We met in the Fairchild Auditorium at Stanford University.
The auditorium was very comfortable, and the days were beautifully sunny. For Saturday lunch, we had tables outside on the lawn.
(Photo of Stanford's main Oval, courtesy of Stanford University)
Don and Peggy M. of Mississippi were honored on their retirement from the Board for their seven years of outstanding service to the VHL Family Alliance. While they are leaving the Board, they continue to serve, Don as Chairman of the Publications Committee, and Peggy as Chairman of the 800 Line Commitee.
Joyce Graff at right, incoming Chairman of the Alliance.
Dawn Cerf of California was honored as Chapter Chair of the Year. The award is presented here by Peggy M., who has chaired the Chapters Committee for the last seven years. Kathy B. will be chairing the Chapters Committee in the coming year.
Pierre Jacomet of Chile received the International Volunteer of the Year award for his work in bringing to fruition the first ever book for doctors on VHL in Spanish, and for his efforts in raising the visibility of VHL throughout Latin America.
Myriam Gorospe, Ph.D., our Director of Research, was given the Minster Award for the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. She was honored for her work in encouraging research on VHL, attracting grant applications, organizing the review of the applications, and working with the Research Advisory Board and the Board of Directors to choose the grants to be awarded. In addition, she has been instrumental in extending services to people in Spanish language worldwide.
Tim Nielsen, our new Director of Public Relations, presented a draft brochure for comment by the attendees. The brochure was very well received, and will be sent out with the September newsletters.
On Sunday morning, Dawn Cerf led the group in Tai Chi, traditional Chinese exercises for flexibility and breathing.
Maria's daughters Jamie (left) and Jessika (center) volunteered at the registration table throughout the conference.
Dr. Fabián Fonseca (right) came from Bogotá, Colombia, to speak on urologic issues in VHL.
The VHLFA Board of Directors met for a full day to launch the year's activities, and do some long-range planning as well.
Don M. ran the sales tables throughout the conference. Here he takes a well-earned rest in the lobby.
It took a lot of work to make the meeting successful, but it was all worthwhile!
