The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA) fields calls every day from people who want to know as much as possible about complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), its treatment, and how to manage chronic pain. They keep us focused on our mission and remind us of the devastation caused by the pain and disability associated with CRPS. These calls, as well as e-mails from our constituents, drive our agenda and we are continually amazed at what a small, but focused, group of people are able to accomplish.
RSDSA has several works in progress that will be completed before the end of 2008. Some of the most significant are:
We are producing a DVD that will instruct physical and occupational therapists how to restore function in people with CRPS.
In Phoenix, Arizona, we will hold a two-day CME-accredited conference on diagnosis and treatment options for CRPS, for healthcare
professionals and patients.
We are participated in the Achilles Walks for Hope & Possibility in Cincinnati and New York, as well as numerous walks and fundraising events across the country.
We updated Recognizing, Understanding, and Treating CRPS, a brochure that details the signs and symptoms of CRPS, and presents some treatment options.
We were involved in getting the NJ CRPS Education and Research Program Act passed and signed into law, and are working to have awareness bills passed in other states.
In 2007:
We participated in the Achilles Walks for Hope & Possibility in Atlanta and New York, as well as another independent fundraising walk in Minneapolis, an offshoot of the 2006 Achilles Walk there.
In conjunction with Emory University, we held a one-day CME-accredited conference for healthcare professionals on the diagnosis and treatment options for CRPS.
We created a tri-fold brochure for and PowerPoint® slide show for pediatric CRPS, to be used at Key Club and Kiwanis presentations throughout NJ.
We published Take Flight with Hope: Stories of Hope and Transformation, a compilation of stories for and about our
members that illustrate positive outcomes of people who suffer from CRPS.
We produced an ‘I Have CRPS’ Card that describes CRPS from the point of view of a person with the syndrome, and
includes some suggestions on how others might help.
We created an ‘Exit Care’ document that emergency departments can give to people with CRPS.
We extended our online reach through the expansion of the RSDSA website, and a web survey that generated more than 28,000 responses from our constituency.
RSDSA has funded $1,243,371 in fellowships and research grants since 1992. In 2007, RSDSA funded $144,906 in CRPS-related research.
Updated
July 23, 2008
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