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2012-05-30T20:42:39Z

http://arthritis.about.com/b/2012/03/21/ask-your-lawmakers-to-co-sponsor-the-patients-access-to-treatment-act-h-r-4209.htm

Ask Your Lawmakers to Co-Sponsor the Patients' Access to Treatment Act (H.R. 4209)
By Carol Eustice,
About.com Guide
March 21, 2012

Biologic drugs are not appropriate for every arthritis patient, but many have been helped by them. It's a sad situation when a patient can't be treated with biologics because, in their case, the drugs are unaffordable. Some health insurance companies place biologic drugs into "specialty tiers" that leave patients with high co-insurance or cost-sharing. Specialty tiers can require that patients pay 25% to 33% of drug cost which can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month, depending on the drug.

According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), Representatives David McKinley (R-WV) and Lois Capps (D-CA) have introduced the Patients' Access to Treatment Act (H.R. 4209). The legislation would place specialty drugs within the same classification as Tier III non-preferred drugs. The biologic drugs would then become affordable for more patients. Want to help? Go here today and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 4209, the Patient's Access to Treatment Act (H.R. 4209).

Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes

2012-05-30T13:45:39Z

http://arthritisfoundationglr.tumblr.com/

Excerpt:

For many with arthritis, the financial burden is great. As many as 83% of arthritis sufferers have reported they do not take their medication as prescribed or not at all because of cost, even if they have insurance. Most biologics are classified in a specialty tier and can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars each month. Representative David McKinley (WV) has introduced a bill into Congress known as H.R. 4209 or the Patient’s Access to Treatment Act (PATA). With this bill, biologics will be moved into a tier with a fixed co-pay and make them more affordable.

Become a Patient Advocate for H.R. 4209, the Patient’s Access to Treatment Act…

CLICK HERE

Friends

2012-05-29T23:09:57Z

Friends,

I just created a petition: Eliminate Drug Plan Coinsurance, because I care deeply about this very important issue.

Here is a link to an article in the NY Times that gives a pretty good background on this new coverage dodge being used by insurance carriers: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/health/states-seek-to-curb-exorbitant-drug-costs-incurred-by-patients.html?pagewanted=all

And here is another article from the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/health/states-seek-to-curb-exorbitant-drug-costs-incurred-by-patients.html?pagewanted=all

I'm trying to collect 100 signatures, and I could really use your help. Actually, I'd like to add a few 0's to the total number of signatures, but you've got to start somewhere!.

To read more about what I'm trying to do and to sign my petition, click here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/eliminate-drug-plan-coinsurance?share_id=uriDJMqVEMpe=d2e

It'll just take a minute!

Once you're done, please ask your friends to sign the petition as well. Grassroots movements succeed because people like you are willing to spread the word!

In the event you were unaware of this happening, there will surely be those that try to fault Health Care Reform for the occurance. Health Care Reform had nothing to do with the genisis of this insurance scheme. If you have got to blame something...blame the Medicare Drug Plan. It was after the Medicare Drug Plan that coinsurance came into vogue. Health Care Reform only made a bad situation worse as specialty drug makers inflated their prices markedly and without cause.

Frank

Change

2012-05-29T11:43:10Z

I've started a petition at change.org that seeks to cap drug plan copayments at the copay for non-preferred name brand drugs. That action should eliminate the 30-35% coinsurance charge paid for biologic drugs patients are faced with in most insurance plans. Please visit the petition at change.org:http://www.change.org/petitions/house-of-representatives-committee-on-energy-and-commerce-pass-h-r-4209-the-patients-access-to-treatments-act-of-2012

Once you get there sign the petition in support of the Patients Access to Treatments Act of 2012.

Read about the issue in this NY Times article.

FORWARD THE LINK TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!!

HELANTISUBRON 7 (HS-7)

2012-05-28T20:21:04Z

I made three cruises while assigned to HS-7. One to the North Atlantic aboard the USS Wasp (CVS-18). It would be the WWII vintage straight deck aircraft carrier's final deployment. The second was a Mediterranian cruise aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60). The final cruise a Western Pacific deployment, again aboard the USS Saratoga with the new designation (CV-60). This was a Vietnam deployment. Through all three deployments we lost one aircraft. It went down minutes after midnight on January 1, 1973. The crew of 4 was rescued by another of the squadron's helicopters.

