A husband, father, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle and brother-in-law to a large affected VHL family, Don has dedicated himself to helping others live with and find a treatment to manage VHL. For the past four years he has been the Publications Coordinator for the VHL Family Alliance, sending new patient packets to those seeking information and managing the printing and distribution of most VHL material. He also is the co-chair of the Mid-South chapters, including Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas, along with his wife, Peggy M.. He also assists Peggy with the coordination of the 800 line, State Chapters, and creating the Chapter/800/Internet menual for the VHLFA.

Don is a Vocational Electronics and Computer Instructor at the local Vocational Technical Center and is presently completing his Masters Teaching Program at Mississippi State University. Peggy and Don reside in Corinth, Mississippi, along with their two daughters and four grandchildren.

The future of the VHL Family Alliance depends on dedicated committment from many people, "I am glad I can offer any of my talents to this cause to help my World Wide Family to meet the challenges of Living with VHL."

Peggy M. was reelected to the Board of Directors to serve her second term. Peggy is Vice Chair of the VHLFA, Chair of the Chapters Committee and the 800 line Committee. Since she became Chapters Chair, she has added 22 new state chapters. The 800 Line is a committee of five that answers calls requesting information, needing assistance and having someone to listen to when support is needed. Peggy is also Co-Chair of the Mid-South Chapters and is a Day Care provider in Corinth, Mississippi.

Peggy feels, "There is more hope than ever to find a treatment for VHL through the efforts of the VHLFA, and I want to continue to be an active participant."

As published in the VHL Family Forum, newsletter of the VHL Family Alliance, June 1997