CheckOrphan Launches iWish to Commemorate Rare Disease Day

CheckOrphan Launches iWish to Commemorate Rare Disease Day

CheckOrphan, the leading news site for rare, orphan and neglected diseases, launches iWish, which allows people to visually (creative, artistic and realistic images) show their conception of these diseases through and image. In addition, people are invited to explain their imagery and add their iWish - which should convey creative solutions for a rare disease or for the community in general.

Basel, Switzerland (PRWEB) February 28, 2009 -- Today, CheckOrphan is launching one of its flagship features - iWish (http://www.checkorphan.org/content/iWish) - in conjunction with Rare Disease Day, February 28, which is an international effort to raise awareness for rare diseases and the needs of people affected by them.

To help commemorate this day, iWish is a way for people affected by, or working with, rare diseases to step forward and tell their stories through words and images. Currently, CheckOrphan is accepting iWish submissions in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Participants are asked to provide a text of up to 1,000 words describing a change or development they would like to see in the world of rare diseases - their iWish. They are also encouraged to discuss their experience with a rare disease or diseases, if applicable, and to provide and describe an image (a photograph or other creative image) that in some way complements or illustrates their text. Examples of some iWish contributions can be viewed at:

http://www.checkorphan.org/content/iWish

"People affected by a rare disease have the chance to show the world in an artistic or realistic way through a picture and words what it is like to have a rare disease," explains Ian Sowers, Head of Marketing and PR for CheckOrphan. "But, we also encourage industry professionals, physicians, researchers and others to explain want they encounter as well. This way the world will have a complete view of the problem, accompanied with ways to overcome the hurdles that rare, orphan and neglected diseases face."

CheckOrphan's goal is to allow people around the world to provide creative solutions, through their iWish. At the same time CheckOrphan offers people the opportunity to make an iWish come true. People who want to support an iWish can contact CheckOrphan and then CheckOrphan will contact the individual who submitted the iWish on behalf of the interested supporter.

"Rare, orphan and neglected disease need solutions. They are a huge drain on families and society in general," says Robert Derham, President of CheckOrphan. "So as the saying goes 'two heads are better than one' - we believe that 7 billion heads will be even better. Collectively we will be able to think outside of the box and start to bring solutions to the hundreds of millions of people that are affected with rare, orphan and neglected diseases."

Since its inception two years ago, CheckOrphan.org has become the leading online source of news about rare, orphan, and neglected diseases.

Recently re-launched with a new look and increased functionality, CheckOrphan is dedicated to being a complete web platform for rare diseases that unites and empowers researchers, physicians, professionals and, most importantly, those affected by rare diseases so that they can initiate change.

CheckOrphan's features include: a database of over 8,000 news articles (http://www.checkorphan.org/news) about rare diseases, events, clinical trials, treatments (http://www.checkorphan.org/node/8379), research publications, physician-researcher-hospital-organization-industry databases, videos, daily newsletters and more. Users can submit content for each feature

About CheckOrphan

CheckOrphan is the leading source of news about rare, orphan and neglected diseases. Its news database holds the largest concentration of articles about rare diseases, with over 8,000 entries. CheckOrphan's users benefit from several large databases that also include: events, treatments, research publications, physician-researcher-hospital-organization-industry databases, videos, daily newsletters and more. It is also home to iWish - every wish means hope for a better tomorrow.

CheckOrphan is a non-profit organization that encourages its visitors to submit content and information to the platform. CheckOrphan is always interested in meeting new partners and supporters. CheckOrphan would like to thank the Gebert Rüf Stiftung for its support. For more information about this foundation, please visit http://www.grstiftung.ch.

