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. Connecticut
   Lisa Shelanskas at emsiservices@aol.com
2. Georgia
   Abbie Levy at alabbielevy@gmail.com
3. Kansas
   Brenda Brodrick at balletplie@aol.com
4. Kentucky
   Rosie Miklavcic at rosiemik@aol.com
5. Illinois
   Karen Hartman at khartman922@gmail.com
6. Iowa
   Ojas Pradhan at ojaspradhan@hotmail.com
   Brenda Spencer at theinkgraphics@yahoo.com
7. Maryland
   Claudia Palau Kime at claudia.kime@fmdsa.org
   SCAD and FMD and Karen Good at kptocs@yahoo.com
8. Michigan
   Pam Mace at pam.mace@fmdsa.org SCAD and FMD contact
9. Nebraska
   Brenda Spencer at theinkgraphics@yahoo.com
10. Nevada
    Barbara McFee at jadebarbara@aol.com
11. New Jersey
    Cheryl Bailey at cheryl.bailey@fmdsa.org
12. New York
    Kelly Seifried at pedsobrn@gmail.com or Lora Santanastaso at donateFMD@aol.com
13. North Carolina
    Carol Rogers at carol-rogers@ec.rr.com or Allison Gaines at allisonag68@gmail.com
14. Ohio
    Kelly Anderson at kelandy2011@gmail.com and Christi Nelson christi.nelson@fmdsa.org SCAD and FMD contact
15. Oklahoma
    Rhonda Vesely at Rhonda.Vesely@yahoo.com SCAD and FMD
16. Oregon
    Gina Summers at ginasummers@mac.com
17. Pennsylvania
    Jill Kelly McComsey at jkellyjd@yahoo.com SCAD and FMD contact
18. Rhode Island
    Emily Mayer at derica711@yahoo.com
19. South Carolina
    Kimberly Waters at mzwaters@gmail.com
20. Tennessee
    Amy Jaramil at amyjaramil@gmail.com
21. Texas
    Molly Clark at mjc_ckt@sbcglobal.net
    Phyllis Labatut Baker at fibaker@suddenlink.net
22. Virginia
    Maureen Womack at maureen.womack@fmdsa.org
23. Washington
    Gayle McElroy at mcelroygayle55@gmail.com
    Susie Goldsmith at susie@goldsmithconsulting.org
    Rob Kneisler robkneisler@gmail.com
24. Wisconsin
    Dawn Marisch at thesunbeam@wi.rr.com SCAD and FMD

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