The New York Chapter meeting was held in November 20, 1999 at the Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Mt. Sinai is a VHLFA Clinical Care Center. The meeting was attended by: Julie McGwynn, Genetic Counselor and center contact person; Teresa Iodice, MA, PT/OT Director at the International Center for the Disabled (ICD); Bob and Evelyn Werner, Lillian White, Kathy and Stacy Richards, Joyce Johnson, Fred and Altheada Johnson.

The subject of the meeting was Relaxation Techniques. The presentation was given by Teresa Iodice. Ms. Iodice emphasized maintaining 'centeredness' while under stress, like the stress of having VHL and the guilt that parents feel when their children are diagnosed. Now, I am not a parent but I do have parents and guilt is not something I think any parent should feel about passing on VHL.

For many, VHL was not even diagnosed when children were conceived. For others, there was no knowledge that VHL could be passed on. And what if my parents had known, would I and my siblings be here today? I don't know but I am glad to be here in this world -- VHL or not. Mostly, my life has been good. I love lots of people and lots of them love me.

How do we reacquire 'centeredness' on the way to relaxation?

Control and 'Letting Go'
Forgiveness
Health and well being
Spiritual awakening
Love and support
Self acceptance and acceptance of others

Types of Relaxation Techniques:

External Physical Techniques: Massage, acupuncture, shiatsu, stroking, any sort of bodily manipulation external touching.
Physical Activity: Walking, aerobics and other sports.
Physical/Mental/Spiritual: Tai Chi, Chi Gong, martial arts, Feldenkreis, singing and dancing.
Mental/Spiritual: Prayer, mantra, rosary, conversation with a trusting person/God/confession/therapy, music, singing.
Specific Techniques: Visualization, Hypnosis, Deep Breathing and Muscle contraction exercises.

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 8:1, March 2000. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org. Further information is available from the VHL Family Alliance, info@vhl.org.