Contact:

CheckOrphan

Ian Sowers

Head of Marketing and PR

Tel: +41 61 267 0447

Mob: +41 79 719 5539

Robert Derham

President

Tel: +41 61 267 0447

Mob: +41 78 662 5231

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Contact Information Robert Derham

CheckOrphan

http://www.checkorphan.org

+41 61 267 0447

Ian Sowers

CheckOrphan

http://www.checkorphan.org

Inspired Cancer Survivor Launches Customized Hair Replacement Techniques at Award-Winning Hair Salon

Inspired Cancer Survivor Launches Customized Hair Replacement Techniques at Award-Winning Hair Salon

Greenbelt, MD Salon & Hair Replacement Center, Hair Fantasy, LLC is now offering new innovative hair replacement services for clients battling with hair loss, thinning hair or baldness.

Greenbelt, MD (PRWEB) February 27, 2009 -- There are several reasons for hair loss that may be attributed to chemotherapy from cancer, burn trauma, alopecia, male pattern baldness, follicular damage, side effects from medication, iron or zinc deficiency and/or the effects associated with aging.

As a former cancer survivor, the Owner and Executive Stylist at Hair Fantasy, LLC, Anita Hampton, says that "she is aware of the circumstances surrounding hair loss, due to her own experience with chemotherapy. She totally empathizes with this struggle and understands the impact that hair loss can have on one's self-esteem". Anita Hampton's passion was sparked in her effort to help others look and feel good about their hair and themselves.

Ms. Hampton discovered that wearing a wig does not lend itself to the natural flexibility of life nor does a wig mimic a real head of hair. Hair Fantasy's newly launched Hair Replacement (www.hairfantasy.net) solution offers hair that one can swim in, exercise in, style, sleep in, shower in--and hair that is so uniquely customized that it resembles one's own natural hair!

At Hair Fantasy, miracles have been created by the formation of undetectable hair replacement units. The staff at Hair Fantasy understands that hair loss and hair replacement are personal, sensitive and private matters and therefore ensures that each client receives a private consultation. The complete hair replacement process is also done in private. All hair units are made with 100% human hair and come in a variety of textures, colors and lengths. The hair unit, which does not consist of tracks, is custom made and custom fitted to each client's head.

About Hair Fantasy, LLC

Hair Fantasy (www.hairfantasy.net)'s goal and mission is to turn hair loss trauma into hair replacement triumph, while serving clients with dignity and respect. Hair Fantasy, LLC has been a longstanding participant and sponsor for various events within the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Hair Fantasy, LLC is also a member of the National Cosmetology Association and the proud recipient of the Prince George's County Small Business Initiative's "Outstanding Retail" of the Year Award for highlighted business accomplishments and commitments to the community.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Anita Hampton

Hair Fantasy, LLC

(301)806-HAIR (4247)

www.hairfantasy.net

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Contact Information Anita Hampton

Hair Fantasy, LLC

http://www.hairfantasy.net

(301)806-4247

Stemedica Medical Team Cautions Patients About Stem Cell Therapy & Comments on PLoS Medicine Article

Stemedica Medical Team Cautions Patients About Stem Cell Therapy & Comments on PLoS Medicine Article

Stemedica provides its observations and comments to the media regarding the PLoS Medicine article published online February 17, 2009. The PLoS Medicine article describes a patient who developed "brain tumors" (glioneuronal neoplasms) after undergoing repeated transplants of "fetal neural stem cells" in Russia starting in 2001.

San Diego, California (PRWEB) February 27, 2009 -- Stemedica Cell Technologies (http://www.stemedica.com), Inc. ("Stemedica") provided its observations and comments to the media regarding the PLoS Medicine article published online February 17, 2009. The PLoS Medicine article describes a patient who developed "brain tumors" (glioneuronal neoplasms) after undergoing repeated transplants of "fetal neural stem cells" in Russia starting in 2001.

"All of us at Stemedica would like to extend our condolences to the young patient involved in this situation and our hope is for a speedy and positive outcome to this unfortunate experience. Never before have we or any of our Principal Investigators ever encountered such an occurrence either in our own research or in any of the published research", said Dr. David Howe, Stemedica's Vice President and Medical Director.

