Department Updates

************ Latest in Research ************

-Electrogastrogram Analyzer - FDA-cleared-
This innovative, patented technology is the first FDA-cleared device
for aiding the diagnosis of dysrhythmias associated with gastric
motility disorders. This device, originally developed by
Kenneth L. Koch, MD, G.I. Section Chief at Wake Forest University ,
and is designed to provide physicians with objective information
that can help guide the selection of therapy and patient
management of gastric motility disorders. It was introduced at this
year's Digestive Disease Week conference in May and is currently
being used in a variety of clinical settings.

The Electrogastrogram Analyzer is a non-invasive test that measures
myoelectrical activity of the stomach and can identify and analyze
the presence of gastric dysrhythmias--disturbances in the
stomach's natural myoelectrical activities. These dysrhythmias are
associated with gastric motility disorders such as dyspepsia,
unexplained nausea, vomiting, GERDS, and Gastroparesis. The
Electrogastrogram Analyzer can record, analyze and compare patient's
results with control values. If a dysrhythmia is identified,
corrective action can be investigated and implemented. If the test
shows that a dysrhythmia is not present, the physician is able to
select a different course of action to diagnose and treat the
condition."

-Volunteers needed for Gastroparesis study-
Physicians are studying an investigational medication for the
treatment of gastroparesis, and are seeking volunteers to take part.
Volunteers will receive free physical examinations and laboratory
services, free doctor visits, and free study medications. Contact:
Southeastern Clinical Research, 979 East Third Street, Suite 1105 ,
Chattanooga , TN 37403 ; telephone (423) 778-6947.

Our Research Department is constantly searching for new information
on Gastroparesis for public availability. For those who work in the
medical field as a physician or researcher your assistance
is welcomed.



************ Fundraising Department *************

The Fundraising Department is always looking for volunteers or for
people who can advise on Fund Raising events (if they have done them
before, etc). If you feel that you would be interested in
helping in this area please contact Jo Fick, our Volunteer
Coordinator and she will send you the necessary volunteer form.

The following is a list of our ongoing Fundraising projects:
· Carissa Haston, President/Webmaster, is sponsoring a fundraiser
  based on "someone you know has GP". This fundraiser involves
  gathering information from patients with GP, as well as a picture,
  and personalizing cards and donor forms for each patient to send
  to his/her loved ones in an effort to raise support from those
  closest to them.

· Ink jet cartridge recycling is available and we all can contribute
  to this. Just tell or ask anyone to collect his or her print
  cartridges. G-PACT members can send them in to the company at no
  cost and receive a profit for our time. If you are
  interested in this, you can e-mail fundraising@g-pact.org for a
  list of cartridges and prices for each. The company sends us
  the mailing supplies and postage, which means that G-PACT doesn't
  have to put any money into the project and still be able to
  receive reimbursements.

· Cookbooks: We have recipes coming in, asking everyone for them and
  getting a good response.  Please continue to send them in. They
  don't have to be from GPer's only; they can be a favorite one of a
  family member, relative or friend. You may e-mail your
  recipe/recipes to the Fundraising Department at fundraising@g-pact.org .



************** From the office of Public Relations **************


-In-person Support Groups-
The in-person support groups will be for the GP group members, those
who are newly diagnosed in the area, and friends and family members
of the GP sufferers. The groups will be held in the Pittsburgh
and Hershey PA, Columbus OH , Orlando FL , and Rochester , MI .  Based
on the need and success of these first meeting we will be expanding
to more locations.

The focus of the groups will be meeting and interacting with others
who suffer from GP. We hope that this will give everyone involved
the extra support and information that they need to better cope
with this disease.

These meetings will be held in a common meeting place such as a
Hospital meeting room, or a Community Center. If you know of anyone
willing to donate such a space, please contact Carey at
cmamich@g-pact.org . Our hope is to get a GI doctor to attend to
help answer general questions that some people may have.

We hope to continue to provide public awareness about Gastroparesis
by getting in touch with local GI physicians in the areas for their
permission to place our G-PACT brochures in their offices along
with information regarding the In-person contact program.

We are compiling a state by state guide to be placed on G-PACT's
website of reputable GI doctors and motility specialists; If you
would like for us to contact a physician please send their name and
office information to Carey at cmamich@g-pact.org and she will be
happy to contact them.

******** Volunteers Needed ************


-Volunteer Coordinator-
G-PACT is always looking for volunteers in all areas. If you feel
that you would be interested in helping in any capacity please
contact our Volunteer Coordinator Jo Fick at volunteer@g-pact.org  or
jfick@g-pact.org . Jo will be happy to assist you with the necessary
information and forms

Jo Fick, Volunteer Coordinator, Lila Litter, Administrative
Assistant, and Carey Mamich are working on ideas for recruiting
volunteers for the vacant Board of Directors positions, as well as
the Fundraising position and general volunteer work. One way
they are planning to do this is by attending the GP group sponsored
chats. We feel this would be a good indicator of who can handle
questions as well and adversity, in an informal manner.

Carissa is also looking for additional assistance in order to
maintain and add to the website, so please write to webmaster@g-
pact.org  if you have an interest in this or further questions about
the responsibility. Requirements for this position include advanced
knowledge of web design, experience in designing using Microsoft
Front Page 2000, excellent writing skills, software such as Front
Page 2000 and the latest version of Photoshop, at least 10-15 hours
a week to focus on the website, link to one or two websites you have
designed using Front Page 2000, as well as all information requested
on the detailed application form which will be sent to you once you
know you are seriously interested in this position.