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SEVEN was originally established in April 1956 at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia for the mission of harbor defense. The squadron, originally known as the “Big Dippers,” was later assigned the role of Anti-Submarine Warfare in support of fleet units. HS-7 served on board the USS VALLEY FORGE (CVS-45) while flying the Sikorsky HSS-1 helicopter. The squadron was decommissioned on May 31, 1966 but later re-established at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, on December 15, 1969. The re-established squadron's SH-3D Sea King aircraft's first deployment was to the North Atlantic on board USS Wasp (CVS-18)

During a respite between cruises in 1970-71, the squadron held a naming contest, resulting in the “Big Dippers” becoming the “Shamrocks”. In 1971, HS-7 joined Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3), was deployed aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60) to the Mediterranean and Vietnam before changing homeports to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, and transitioned to the venerable SH-3H Sea King helicopter. From 1981 to 1993, the Shamrocks deployed numerous times on board the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67), including deployments in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. In December 1993, the Shamrocks and CVW-3 shifted to the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69), affectionately called the “IKE”. In 1994, HS-7 became the first HS squadron on the east coast to be assigned female sailors and officers.

In September 1994, HS-7 was tasked to support the “IKE” and the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division off the coast of Haiti during Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY. Later that same year, HS-7 deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and in the Adriatic Sea during Operations DENY FLIGHT and PROVIDE PROMISE.

Upon returning from the “IKE” in 1995, the Shamrocks transitioned to the Sikorsky SH-60F and HH-60H and adopted the new call sign “Dusty Dogs”. In May 1997, the squadron completed their first deployment flying the new aircraft from USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in May 1997. HS-7 went out again from October 1998 to May 1999 on board the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) in support of Operations DESERT FOX and DELIBERATE FORGE. The squadron completed the maiden cruise of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) in 2000 and returned in June 2001. From December 2002 until April 2005, HS-7 deployed twice more on board the TRUMAN. During the 2003 cruise on board the TRUMAN, HS-7 served in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas in support of Operations NORTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM.

In September 2005, HS-7, aboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, went to the Gulf of Mexico in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. During Joint Task Force Katrina, HS-7 conducted 222 evacuations, 500 rescues, 90 MEDEVACS, and delivered over 27,000 pounds of food, supplies, and other essential cargo.

From November of 2007 to June 2008, the Dusty Dogs again deployed aboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN with CVW-3 in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. From June 2008 to May 2010 the Dusty Dogs met the challenges of an extended work-up cycle, which included eight at-sea periods, two air wing trips to NAS Fallon, and four detachments to AUTEC.

In May 2010, HS-7, attached to CVW-3, departed aboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN for a seven month deployment to the 5th Fleet AOR. The Dusty Dogs supported CSG-10 assets participating in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN while providing the strike group with essential anti-terrorism force protection, logistic, MEDEVAC, and SAR support. Cruise highlights include the night rescue of eight Iranian mariners in the North Arabian Sea and joint rotary wing training with the Royal Air Force of Oman – a first in the history of U.S. Naval helicopter aviation. In November 2010, after 54 years of excellence in Antisubmarine warfare, HS-7 ‘sundowned’ their ASW mission when they went “ball dry” for the last time.

On April 15, 2011 Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SEVEN was re-designated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN (HSC-7). HSC-7 is currently transitioning to the MH-60S and will continue to proudly answer to the call sign "Dusty Dogs".

HC-7, The Legacy

2012-05-28T13:49:24Z

From: http://www.hc7seadevils.org/OrphansPt1.pdf

HC-7 Yankee Station CSAR Combat Search and Rescue: The Legacy

What was the key to HC-7’s success? One prime undoubtedly was each squadron member’s belief in the squadron’s missions, particularly the basic mission of CSAR, and its standing as the only dedicated practitioners of the craft. During the Vietnam War, Navy SAR forces rescued more than 250 downed Aircrew men from the Gulf of Tonkin and North Vietnam; and of these, HC-7 rescued more than 140. The price was high—in land rescue attempts, the Navy lost an average of two SAR aircraft for every three aircrew rescued and one SAR crewman killed or captured for every two aircrew rescued. Many more rescues were attempted than succeeded.

Despite this, the men of HC-7 approached the mission proudly, professionally and even perhaps eagerly, for they knew of its importance. The valor demonstrated during these rescues, successful or otherwise, will always be categorized as “above and beyond.” This is reflected in the squadron tally of one Medal of Honor, four Navy Crosses, several Silver Stars, and more than 50 Distinguished Flying Crosses. As one pilot later put it: “I didn’t really see anything ugly my whole time in Vietnam. I didn’t kill anyone or see anyone get killed. I got shot at a hell of a lot but it was all impersonal and detached. Besides, I was there to save lives. My mission was rescue.”

