in obtaining accurate and timely diagnosis, and optimal treatment options.

I strongly believe the Resolution of Fibromuscular Dysplasia Month will increase awareness, improve the delay in diagnosis, lead to better treatment and improve the lives of patients and families affected by the disease.

I thank-you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Signature

Since ancient times and across many cultures, the tree has long been a symbol of many things, including wisdom, protection, strength, inter-connectivity, and life itself. We’ve chosen the tree to represent the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America for these reasons, and because the tree’s branches and roots signify the arteries affected by this disease. The tree’s branches, reaching upward and outward, provide protection and shelter, and represent our mission to help those who’ve been diagnosed with FMD. Trees, strengthened by their continuously spreading roots, symbolize how as we grow together we are stronger and more resilient. As with its growth from a delicate sapling to a giant robust tree, and as its branches and roots grow and spread, the tree symbol represents how we’ve evolved and continue to promote research, education and patient support throughout the years. Together we can achieve much, as we strive to reach for the sky.

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. Kansas
   Brenda Brodrick at balletplie@aol.com
2. Kentucky
   Rosie Miklavcic at rosiemik@aol.com
3. Illinois
   Giamila Fantuzzi at giamila.fantuzzi@fmdsa.org
4. Maryland
   Claudia Palau Kime at ccbrown6565@yahoo.com SCAD and FMD
   Karen Good at kptocs@yahoo.com
5. Michigan
   Pam Mace at pam.mace@fmdsa.org SCAD and FMD
6. Nebraska
   Brenda Spencer at theinkgraphics@yahoo.com
7. New Jersey
   Cheryl Bailey at cheryl.bailey@fmdsa.org
8. New York
   Lora Santanastaso at donateFMD@aol.com
9. North Carolina
   Carol Rogers at carol-rogers@ec.rr.com or
   Allison Gaines at allison.gaines@fmdsa.org
10. Ohio
    Kelly Anderson at kelandy2011@gmail.com and Christi Nelson christi_eberhardt@yahoo.com SCAD and FMD
    Pam Mace at pam.mace@fmdsa.org
11. Oklahoma
    Rhonda Vesely at Rhonda.Vesely@yahoo.com SCAD and FMD
12. Pennsylvania
    Jill Kelly McComsey at jkellyjd@yahoo.com SCAD and FMD
13. South Carolina
    Kimberly Waters at mzwaters@gmail.com
14. Washington
    Gayle McElroy at mcelroygayle55@gmail.com
15. Wisconsin
    Dawn Marisch at dawn-marisch@gmail.com SCAD and FMD