About our Beneficiaries

National Graves' Disease Foundation

The Graves' Disease Foundation (GDF) is the only health agency dedicated to finding the cause and cure of Graves' disease. GDF was founded in 1990 as a 501-C3, non-profit charitable organization. The Foundation has helped thousands of patients better understand the symptoms and treatment programs for Graves' disease. It is the leading source of help and hope for Graves’ disease!

The leading cause of hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease represents a basic defect in the immune system, causing production of immunoglobulins (antibodies), which stimulate and attack the thyroid gland, causing growth of the gland and overproduction of thyroid hormone. Similar antibodies may also attack the tissues in the eye muscles and in the pretibial skin (the skin on the front of the lower leg). Graves’ Disease affects two out of every 100 women. It is ten times less common in men.

The Foundation provides patient services, public education, professional education, and funds research. Its patient programs include a toll-free hotline that provides individual counseling, a website, and bulletin board where anyone can ask questions about the disease. The Graves' Disease Foundation offers support groups that provide educational, psychological and emotional assistance to patients and family members for individuals afflicted with Graves' disease and other thyroid-related illnesses.

In 2008, GDF has embarked on a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign to fund new Graves' disease research projects and increase its patient service programs for Graves' and other thyroid illnesses. Thyroid diseases affect more than 12 million Americans. They are among the most common medical disorders involving the endocrine system. The Foundation will hold its national Patient Conference on October 17-19 in San Diego, California. The Conference will feature physician specialists and researchers to discuss hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

The Foundation has relocated its National Office to Buffalo, NY. For further information contact the Graves' Disease Foundation at (877) NDGF-123 or visit the Foundation's website at www.NGDF.org.

American Thyroid Association

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the lead organization in promoting thyroid health and understanding thyroid biology. The ATA values scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, public service, education, collaboration, and collegiality.

A non-profit medical society founded in 1923, the ATA fulfills its mission through supporting excellence and innovation in research, clinical care, education, and public health. ATA members are physicians and scientists who work to enhance the understanding of thyroid physiology and pathophysiology, improve the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases, and promote the education of physicians, patients, and the public about thyroid disorders.

Thyroid diseases are among the most common disorders of the endocrine system, affecting almost 13 million Americans. The ATA has extensive online information for patients on thyroid disease (in English and Spanish) serving the clinician as a resource for patients and the public who look for reliable information on the internet. To further benefit patients, the ATA Alliance for Patient Education was formed in 2002 to offer an exchange of information between the ATA and patient groups: ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors, Inc.; the Light of Life Foundation, and the National Graves' Disease Foundation. A public forum is held each year in conjunction with the ATA annual meeting.

Thyroid Research grants total over $300,000 annually to young investigators. Publications sourced by this research and application procedures are available at www.thyroid.org. The 79th annual meeting of the ATA will be in Chicago from October 1-5, 2008 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. All registration and program information is available at www.thyroid.org. We welcome your participation.

About the Andrew Glackin Scholarship for the Performing Arts

Originally named the Scholarship for the Performing Arts was renamed after Andrew's death to memorialize his memory and his contribution to music at his former high school; Phillipsburg High School, Phillipsburg, NJ. The scholarship is awarded to one eligible student each year at Phillipsburg High School.

To qualify for this scholarship:

1. Applicant must be planning to attend post high school educational institution in the area of performing arts, including music (vocal or instrumental), dance, drama (musical theater included), or communications;
2. Applicant must show active participation in the arts program at PHS, as well as community involvement;
3. Applicant MUST include a statement of all performing arts organizations they have participated in for both school and extra-curricular activities, listing all performances from freshman through senior year.

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About the Andrew Drew Glackin Memorial Fund

The fund was set up in the days following Andrew's untimely death to defray the medical and funeral expenses. Andrew did not have medical or life insurance.

If you wish to donate money to this fund you may donate directly by sending your donations to:

The Andrew Drew Glackin Memorial Fund
Skylands Community Bank
201 Strykers Road, Suite 20
Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865