And for the point of view of those who most needed the expertise of the men of HC-7, we close with the comments of CDR John B. “Pirate” Nichols, in On Yankee Station (Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Md., 1987): Fixed-wing pilots generally, and jet jockeys particularly, adopted a “machoer-than-thou” attitude toward helo drivers. After all, it was hard for a “rotorhead” to generate enough speed to really hurt himself, and choppers seemed to adhere to the hang glider’s motto: Never fly higher than you’re willing to fall.

But the combat SAR folks, bless their torque, were always there when needed. They knew they had a corner on the market, and when some hot jet jock screwed up and found himself staring at a plate of pumpkin soup for dinner, the helos came motoring in at all of 140 knots to attempt the rescue. They weren’t always successful: Sometimes there simply wasn’t enough time, and often the flak was too thick. But the helos had the last word on the subject. After they’d endured the slings and arrows of the fast-movers, they’d unzip wry grins and say, “Yeah, right. Next time you’re down in the water and the sampans are coming to get you, call an F-4 to pick you up.”

TAPS

2012-05-27T17:41:33Z

In 1874 “Taps” was officially recognized by the U.S. Army. It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.

The origin of the word "Taps" is thought to have come from the Dutch word for "Tattoo"- "Taptoe." More than likely, "Taps" comes from the the three drum taps that were played as a signal for "Extinguish Lights" when a bugle was not used. As with many other customs, the twenty-four notes that comprise this solemn tradition began long ago and continue to this day.

While there are no official lyrics for Taps, the following unofficial verse (author unknown) is often used:

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright;
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night.

Louisville, KY

2012-05-27T12:35:43Z

http://www.whas11.com/home/Fatal-accident-on-Dixie-Highway-152184285.html

Wheelchair-bound man hit, killed by car on Dixie Hwy.

by WHAS11
WHAS11.com
Posted on May 20, 2012 at 12:09 AM
Updated today at 9:47 AM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- A double amputee in a motorized wheelchair died after he was struck by a car while crossing the street near the Thornton's at 8400 Dixie Highway Saturday evening.

Louisville Metro Police said Wallace Neighbors, 42, was operating a motorized wheelchair across Dixie Highway against the light at Pages Lane around 9:30 p.m. Saturday when he was struck by a maroon-colored Ford Focus.

The Jefferson County coroner said Neighbors died at University Hospital Sunday morning. He was a double amputee.

Police say no charges will be filed and it appears that no alcohol was involved in the accident.

The driver was not injured in the crash.

Clyde Lassen

2012-05-26T21:07:26Z

Lcdr Lassen was a student in a SH-2 LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi Purpose System) Pilots Familiarization class I taught in 1976. I still consider having a Congressional Medal Of Honor recipient as a student one of the highlights of my military service career. The aren't a lot of people that can lay claim to having met a Medal of Honor recipient, but having one as a student in a class you taught is rare indeed!

The Mission:

On June 19, 1968, Lassen, then a 26-year-old Lieutenant, junior grade flying a UH-2 Seasprite, embarked on a mission to recover two downed naval aviators whose plane had been shot down deep in North Vietnamese territory. Upon reaching the hilly terrain where the aviators were hiding, Lassen made several attempts to recover the aviators, but dense tree cover, enemy weapons fire and intermittent illumination frustrated his efforts. Lassen turned on the landing lights of the helicopter, despite the danger of revealing his position to the enemy. After the pilots made their way to the helicopter and with his bullet-riddled helicopter dangerously low on fuel, Lassen evaded further antiaircraft fire before landing safely at sea onboard a guided missile destroyer with only five minutes of fuel left in the helicopter's fuel lines. The account of the rescue was logged as a successful, routine search and rescue mission.