"We want to use this unfortunate incident to warn those seeking stem cell therapy abroad," warns Dr. Nikolai Tankovich, President & Chief Medical Officer of Stemedica, "to make certain that the manufacturer of the stem cells used in transplantation comply with the rigid standards that have been established by the FDA and other Internationally-recognized regulatory agencies. The future of this industry and the safety of all future patients depend on such adherence." FDA Compliance and Surveillance Standards can be referenced by visiting www.fda.gov/cber/compliance.htm (http://www.fda.gov/cber/compliance.htm).

The report in PLoS, Donor-Derived Brain Tumor Following Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in an Ataxia Telangiectasia Patient (http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000029), describes the development of multifocal glioneuronal neoplasms along the spinal nerves and brain stem in a 13-year-old patient who underwent repeated transplantation procedures in an attempt to treat ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). A-T is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder known to have an increased risk of developing cancer.

Malignancy and neoplasia are common in A-T secondary to deficient cellular and humoral immunity. This immune deficiency is a contra-indication to stem cell transplant therapy. In addition, the mutations associated with A-T in the A-T mutation gene lead to mutations in nuclear protein, which normally repairs DNA. This loss of DNA repair combined with immune deficiency in A-T increases risk of neoplasia with and without cellular transplant therapy in A-T.

"Due to age, children and adolescents have significantly increased quantities of growth factors. Adding stem cells, known for their growth factor production capabilities, to a child with this presenting condition may have been a contributing factor. As in the administration of pharmaceuticals, many of which are not recommended for use in children and adolescents in the same way as in treating adults, great care must be taken in using stem cell therapy with this population of patients", said Dr. Michael Bayer, Stemedica's Director of Medical Services.

Based on the facts and references cited within the PLoS Medicine article, researchers have discovered that some of the cells were female and had two copies of the gene that causes A-T. Karyotype testing was reported in this case which confirms inadequate testing of the stem cells prior to transplantation. "The stem cell preparation protocol provided to the parents by the treatment team was reviewed and found to be inadequate by our standards", said Dr. Howe. "No cell characteristics, cell markers or bio-safety data was present. Mechanical desegregation in the 8-12 week age fetus is not recommended. Enzymatic separation is preferred, a process that also removes any dead cells that may be present. There is also a significant lack of detail on the number of cell passages as well as the dispersion of the neurospheres", Dr. Howe went on to say.

Dr. Alex Kharazi, Stemedica's Vice President for Manufacturing & Research observed, "Limited cell culturing in only 12-16 days as described in their protocol is like using a crude primary culture of cells. There are numerous risks associated with using crude cell preparations that have not been subjected to rigid manufacturing and testing protocols such as purity, identity and potency. In addition, the antibiotics used to manufacture the stem cells, are potentially neurotoxic." Dr. Kharazi went on to say, "Overall the description provided for the manufacturing protocol was vague and a poor example of what a well thought out manufacturing and safety-driven process should be. For example, there was no data provided relating to tumorgenicity, toxicity, or bio-distribution testing of the manufactured cells in nude mice which is a mandatory requirement as a first and critical step to assessing cell safety."

"Stemedica is committed to a manufacturing process that puts safety first at all times. Our stem cell product lines go through extensive testing during several stages of the manufacturing process and are also subjected to in-depth pre-clinical studies before filing with the FDA and other regulatory agencies for clinical trials", continued Dr. Kharazi. "Nothing is more important than the welfare of the patient and there is no explanation that can justify any deviance from compliance to FDA guidelines for the manufacturing and testing of stem cells prior to administration. These are the guidelines we follow and any patient considering stem cell therapy, at any location worldwide, should confirm that the manufacturer is in full compliance before they decide to undergo stem cell transplantation." warns Dr. Kharazi.

About Stemedica Technologies, Inc.

Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc. (http://www.stemedica.com (http://www.stemedica.com)) is a specialty biopharmaceutical company that is committed to the development and manufacture of best-in-class adult stem cells for use by approved research institutions and hospitals for pre-clinical and clinical studies. Stemdedica complies with the standards and guidelines established by the FDA and the FDB (Food and Drug Board) in the manufacturing and testing of its stem cells. Within the United States, the Company is currently developing regulatory pathways for stroke, traumatic brain injury and wound repair. Outside the United States, Stemedica provides its adult stem cells to hospitals and research centers that are conducting studies under protocols approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies. These studies are focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, sight restoration and wound repair. Stemedica is based in San Diego, California.

