Question:
The American Sleep Apnea Association is a wonderful source of
information, both written and by phone, as well as the AWAKE support
group network. They have an extensive list of publications, most of
them free or minimal charge.
This particular Association is unique in that it is specifically
structured from a patient's point of view, and has the express purpose
of reducing injury, disability, and death from sleep apnea and helping
those with SA. This is not an association for professionals and
doctors, but for the patients. Another very essential function for this
organization is to lobby for our rights and serve as our advocate. Your
membership of $25 a year is needed to educate and increase awareness,
and to fulfill these other important goals. With membership you receive
a subscription to their newsletter and a medical alert bracelet.
Answer:
For those of you still reading, you will now be rewarded with my really
big news - I am now the Membership Coordinator for the ASAA, and
Information Specialist. We are currently negotiating for me to fill the
position of Director of the AWAKE Network, which I'm sure all of you
know from my posts is my passion.
It has been hard for me not to share this with all of you before, but I
felt it best to wait until everything became more official. I am
thrilled to have this opportunity to work with AWAKE and the Association
that has been such a vital part of my recovery and success in living
with sleep apnea. I've heard it said that when a door is slammed,
somewhere God opens a window. I finally understand this with a profound
clarity - I never thought when diagnosed with a chronic disease 2 years
ago that it would ever lead to such an opportunity for me.
So, now you all will understand and forgive when I rave about the ASAA
and the AWAKE support groups, because this is a cause that has now
become very personal for me. And don't be suprised when I'm the one
that answers your request for info or your email :-)
Lauren Ero, Coordinator of AWAKE at Johns Hopkins AND Membership
Coordinator for the American Sleep Apnea Association
