Don M. was honored at the Burlington meeting for his unstinting service as chairman of the Publications Committee. "In fact, Don is the publications committee." Most people know his name since he sends out the new member packets, and information packets for physicians. Don arranges printing services for all Alliance publications for the best possible price, and makes sure they are in the right place at the right time. In his exhibit at the Burlington meeting, he displayed samples of our publications in four languages, and some amazing statistics: in only two years we have distributed more than 5,000 Handbooks and 30,000 brochures to people in more than 20 countries. "We couldn't have done it without Don's caring and efficient partnership."

The First Annual Minster Volunteer Service Award was presented by Susan Warnick, incoming Chairman of the Board, to Joyce Graff. "We are all grateful for Joyce's vision and leadership. While I had envisioned a nice little local organization, Joyce was thinking world-wide -- and making it happen." "Well," said Joyce, "for thirty years the doctors told me and my husband that VHL was so rare, he was one of only about nine affected people in the world. So I thought we should look world-wide and find all nine. So far we have found nearly 4,000 people with VHL." Dr. Aiello read his version of "You've Got a Friend," a song by Carole King, modified to "All you have to do is call, and Joyce Graff and the VHL Family Alliance will be there. You've got a friend."

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 3:2, June 1995:. For permission to reprint, please contact the VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org. Further information is available from the VHL Family Alliance, info@vhl.org.