LT Lassen became the first naval aviator and fifth Navy man to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery in Vietnam. He remained in the Navy for a career and retired in 1982 with the rank of Commander, residing in Pensacola, Florida until his death in 1994. In 2001, a destroyer was commissioned and named after him: the USS Lassen. An SH-60 Seahawk was painted to commemorate his actions.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as pilot and aircraft commander of a search and rescue helicopter, attached to Helicopter Support Squadron 7, during operations against enemy forces in North Vietnam. Launched shortly after midnight to attempt the rescue of 2 downed aviators, Lt. (then Lt. (J.G.)) Lassen skillfully piloted his aircraft over unknown and hostile terrain to a steep, tree-covered hill on which the survivors had been located. Although enemy fire was being directed at the helicopter, he initially landed in a clear area near the base of the hill, but, due to the dense undergrowth, the survivors could not reach the helicopter. With the aid of flare illumination, Lt. Lassen successfully accomplished a hover between 2 trees at the survivors' position Illumination was abruptly lost as the last of the flares were expended, and the helicopter collided with a tree, commencing a sharp descent. Expertly righting his aircraft and maneuvering clear, Lt. Lassen remained in the area, determined to make another rescue attempt, and encouraged the downed aviators while awaiting resumption of flare illumination. After another unsuccessful, illuminated rescue attempt, and with his fuel dangerously low and his aircraft significantly damaged, he launched again and commenced another approach in the face of the continuing enemy opposition. When flare illumination was again lost, Lt. Lassen, fully aware of the dangers in clearly revealing his position to the enemy, turned on his landing lights and completed the landing. On this attempt, the survivors were able to make their way to the helicopter. En route to the coast he encountered and successfully evaded additional hostile antiaircraft fire and, with fuel for only 5 minutes of flight remaining, landed safely aboard U.S.S. Jouett (DLG-29).

Michael Patrick Murphy

2012-05-26T13:06:13Z

Michael P. Murphy
Nickname "Murph"
Born (1976-05-07)May 7, 1976
Smithtown, New York
Died June 28, 2005(2005-06-28) (aged 29)
Kunar Province, Afghanistan

Rank Lieutenant

Michael Patrick Murphy (May 7, 1976 – June 28, 2005) was a United States Navy SEAL posthumously awarded the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in 2005 during the War in Afghanistan. He was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan; and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.

Lt Murphy’s Medal of Honor Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy's team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four-member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his Headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

First Flag Officer Killed in Action

2012-05-25T21:25:16Z

Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, USN

1884 – 1941

Isaac Campbell Kidd was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on 26 March 1884. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1902, graduating with the Class of 1906 in February of that year, and was commissioned an Ensign in 1908. Kidd participated in the 1907-09 "Great White Fleet" cruise around the World while serving in USS NEW JERSEY (BB 16). Following service in USS NORTH DAKOTA (BB 29) and USS PITTSBURGH (Armored Cruiser # 4), he became Aide and Flag Secretary to the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, the first of his many flag staff assignments. He was an instructor at the Naval Academy in 1916-17.

During and after the First World War, Kidd was stationed on USS NEW MEXICO (BB 40), then had further staff and Naval Academy service. He was executive officer of the battleship UTAH (BB 31) in 1925-26, then commanded USS VEGA (AK 17) until becoming Captain of the Port at Chrisobal, Panama Canal Zone in 1927-30. Promoted to the rank of Captain, he was Chief of Staff to Commander, Base Force, U.S. Fleet in 1930-32. After three years at the Bureau of Navigation in Washington, D.C., he was Commander Destroyer Squadron ONE, Scouting Force, in 1935-36.

Captain Kidd next attended the Naval War College and served on the College staff. He was Commanding Officer of USS ARIZONA (BB 39) from September 1938 until February 1940, when he was promoted to Rear Admiral and assigned as Commander Battleship Division ONE and Chief of Staff to Commander, Battleships, Battle Force. On 7 December 1941, he was killed in action on board ARIZONA during the Pearl Harbor Raid. Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Pearl Harbor attack. He was the first flag officer to lose his life in World War II, and the first in the U.S. Navy to meet death in action against any foreign enemy.

Admiral Kidd’s Medal of Honor Citation:

MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION:

"For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese Forces on December 7, 1941. He immediately went to the bridge and as Commander Battleship Division ONE, courageously discharged his duties as Senior Officer Present Afloat until the USS ARIZONA, his Flagship, blew up from magazine explosions and a direct bomb hit on the bridge, which resulted in the loss of his life."

