TFI: Fourth Annual Conference, Pieria, Greece

From ThyroWorld, Volume 1 No 2

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

While our colleagues in thyroid research were holding their symposium at the Poseidon Palace Hotel, TFI members were holding their 4th Annual Conference at the Olympian Bay Hotel, just down the road. Nine patient organizations from seven countries were represented with Dr. Larry Wood, President, at the helm. Japan and a second organization from Sweden (Stockholm) are the newest members of our TFI family an even dozen.

Projects

As well as executive, committee and member reports presented, we also discussed various projects that TFI is undertaking. Among these is assistance to the Bulgarian Thyroid Clinic in Sophia in the form of medication supplies and equipment. Dr. Ulrike Hostalek (Merck, KGaA) has done a splendid job in managing the distribution. And TED (UK) announces that the Chudleigh Parish Church has made a splendid contribution of ú1000 to the project. Meanwhile, NGDF (USA) has pledged $1 from every new membership or renewal that they receive over the next year. BRAVO!

An on-going commitment is the promotion of newborn screening so ably presented by Dr. Annette GrÅters-Kieslich. (see pages 18-19)

Another far-reaching project will be in education, promoting standardized thyroid training in medical schools around the world. Dr. Jim Stockigt (Australia) is chairing this committee.

Kudos

A number of TFI's members have recently won well-deserved awards. Laurel wreaths go to the following champions. Sally Mitchell (UK) is the founder of the Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Association which provides written information, care and emotional support to those affected by thyroid eye disease. Without her vision, TED would not have become so highly respected not only amongst our members but also by the medical profession. So it was fitting that at the end of last year she was highly commended in the Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards for her outstanding volunteer commitment and contribution to the community. These awards are the "Oscars" of volunteering in the UK and this commendation was a well-deserved tribute to all the effort she continues to make on behalf of all her fellow sufferers. Ellen Garfield, TFC web-site co-ordinator, who also keeps TFI's thyroid information and sources up to date, received a noteworthy commendation: a Healthy Way Best of the Web Award.

"After reviewing thousands of web sites, the Healthy Way team has designated your site, Thyroid Foundation of Canada, as one of the best online resources for health and wellness information."

Unfortunately, the commendation exists only in the Healthy Way seal, now at the bottom of the TFC homepage or somewhere out there in Cyberspace perhaps a reward in heaven?

Handsome plaques were presented by Dr. Larry Wood to Dr. Ulrike Hostalek: Merck KGaA and to Mahen Gudencha for Knoll Pharma, Canada and USA in appreciation of their companies' financial support and in recognition of their great personal efforts and help.

A plaque was also presented to that well known husband and wife team, Joe and Rhoda Boyce for their untiring and cheerful efforts on behalf of TFI in fund-raising and minute-making. Just before Christmas (1997), on a trip to Kingston, Canada, their van was broken into. Not only were Christmas presents taken but also Rhoda's briefcase with many of her TFI records, minutes and information. She and Joe painstakingly but optimistically reconstructed the lot. A labour worthy of Hercules, to be sure.

As well as recognizing our Chairperson of Fund-Raising and our Secretary, we also paid tribute to Treasurer John Borthwick for keeping immaculate books. For helping us stay honest and financially on track, John received the prestigious Order of the Thyroid Frog. In return, Larry Wood received a special award, a cap and sweatshirt emblazoned with the TED logo for his leadership as President and his great enthusiasm for TFI.