Terri Lohnes, GADA Board of Directors
Earlier this year, I made a choice to join GADA as a new Board Member. I do not have a genetic aortic disorder, nor do I have a family member who does (at least that I know of). I do not have a history with GADA, even though I do a lot of work in healthcare. And I’m not a clinician or researcher who would have been exposed to GADAs research mandate. So why did I join this Board?
I have been reflecting on what it means to give back during this holiday season. My inbox was bombarded with Giving Tuesday emails, as I expect many of yours were as well. It made me take stock of where I choose to give my time and financial support and why.
I joined GADA after being exposed to its incredibly passionate and committed members who are on a mission to improve the lives of those with genetic aortic disorders. Seeing first hand the work of GADA as a new Board member, I am even more committed to supporting its ongoing success. This past year, I saw the incredible work researchers are doing with the Montalcino Aortic consortium (MAC) that was co-initiated and is funded and administered by GADA, showing the important role genetic discovery plays in advancing detection and treatments for those living with genetic aortic disorders. These findings from MAC, emphasizing gene-based management of genetic aortic conditions, was recently published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology. MAC findings were considered in the 2022 guidelines for diagnosis and management of genetic aortic disease, which were presented in a webinar hosted by GADA last month. To learn more about the new guidelines, visit the GADA website.
I was so impressed with the engagement of GADA volunteers who co-host informational webinars, focusing on a broad spectrum of issues and complications related to genetic aortic disorders. These sessions provide essential education and awareness to patients, families and clinicians. You can find GADA’s webinars on its YouTube channel. GADA also hosts virtual meet-ups, hosted by GADA members, that are great support events to provide a safe space for building peer connections.
I am excited about lending my energy, time and financial support to an organization that delivers such incredible work. I am even more excited about what GADA can do with your ongoing support as we look to expand the impact we can have. Together, we can push further with our research, provide more education and awareness for both clinicians and patients, and most importantly, improve the quality of life for everyone living with genetic aortic conditions. Please join me on this bigger and bolder vision for 2023!
You can MAKE A DONATION to GADA anytime through CanadaHelps. Your donations keep our community growing and advancing research and education.
Sincerely,
Terri Lohnes
GADA Board of Directors