Media Contact for Stemedica: Dave McGuigan at dmcguigan (at) stemedica.com.

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Contact Information Dave McGuigan

Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc

http://www.stemedica.com

+1 858 658 0910

Barnett Releases IND Submissions: A Primer

Barnett Releases IND Submissions: A Primer

Barnett International, a division of Cambridge Healthtech Institute, has announced the release of IND Submissions: A Primer, an in-depth guide to writing, editing, tracking, and submitting the original IND and applicable IND amendments. IND Submissions: A Primer is the only comprehensive IND manual of its kind.

Needham, MA (PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- IND Submissions: A Primer provides a "hands-on" approach that teaches regulatory professionals - novice and veteran alike - to work with the regulations, guidance documents, content templates, contributing authors, and style guides necessary to write an IND. The book's writing tips show regulatory professionals how to produce a range of U.S. drug and biologics submissions that comply with the requirements and are also clear to read. Included with the book is a CD filled with electronic examples.

The 600-page, spiral-bound, hardcover book is easy to use, providing step-by-step instructions on how to plan, write, and submit regulatory documents. Each chapter (62 in total) is divided by easy-to-read tabs.

IND Submissions: A Primer is the ideal resource for new professionals entering the field, a useful training guide, and a valuable reference for the experienced professional. This comprehensive "how-to" guide contains:

•    Regulations and guidance document references

•    Overview and background of why the submission is required

•    Structure of the submission itself

•    Details on who should contribute to the submission

•    Where to pull, re-use, or start as a basis for information needed in a submission

•    Tips and lessons learned from the author's experience

•    Different perspectives on how a submission can be approached

•    Applicable FDA Form 1571 information for each submission

•    Paper publishing tips

•    Electronic CTD publishing sections for each submission, where applicable

•    Real life examples taken from the press and approved NDAs when available

•    Electronic examples and content templates to utilize so that an RA professional can begin immediately working on a submission

IND Submissions: A Primer is available for $295 per copy by calling 800-856-2556, or by ordering online at www.barnettinternational.com. Estimated shipping date is February 27, 2009.

About the author:

IND Submissions: A Primer was written by Meredith Brown-Tuttle, RAC, a regulatory consultant whose background incorporates all aspects of drug, device, and biologics development including clinical research, data management, medical writing, and regulatory affairs. She served for six years on the Board of Editors for the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society's journal, "Focus," and has published numerous articles, edited books and book chapters, and presented at professional meetings on a variety of clinical research and regulatory topics. Ms. Brown-Tuttle also teaches about regulatory submissions, intelligence, strategy, and agency interactions for the Regulatory Affairs Certificate program at UC Santa Cruz.

About Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI) is the preeminent life science network for leading researchers and business experts from top pharmaceutical, biotech and academic organizations. CHI's portfolio of products includes Cambridge Healthtech Institute Conferences, Insight Pharma Reports, Cambridge Marketing Consultants, Cambridge Meeting Planners and Cambridge Healthtech's Media Group, which includes numerous e-newsletters as well as Bio-IT World magazine.

Founded in 1992, Cambridge Healthtech Institute strives to develop quality information sources that provide valuable new insights and competing points of view while offering balanced coverage of the latest developments. Basic research related to commercial implications is covered, with heavy emphasis placed on end-user insights into new products and technology as well as coverage on the strategy behind the business.

About Barnett International

Founded in 1979, Barnett International is widely recognized for its superior consulting services and its targeted education and training programs. Barnett helps clients get the most out of their research and development dollars by managing change effectively, improving organizational performance, and enhancing staff knowledge. The Barnett approach is a unique combination of strategy development and practical, hands-on implementation. The "Barnett Difference" is evident in our deep understanding of the clinical research process and in the rapid and tangible performance improvements we deliver.