Hazelton, PA Cop

2012-05-25T19:42:00Z

http://ssptv.com/new/happening-now-police-vehicle-involved-in-accident/

Hazelton PA

Police Vehicle Involved in accident
May 18, 2012
Posted by: Kristen Buczynski

At about 10a.m., A Hazleton City Police vehicle was involved in an accident with a Scooter type vehicle. Witnesses said the Police SUV was traveling West on Broad, the Scooter was on Laurel and ran a red light colliding with the Police vehicle. News 13 has learned that the Chief of Police Frank DeAndrea was behind the wheel of the Police car. He was not hurt. The man driving the Scooter was 80 year old Walter Boss of Drums. He was alert at the scene but was flown to a trauma center. At this 11:30 hour, police are reconstructing the scene of the accident and Broad street at Laurel is closed to all traffic.

Patients to bear the burden?

2012-05-25T13:10:05Z

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/05/will-patients-bear-the-burden-for-developing-their-own-drug-treatments/256985/

Will Patients Bear the Burden for Developing Their Own Treatments?
By David A. Shaywitz
May 10 2012, 12:07 PM ET 5

Soon, you won't only be responsible for managing your disease -- you may also be expected to help find your own cure.

Patients who take a close look at medical science in search of treatments are often appalled by what they discover. On the one hand, there's academic research, a self-contained and self-absorbed universe of its own where data may be internally consistent (on a good day) and robustly reproducible (on a very good day), yet often has depressingly little relevance to real-world clinical conditions.

Meanwhile, many medical products companies, faced with an increasingly unstable environment characterized by high failure rates and huge headwinds from regulators and payors, seem to be jumping in and out of therapeutic areas -- and R&D models -- like a virus desperately mutating in the face of negative selective pressure, or perhaps like the computer in War Games, hurtling toward the seemingly inevitable conclusion that the only winning move is not to play.

It's hardly surprising, then, that many patient groups feel increasingly obliged to take matters into their own hands. The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) now conducts its own translational research, and one cystic fibrosis patient's family was motivated to fund new therapies, channeled through the CF Foundation. Groundbreaking efforts by Jamie Heywood's exceptional initiative, PatientsLikeMe, initially focused on ALS, a condition afflicting Jamie's late brother, but has now expanded to a broader array of medical conditions. Recent articles have also discussed the role of motivated -- and affluent -- families in driving research in schizophrenia (and other psychiatric disorders), and in the treatment of a devastating degenerative disease, spinal muscular atrophy.

These patient groups are absolutely right to be striking out on their own; what's perhaps scarier is the concern that such patient commitment may not only facilitate the development of new therapies, but may also be required. The costs and uncertainties of medical product development are becoming so prohibitively high that many drug companies may strategically elect to pursue conditions for which the development path has already been relatively de-risked, and where much of the advance work has been done. Patient groups that successfully deliver this -- an explicit goal of the MRF, for example -- are likely to garner the attention of drug makers, and ultimately catalyze the development of new therapeutics.

A particularly important area for patient involvement is the regulatory requirements for new products, such as the determination of what constitutes acceptable endpoints for clinical studies. This will be especially important in the always-fraught area of identifying suitable measures for patient-reported outcomes; I suspect having invested patients, and their advocates, across the table from regulators would stimulate a particularly constructive dialogue. If patient advocacy groups are able to develop and achieve regulatory acceptance of clear clinical trial endpoints and assessment instruments, this would also significantly accelerate drug development.

To be sure, patient-supported translational efforts alone won't cut it for every condition. Consider Alzheimer's disease, an area that has received a remarkable amount of investment from both the public and private sectors, and yet has seen depressingly little progress, highlighting the wide gaps in our fundamental scientific understanding.

Another problem with relying increasingly on patient advocates is the likelihood that diseases that kill quickly (sepsis, say, or pancreatic cancer) are less likely to catalyze the formation of an active patient advocacy group than conditions that are more chronic (such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy) -- even though the opportunities for therapies to be life-altering are profound in both cases.

Finally, there's an inherent discomfort with relying on what is essentially a patronage system for medical research -- is the presence of a well-heeled sponsor truly the best criterion for an extensive translational effort? Should the development of cures depend upon the randomness of who gets sick? Also, does the real possibility of affecting medical progress paradoxically create an unspoken burden on the affluent who are sick, and their families -- will there soon be an expectation not only to manage your disease but also to figure out how to cure it?

I suspect in the end, sponsorship will be only one of several mechanisms for developing new medicines; in areas where the science seems obviously compelling (i.e. targeting PCSK9) or where the unmet need seems so high (Alzheimer's), medical products companies will continue to take risks. But to get them to venture beyond this limited comfort zone will likely require a palate of translational activities that patient advocacy groups may be uniquely positioned to deploy.

