*****G-PACT Awarded Grant from Medtronic***** 

In October, G-PACT was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Medtronic Foundation to be used towards our Awareness Campaign. In the coming months, G-PACT will begin mailing out informational packets and brochures to doctors, researchers, and patients nationwide. Please contact us at 1-888-820-0729 or info@g-pact.org to request that information be sent to you and/or your doctor. Please include name, mailing address, and who will be receiving the information (patient, doctor, etc).

 

*****Seeking Patients with Diabetic GP*****

The following info is from Catalyst Pharmaceuticals who works with Chugai on research studies. They contacted G-PACT a couple of weeks ago to request assistance by reaching out to people with diabetic gastroparesis who might be interested in this study. I sincerely hope that many of you will make this call, and have excellent results. It's encouraging to see growing interest in gastroparesis which has been overlooked for a long time! 

VOLUNTEERS BEING SCREENED FOR A GASTROPARESIS CLINICAL RESEARCH TRIAL

Volunteers are currently being screened for a clinical research trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication for the treatment of gastroparesis. To qualify for this clinical research trial you must be a diabetic, at least 18 years of age, and taking insulin to control your diabetes. Qualified participants will receive study medication and study-related health assessments.  If you are interested in learning if you qualify for this study, call toll free 1-866-234-4484.

 

*****PAL Program Assisting Many Patients!***** 

The Patient Awareness Liaison Program (a.k.a. PAL) was launched in August 2003. This is a program for Gastroparesis sufferers, who have questions about this illness, need someone with an attentive ear to listen, or who may need information for handling an insurance denial. This is an excellent way to offer support and answer questions for Gastroparesis sufferers and family because it offers a personalized and precise support for those who use the service. G-PACT provides five 1-800 numbers* for callers to use when in need of support.   

If you are in need of individualized assistance or support, you will find information on each of the active volunteers on the website and in the monthly e-mail newsletter.  

Guidelines and additional information about this individualized, toll-free support network is available on our website at www.g-pact.org/palprogram.htm  

*G-PACT would like to thank Medtronic for sponsoring this very important program! 
 

Current PAL Volunteers:  

Jo F
-Location: Detroit , Michigan
- Age: 50
-GP History: Diagnosed with gp in 3/02, but was sick for years before that
-Areas of experience: diet, medication, treatment options, botox
-Marital/Family Status: Married, two children, age 23 and 10
-Time Zone: Eastern
-Available hours: 4-7 PM M-F, 9pm-1am M-F
-Toll Free: 1-866-58-GPACT

Lila L
-Age: 62 
-Location: Orlando , Florida
-Area of knowledge: General Gastroparesis Issues and Procedures                Gastroparesis Patient Support
-Connection to Gastroparesis: Friend diagnosed with idiopathic Gastroparesis
-Marital/Family Information: Retired, Wife, Mother and Grandmother
-Time Zone: Eastern
-Available Hours:  Monday- Friday 12pm-3pm
-Toll Free: 1-866-59-GPACT 

Diane C.
- Age: 45
-Location: Western Tennessee  
-GP History: Diagnosed 7 years ago, have suffered with
symptoms of GP for at least 10 years, but probably back to teenage years
-Areas of Experience: abdominal x-rays, upper GI barium x-rays, lower GI barium enema with x-rays, abdominal CT Scan, MRI, Endoscopy, EGD, ERCP, Gastric Emptying Scan, Anal Mamometry, Endoscopic Gastric Motility Probe, Esophageal Mamometry, Sitz Marker x-ray 
-Past Surgical Procedures:  Appendectomy, Gall Bladder Removal Internal Anal Sphincterectomy 
-Current Medical Diagnoses:  Type II Diabetes, GERD, IBS, Asthma, Gastroparesis, Chronic
Pseudo-Obstructive Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Pancreatitis, Chronic Hepatitis
(due to elevated cholesterol)
-Available Hours: 9 AM- Noon MWF, 3 PM-6 PM T, R, Sat
-Toll Free: 1-866-60-GPACT

 

*****Restaurant Cards are available!!***** 

G-PACT has created personalized restaurant cards in the size of business cards for all people dealing with gastroparesis. They can be used at restaurants when a GP patient needs to order a meal in a smaller portion. These cards request that people with GP be allowed to order off the child or seniors menu, or share a dinner with another customer. This help patients reduce the cost of meals and amount of wasted food they cannot finish. They are free to anybody with gastroparesis. Just send an SASE to the following address to request your card. Please include your name so we can personalize it for you. If you lose your card, we will replace it. We have received excellent responses about this program!

Veronica Pennington
G-PACT Ohio Office
109 E. Spring Ave.
Bellefontaine , OH   43311    

Your card is usually shipped within the same week it is received.  If you have any questions please contact Veronica at vpennington@g-pact.org

 

DEPARTMENT NEWS

*****G-PACT Welcomes Diane Chandler***** 

Diane Chandler has taken on the role of Public Relations Co-Director. She works closely with Carey to maintain the rapidly growing PR Department. She will be attending the American Motility Society Patient Conference in February as a representative of G-PACT! She has already contributed a lot to G-PACT, and we are thrilled to have her on our team!