FY 2009 annual RepORt - Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation

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Education & Mutual Support Record Attendance Numbers at the 2008 National Conference The 2008 National Conference on OI was the largest in Foundation history with more than 800 attendees. Conference attendees chose from over 35 informational sessions led by some of the top OI researchers and clinicians in the world. Some of the more popular session topics included “Aging with OI,” “Ask the Doctor: Adults with Type III and IV OI,” and “Adaptive Equipment.” Attendees were also able to schedule medical consultations the day before Conference. More than 85 appointments were made with specialists from across the country. In addition to the abundance of informational sessions, the 2008 Conference boasted overwhelmingly popular social activities. The Talent Show drew rave reviews from a crowd of over 200! The Kids Game Night, Adults Dance, and Awards Dinner & Dance were other well-attended social events. The success of the 2008 National Conference on OI re-affirmed the importance of the event. There is no other place where families and individuals with OI can come together for support, education, and fun. Ten-time Conference attendee, Ann Marie Geiger, says. “Nowhere else can I go and have a doctor answer a question from his personal experience and not from trying to remember the one case of OI he saw back in medical school 30 years ago. Nowhere else can I go and share my stories and my life and get understanding, not pity or abandonment. Nowhere else can I go and laugh at the ridiculous ways to break something!” The focus is now moving forward to the 2010 National Conference on OI, which will be held July 8-10 in Portland, Oregon. See you there! Gemma and Dick Geisman Remembering Dick Geisman The National Conference on OI from August 1-3, 2008 provided an opportunity for people in the OI community to build friendships, share experiences, and exchange tips for daily living with each other. The OI Foundation is sad to report that a dear friend, Richard “Dick” Geisman, passed away on September 30, 2008 after a long and courageous battle against pulmonary fibrosis. When Dick and Gemma Geisman’s son, Mike, was born with OI in 1956, Dick was determined that his fragile little boy’s life would be as normal as possible. Dick designed and constructed special chairs, beds, and a shower that Mike could use, and carried Mike everywhere the family went, including up the steep steps to the upper deck of Riverfront Stadium to watch baseball games. There was little or no information available to families when Mike was diagnosed with OI. Gemma’s two articles published in Redbook magazine in 1968 and 1970 became the building blocks of the OI Foundation. As OI families throughout the country responded to the articles requesting information and support, Dick and Gemma went into action. By 1970, Gemma had co-founded the OI Foundation. Dick served as the Foundation’s greatest cheerleader and provided the necessary support at home as Gemma worked to guide the development of the Foundation. During his retirement, Dick enjoyed attending the OI Foundation conferences; providing encouragement and support to the young individuals with OI. As we say goodbye to Dick with tears in our eyes and sorrow in our hearts, we also recognize and celebrate the contribution of our founding families who have always been the greatest cheerleaders for the OI Foundation. 4 OI FO u n d at I On FY 2009 an n u a l Re p O Rt
Education & Mutual Support Why Join a Support Group? Help + Opinions + Personal Growth + Education = HOPE “With our group someone always has an answer for our question or problem.” “We are so thankful that we have a place to come and share our story, listen to others, and see adults who are successful with OI.” Whether attending a semi-pro baseball game, walking with the kids through a zoo or Exploratorium, listening to an educational presentation about living with OI, or simply throwing burgers on the grill, the OI community comes together offering support, encouragement and friendship. Seventeen events were held from July 2008 through June 2009 with activities ranging from casual summer picnics, to holiday parties, to presentations about service dogs, water therapy and other information related to living with OI. During the fiscal year ending June 30, new support groups were formed in Louisiana and North Carolina. Since July, six additional groups have formed, bringing the total number nationwide to 32. The newest groups are located in Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Florida, Connecticut, Long Island, NY, and Montana. Did you miss your local support group meeting? Check this list of states and months in which meetings were held during 2009. Arizona: July, August, September, October California (Northern): March, June Connecticut: November Florida (Central): January, March, November Florida (South): August, September, October Illinois: April Minnesota: April, October New Jersey: April, May, September, November New Mexico: July, August, October Ohio (Cincinnati): March, July, September, December Pennsylvania: September Texas (Central): August Washington: June, August To ensure you don’t miss the next support group meeting, stay posted for news by going to the Events page or calendar on our website. If you want to receive an email announcement of the next meeting, sign up at ww.oif.org to receive E-News announcements. OI FO u n d at I On FY 2009 an n u a l Re p O Rt 5
Page 1 and 2: 2009 Annual Report Improving Lives
Page 3: Science & Research 10 th Internatio
Page 7 and 8: Awareness OI Family Featured on ABC
Page 9 and 10: Financials For a complete copy of o
Page 11 and 12: Financials OI FO u n d at I On FY 2
Page 13 and 14: Honor Roll of Donors Stifel Nicolau
Page 15 and 16: Honor Roll of Donors Ms. Colleen Bu
Page 17 and 18: Honor Roll of Donors Ms. Marsha Joh
Page 19 and 20: Honor Roll of Donors Mrs. Janice Ro
Page 21 and 22: People Lifetime Members Mr. & Mrs.
Page 23 and 24: People Board of Directors 2009-2010

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