We help pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies maximize the speed and quality of their product development efforts. With an international presence and with many staff members working from the client site for increased benefits, Barnett is able to apply a global expertise to its projects.

Our services include educational programs and products and consulting.

The source of our expertise:

•    Exclusively focused on the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry for more than 20 years

•    A team of talented professionals (150+) with deep-rooted industry insight and expertise

•    An in-depth understanding of different cultures and unique organizations

•    Experience working with major pharmaceutical companies around the world

•    Global resources with offices in the US and Europe

Media Contact:

Barnett International

Kate Bliss

Marketing Communications Manager

781-972-5435

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Contact Information Tracey Fielding

7814-972-5429

American TeleCare, Inc. (ATI) Appoints Michael A. Brodeur as Chief Financial Officer

American TeleCare, Inc. (ATI) Appoints Michael A. Brodeur as Chief Financial Officer

American TeleCare, the Leader in Technology-Enabled Telehealth Solutions, Adds Accomplished Financial Executive to its Senior Management Team

Minneapolis (PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- American TeleCare, Inc. (ATI) announced that Michael A. Brodeur has joined the company as its chief financial officer. ATI is the leader in the development and application of video-based telehealth solutions to advance patient care.

"Mike is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of high-level financial management experience in the health care, medical device, biotechnology and clinical laboratory industries," said Randy Moore, M.D., M.B.A., chairman and chief executive officer, American TeleCare (ATI). "He brings ATI exceptional expertise in corporate finance, business development and the capital markets."

"With solutions that combine telecommunications technology with unmatched clinical functionality, ATI is at the forefront of the telehealth industry," said Brodeur. "Managing the costs of caring for patients with complex, chronic conditions is a fundamental challenge in health system reform. ATI is positioned to lead the way to establish new models of telehealth-supported care that connect high-risk patients to essential clinical expertise."

Immediately before joining ATI, Brodeur was the chief financial officer of Medical CV, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDCV), developer and manufacturer of laser-based surgical devices. He has also served as CFO of McKesson Medical Management (a $500 million pharmacy outsource provider to hospitals) and Meris Laboratories, Inc. (a $50 million clinical laboratory testing company). He previously held other senior financial leadership positions with EPS Solutions Corporation and WellPoint Health Networks, Inc., now WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE:WLP), which today is the nation's largest health insurer by member numbers. Brodeur was a managing partner at Prairieview CFO Partners, LLP, a CFO services firm for public and pre-IPO emerging and middle-market businesses. And as senior partner at Tatum CFO Partners, LLP, another national CFO services firm, he served as CFO of Molecular Diagnostics, Inc., now CytoCore, Inc. (OTCBB:CYTO) and Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTM).

Brodeur is a certified public accountant who began his career at Ernst & Young. He earned a bachelor's of science degree in business administration and accountancy at California State University, Long Beach, Calif.

About American TeleCare, Inc. (ATI)

Founded in 1993, American TeleCare (ATI) is the pioneer of intelligent monitoring and video-based telehealth technology. With proven experience in clinical process re-engineering, ATI works with leading healthcare organizations to put their patients at the center of care teams and supports them with best-in-class solutions. ATI systems connect continuous healing relationships and deliver essential information for clinical and self care. Ongoing monitoring and constant care of patients at home keeps them connected to clinical expertise and may help prevent acute events. The results: 100-200 percent increases in provider productivity and 65-95 percent reductions in emergency room and inpatient costs - achieved as care teams help physicians watch over, improve and maintain their patients' health. For more information, visit www.americantelecare.com. Then call 800-323-6667.

NOTE: American TeleCare will exhibit at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) Annual International Meeting & Exposition, which will be held on April 26-28, 2009 at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nev. American TeleCare will be at booth #300.

