Looking Back on a Very Successful 2011

Happy New Year to Everyone! 2011 has been a successful growth year for Answering TTP Foundation. Thank you to all involved. We are excited for 2012!

2011 Highlights

• PATIENT SUPPORT
• NEW TTP Patient Brochures were distributed and promoted during the Rare Diseases Day Roadshow. These informational brochures explain TTP in simple terms and advise patients of our support programs. Hard copies are shipped free of charge to TTP treatment centres for distribution to patients.  Translated versions, in French and German, are available for download from www.AnsweringTTP.org.

•  Local Support Groups were organized in both Vancouver (March 2011) and Toronto (April & October). Click for details.

Toronto Support Group

• Electronic Quarterly Newsletters featuring patient and supporter stories, as well as current issues and Answering TTP Foundation updates were distributed to a growing Answering TTP Community network (now almost 1000 strong). Click to register for yours.
• Patient -to-Patient Outreach has begun connecting TTP patients to provide peer support via telephone or email. A toll free patient peer support line has been established to help newly diagnosed patients reach out 1-888-506-5458.

• PATIENT ACCESS
• Solvent Detergent Plasma. Answering TTP Foundation assembled a team to provide patient feedback to the CADTH draft report regarding the availability of Solvent Detergent Plasma in Canada. Click here for CADTH information. The team surveyed the Answering TTP Community to provide insight from as many patients as possible. Answering TTP Foundation has been notified that preparations are currently underway to make Solvent Detergent Plasma available in Canada in 2012.

•  BLOOD DONATION
• Partners for Life with Canadian Blood Services ID # ANSW011432. Blood donors are encouraged to join the Answering TTP Blood Donation team to help replenish the massive amount of blood product critical to the treatment of each TTP patient crisis. Click here for details.
• Volunteer Speakers Bureau. Answering TTP Foundation patient volunteers share their stories at lunch'n learn sessions hosted at various corporate offices to help encourage blood donation.
• Big Save Event. Answering TTP Foundation patient volunteers participate in Canadian Blood Services biggest blood drive ever at the Air Canada Centre which raised 574 units!

• FUNDRAISER EVENTS
• June 4, 2011: Chance & Change Game Night raises $80 000 for TTP research. It took a team of 20 dedicated volunteers, the generosity from over 100 guests and additional donors, numerous corporate gold, silver and bronze sponsors and program advertisers.

 

• September 24, 2011: Walk to Answer TTP Together was a great success. We raised awareness and $22 000 for TTP. 70 participants from Canada, US and Europe walked "together" in their local communities.

• Ongoing: TTP Denim Days have raised almost $4000 to date for TTP. These prepackaged fundraisers engage the TTP community to educate their communities about TTP. 

• IN THE NEWS
• Roadshow West jump-started Answering TTP Foundation's initiative to connect with the geographically dispersed TTP patient and medical community. The kickoff with Canadian Blood Services in Winnipeg resulted in much needed TTP awareness in the form of print articles, radio interviews and a TV spotlight featured on Breakfast Television. 

Sydney & Karen Black at CJOB in Winnipeg

• Georgia Straight, Vancouver, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura strikes and patients act, by Gail Johnson, May 4, 2011. Click for full article.
• Globe and Mail, Toronto, Blood Disease: It's hard to raise funds for a rare illness, by Paul Waldie, Dec 5, 2011. Click for full article.

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Remember our call for applications to join our team! 

We have a great deal of opportunity to translate into action to help improve the prognosis for all TTP patients.  

Our organization is in a grass roots growth phase that will provide you with great opportunity; whether you are new to the workforce and are looking for experience towards your resume, or you are a seasoned professional looking to lend your skills to a worthy cause. Applications are due Jan 6, 2012. Click here for details.

Volunteer positions include: Outreach Coordinator, Communications Specialist, Finance Team Chair, Volunteer Coordinator, Walk Team Chair, Sponsorship Coordinator and Local Support Group Coordinator. Volunteer from anywhere in the world! Apply today. Contact Sydney@AnsweringTTP.org with any questions.