With luck, the efforts of patient advocacy groups will be successful, and ultimately provide insights and catalyze progress extending far beyond the original patients. But you need to start somewhere -- and it's hard to imagine a more powerful, compelling, and impassioned force for good than courageous patients and their determined families.

Las Vegas, 2nd post today!

2012-05-25T02:29:14Z

http://www.8newsnow.com/story/18608565/breaking-news-woman-in-wheelchair-struck-by-vehicle

Woman in Wheelchair Struck by Vehicle
Posted: May 23, 2012 5:45 PM EDT
Updated: May 23, 2012 7:14 PM EDT
By Caroline Bleakley, Online Managing

LAS VEGAS -- A woman in a wheelchair was struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon as she attempted to cross a busy street.

Metro Police say the woman was not using a crosswalk when she was hit. The accident occurred at Lake Mead and Decatur Boulevards.

Police say the woman suffered non life-threatening injuries.

Las Vegas

2012-05-24T15:03:01Z

http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/18437432/woman-on-scooter-struck-by-car-in-west-vegas

Woman on scooter struck by car in west Vegas
Posted: May 16, 2012 12:55 PM EDT
Updated: May 16, 2012 1:11 PM EDT
Posted By Matt Guillermo, Web Producer - bio | email

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) - A woman in a mobility scooter was struck by a car while crossing a west Las Vegas street, authorities said.

According to Las Vegas Metro police, the collision happened about 8 a.m. on Endora Drive near S. Rainbow Boulevard.

Police said the woman was not in a marked crosswalk when she was struck.

The woman sustained non-life threatening injuries and was being treated by first responding medical personnel at the scene.

Wheelchairs Chained Together

2012-05-24T02:44:22Z

http://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2012/05/21/activists-wheelchairs-block-street-front-state-house-protesters-are-criticizing-mbta-fare-hikes/AmjgmjObQJFH92kC54gksM/story.html

The Boston Globe
Boston.com
05/21/2012 1:45 PM

Protesters chained their wheelchairs together as they faced the oncoming traffic.
By Noah Bierman and Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

Activists in wheelchairs protesting MBTA fare hikes briefly blocked a busy street in front of the State House in downtown Boston today, snarling traffic but retreating before they were arrested by police.

The protesters moved into the street shortly after noon at the corner of Park and Beacon streets. Protesters chanted, “Governor Patrick now,” saying they wouldn’t leave until Governor Deval Patrick talked to them. They also chanted, “We can’t ride, you can’t drive.”

Traffic, including a Duck Boat with curious tourists, backed up on Beacon. Boston police, who responded about 15 minutes later, shut off Beacon Street just beyond Park Street and directed all traffic down Park.

Police asked the protesters to move, but couldn’t persuade them. Police used bolt cutters to cut the chains connecting the protesters’ six wheelchairs, as protesters yelled, “Shame, Shame!” But the protesters still did not leave.

Then, shortly before 1 p.m., as police rolled a prisoner transport van into position, protesters asked for a moment to confer. They said they had decided to “leave on our own terms,” after making their point. But as they rolled onto a nearby sidewalk, they vowed to return, and chanted, “Governor Patrick, shame on you.”

Fare hikes and service cuts were announced in March as part of a plan close the $160 million MBTA budget deficit for the coming fiscal year.

The cost of a one-way fare on The Ride, the door-to-door service for the disabled, will rise from $2 to $4 for most riders. The cost would increase to $5 for customers outside of the area the T is legally required to serve. The fare hikes are expected to go into effect this summer.

Globe correspondent Alli Knothe contributed to this report.

Chattanooga, TN

2012-05-23T13:31:26Z

http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/18559921/woman-in-wheelchair-hit-by-car

Woman in wheelchair hit by car

Posted: May 18, 2012 9:27 PM EDT
Updated: May 18, 2012 9:27 PM EDT
By Ken Nicholson, Host/Producer - bio | email
CHATTANOOGA (WRC -- A woman is recovering Friday night after being hit by a car.

The incident happened on Lyerly Street around 5:15 p.m.

Chattanooga Police Spokesman Nathan Hartwig says 63-year-old Annie Floyd was ejected from her wheelchair when she was hit by a car while crossing the road at McCallie Avenue.

The driver, 64 year-old Ruby Diamond, was cited for failure to yield right-of-way, no proof of insurance, and child restraint violation.

