********Two years down, many more to come!********  

G-PACT recently celebrated our second anniversary! On August 23, 2001 we were officially founded after months of planning and organization. This rapidly growing non-profit was originally started by nine people in the largest online support group in the US for this condition, but a group which also expands well beyond the US boundaries. Most of the founders suffer from gastroparesis themselves, and others became involved on behalf of a loved one. G-PACT has a very strong patient support, awareness, and education focus, although we are involved in many other various projects across the US . We gear what we do and our goals towards the needs that medical professionals, patients, and families express to us.

It’s amazing for those of us who have been involved in G-PACT from day one to look back two years and recognize how much we have accomplished since we were founded. Our initial goals have developed into more than we ever could have imagined. We have helped people we have never met, and most whom we will never meet, in so many ways. We have made an impact on the medical community, and G-PACT has been able to get involved in a network of other programs throughout the country. We frequently get calls to participate in conferences, distribute information, or publicize major events. G-PACT is working with doctors and researchers as much as possible, while providing many programs geared to help patients cope with this each day and find some hope for the future. We help people develop the advocacy skills they need to learn about this condition so they can help friends, family members, and sometimes even doctors understand the many aspects of gastroparesis.

G-PACT is unique to other organizations in many ways, and we also have additional obstacles. In spite of that, we are fighting hard for our cause and for those we work with and serve on a daily basis. We are pleased that we have come through our first two years with flying colors, and we already have many major events lined up for our third year. In addition, we have received some grants to help us work towards our very important goals. Although our to-do list keeps growing, we see it as a positive thing because clearly we are accomplishing a lot. If not, we would have no list! We are excited about the next year, and hope that you experience our excitement as well. Be sure to check out our website, www.g-pact.org, for additional information.   

********G-PACT launches a new program to offer patient assistance!********

The Patient Awareness Liaison Program (a.k.a. PAL) is a program for Gastroparesis sufferers who have questions about this illness, need someone with a 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. The G-PACT website will provide information on each one of the active volunteers each month which will list all pertinent information to aid the caller in determining whom he/she would like to contact. Due to the rotating schedule, you may not be able to speak with the same PAL volunteer you have spoken with previously.

PAL Volunteers are able to answer basic questions about various aspects of gastroparesis, tests, procedures, and treatment options. In addition, PAL Volunteers are able to provide information on support groups, motility doctors, requests for printed information on G-PACT, and other related information, or just offer a listening ear. They may also refer callers to websites or other resources where more information may be obtained regarding their particular questions. However, PAL Volunteers cannot provide medical advice. Medical advice includes any information directly related to the caller's situation (i.e. whether a treatment will work, medication doses he/she should take, etc). They also cannot offer any crisis counseling, but will refer callers to the appropriate crisis hotline. PAL Volunteers are NOT counselors, they are simply available to assist people with Gastroparesis by answering basic questions, offering a listening ear, referring them to appropriate resources to receive information we cannot provide, and providing a way to get answers about their questions quickly and efficiently.

*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
-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 ½ 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: To Be Determined
-Toll Free: 1-866-60-GPACT