**Please complete our short health care priorities survey and help AARDA help YOU!
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) wants to ensure that we are truly advocating for the issues that matter most to you -- autoimmune disease patients and your families. By taking less than 60 seconds to fill out this short survey you will be giving AARDA the information we need to ensure that your interests are represented in Congress for health care reform. Please RANK the the priorities in order of importance.
Click here for the survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Vv2jdU_2fqSawld9ZX9JwFVQ_3d_3d
**Your help with advocacy is needed**
AARDA needs every autoimmune patient, family member, and friend to contact their U.S. Representative in support of H.R. 2084, also called the "Prevention, Awareness, and Research of Autoimmune Diseases Act of 2009." This important legislation was introduced by Patrick J. Kennedy on April 23, 2009. Please go to our Advocacy Page for information on ways you can help. http://www.aarda.org/advocacy_issues.php
Autoimmune Patients and Families - AARDA has launched a new online patient forum. More... http://www.aarda.org/press_release_display.php?ID=49
Which diseases are autoimmune? See the list http://www.aarda.org/research_display.php?ID=47
FREE Public Forum in Orlando - What Every American Needs to Know About Autoimmune Disease on October 24, 2009, from 10:00-1:00 at the Harry P. Leu Gardens. For more information http://www.aarda.org/upcoming_events.php
Raptiva Patients - If you are currently taking Raptiva please read the following urgent notification from Genentech. http://www.gene.com/gene/products/information/pdf/raptiva_withdrawal_patient.pdf
Shop in support of AARDA this summer! - It's that time of year. Time to search for that perfect summer dress, favorite pair of running shoes, and possibly even a new beach bag! With so much to do this summer why not couple your support for AARDA with your love of shopping? AARDA has partnered with a number of online stores so that when you do your shopping, a portion of your dollars are donated to AARDA. Now that's multitasking at its very best! To support AARDA, use an online retailer like iGive. For a link to these online stores, check out our fundraising page http://www.aarda.org/fundraising.php
Make AARDA part of your workplace giving program. Many employers match your contribution. More... http://www.aarda.org/user_content/workplace_giving.php
AARDA IN THE NEWS:
Know Your Family AQ -- AARDA's first-ever national public service (PSA) campaign title, "Know Your Family AQ," starring well-known acress and longtime AARDA spokesperson Kellie Martin may be on your TV! AQ is aplay on IQ and stands for Autoimmune Quotient. How likely are you or a loved one to develop an autommune disease? It is designed to educate Americans about the existence of the close genetic relationship and common pathway of disease among autoimmune diseases, which helps explain the clustering of these diseases in individuals and throughout families. Click here www.aarda.org/videos.php for more information and advice for learning your family's AQ.
Men Get Autoimmune Diseases, Too -- This AARDA campaign, launched in April of 2008, consists of 30-second radio and television public service announcements and education materials designed to raise awareness about the fact that, while women are disproportionately affected, these diseases do not discriminate when it comes to gender. Specifically, the PSAs inform men about the importance of knowing their family AQ. Visit http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/aarda/32498/ to download all campaign elements.