Hartwig says Floyd was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.

Letter via email from White House

2012-05-22T12:50:33Z

May 21, 2012

Dear Frank:

Thank you for writing. I have heard from many Americans about issues concerning people with disabilities, including learning disabilities. We must ensure all Americans have equal access to opportunities and can live independently without discrimination.

Our lifelong commitment to Americans with disabilities and their families begins with support early in life. It continues by building on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—a crucial law that must be properly funded and enforced—and by ensuring fair access to employment. The Federal Government will lead by example by implementing policies that increase opportunities for all workers.

My Administration has taken bold action to fulfill this commitment. We proudly signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to advance the rights of people with disabilities worldwide. To provide the necessary resources here at home, I signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which gives States an additional $12 billion for the education of children with disabilities and more than $500 million for vocational rehabilitation programs. The Recovery Act also provides an additional $140 million to support independent living centers. I launched the “Year of Community Living” to bring agencies together to improve access to housing, community support, and independent living arrangements. In addition, I have asked Federal agencies to develop new plans to increase employment of people with disabilities.

As we seek to level the playing field for Americans with disabilities, we must also reshape attitudes and eliminate stereotypes. This begins with strengthening enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act, increasing enforcement by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and providing for parity in insurance coverage for mental health. For more information, visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/Issues/Disabilities. For information on disability services and programs in your community, visit www.Disability.gov or call 1-800-FED-INFO, or 1-800-333-4636 for TTY. To find information about applying for disability benefits, checking your application status, or appealing a decision, visit www.SocialSecurity.gov/pgm/disability.htm or call 1-800-772-1213, or 1-800-325-0778 for TTY.

Together, we can meet the goal of providing the best possible support, empowerment, and opportunities for all Americans. Thank you, again, for writing.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

Kips Bay, NY

2012-05-22T00:30:28Z

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120518/kips-bay/man-wheelchair-struck-by-car-kips-bay

DNAinfo.com
Kips Bay, NY

Man in Wheelchair Struck and Killed by Car in Kips Bay
Updated May 18, 2012 7:12am
May 18, 2012 7:12am | By Patrick Hedlund, DNAinfo News Editor

A man in a wheelchair was struck and killed by a car on East 23rd Street near Second Avenue early Fri., May 18, 2012. (DNAinfo/Chelsia Rose Marcius)

MANHATTAN — An elderly man in a wheelchair was struck and killed crossing a Kips Bay street early Friday morning, authorities said.

The 76-year-old victim was hit on East 23rd Street near Second Avenue shortly after 1 a.m., NYPD and FDNY officials said. He was discovered lying in the street with severe injuries to his body, police said.

Cops explained the man was crossing East 23rd Street south to north in the middle block when an Acura driven by a 72-year-old woman traveling westbound struck him.

He was taken to Bellevue Hospital and pronounced dead, police said.

The driver stayed at the scene, and there is no criminality suspected, police added.

Shelbyville, IN

2012-05-21T12:56:34Z

http://www.shelbynews.com/articles/2012/05/18/news/doc4fb565dd5330d869683009.txt

Wheelchair driver struck on S.R. 44

Shelbyville, Indiana
Shelbyville News

Shelbyville Police Department officers investigate the accident that seriously injured a man in a motorized wheelchair late Wednesday at Broadway and Noble streets. John B. Wethington in fair condition at hospital after wreck

Staff report
Published: Friday, May 18, 2012 6:57 AM US/eastern

A Shelbyville man was struck by a car while crossing the street in his motorized wheelchair.

The accident, which happened just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, sent John B. Wethington, 58, to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he remained Thursday afternoon. He was listed in fair condition.

According to Shelbyville Police Department reports, a witness saw Wethington in the Carquest parking lot at 202 E. Broadway St., just before he attempted to cross Noble Street westbound.

The witness said Wethington didn't look before he crossed the street.

Wethington was hit by Teresa Mackey, 46, of Shelbyville, who was turning right onto Noble Street from Broadway Street.

Witnesses told police Mackey wasn't speeding. Mackey, who was driving an SUV, said she didn't see the man before she hit him.

"Mackey stated she thought she was going 5 to 10 miles per hour, and the most she could have accelerated was up to 15 miles per hour," a news release from SPD said.

Emergency responders found Wethington on the road, bleeding from his head. He was flown to the Indianapolis hospital for treatment.

The news release said neither driver was thought to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.