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Contact Information DAVID AQUILINA

American TeleCare, Inc. (ATI)

http://www.americantelecare.com

612.922.5551

Stemedica Advances its Certification to Become a Licensed Manufacturer of Adult Stem Cells for U.S. Based Clinical Trials

Stemedica Advances its Certification to Become a Licensed Manufacturer of Adult Stem Cells for U.S. Based Clinical Trials

Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. announced today that it has filed with the Food and Drug Branch of the State of California's Department of Public Health for certification as a licensed manufacturer of adult stem cells for U.S.-based Phase I and Phase II Clinical Trials.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 25, 2009 -- Stemedica Cell Technologies (http://www.stemedica.com), Inc. ("Stemedica") announced today that it has filed with the Food and Drug Branch of the State of California's Department of Public Health for certification as a licensed manufacturer of adult stem cells for U.S.-based Phase I and Phase II Clinical Trials. Readiness for manufacture includes obtaining a California Drug Manufacturing License for the Stemedica facility in San Diego, California.

"Completion of this certification will allow us to manufacture stem cells under contract for clinical trials for Stemedica as well as for other companies and research centers in California and across the United States. This marks a significant milestone along the journey toward the future availability of stem cell treatment for patients who so urgently need it," said Dr. Maynard Howe, Vice Chairman and CEO at Stemedica.

To prepare for inspection, Stemedica fully reconstructed its facility according to FDA requirements, which had previously focused on research and development. Stemedica's manufacturing facility now includes a fully compliant manufacturing wing with entry-level gowning rooms, two ISO class 8 sterile gowning suites, an ISO Class 7 Manufacturing Clean Room, an ISO Class 7 Processing Clean Room, a Good Manufacturing Process compliant materials warehouse and a controlled-access Quality Control testing laboratory.

"As soon as Stemedica secures its license from the State of California's Department of Public Health, we plan on filing for one or more IND's (Investigative New Drug) for specific indications with the FDA using our proprietary technology. The final major step by the Food and Drug Branch within the Department of Public Health is an in-depth, in-person inspection by their personnel. We're particularly proud of the fact that we are ready for, and capable of, seeking licensing in California, which has exceptionally stringent standards," said Dr. Alex Kharazi, Vice President, Research & Manufacturing at Stemedica.

"Becoming a Licensed Manufacturer of clinical grade adult stem cells is a significant scientific and medical step forward for the Company," said Dr. Nikolai Tankovich, Stemedica's President and Chief Medical Officer. "Securing this status will allow us to become a primary CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) for other for-profit companies and the many research organizations interested in advancing stem cell research through clinical application. Additionally, achieving this regulatory status within the manufacturing world will provide Stemedica with the foundation to advance its own Phase I and Phase II Clinical Studies once approved by the FDA."

About Stemedica Technologies, Inc.

Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc. (www.stemedica.com (http://www.stemedica.com)) is a specialty biopharmaceutical company that is committed to the development and manufacture of best-in-class adult stem cells for use by approved research institutions and hospitals for pre-clinical and clinical studies. Within the United States, the Company is currently developing regulatory pathways for stroke, traumatic brain injury and wound repair. Outside the United States, Stemedica provides its adult stem cells to hospitals and research centers that are conducting studies under protocols approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies. These studies are focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, sight restoration and wound repair. Stemedica is based in San Diego, California.

Media Contact for Stemedica: Dave McGuigan -- dmcguigan (at) stemedica.com.

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Contact Information Dave McGuigan

Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc

http://www.stemedica.com

+1 858 658 0910

Paving the Way for Peace in the Middle East with Mind-Body Skills

Paving the Way for Peace in the Middle East with Mind-Body Skills

Truce talks are gridlocked, but this mission to provide trauma relief to both sides of the conflict goes forward. Dr. James S. Gordon and his international team plans a training of health and mental health professionals in both Israel and Gaza--the only program of its kind working in both Israel and Gaza. After arriving February 28th, 2009. With The Center for Mind-Body Medicine's groundbreaking model which teaches self-care techniques (such as meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, and yoga, as well as self-expression in words, drawing, and movement, all in a supportive small group), Dr. Gordon and his team will help heal the wounds of war and bring relief to those suffering following the devastating siege on Gaza.

Washington, D.C., Tel Aviv, and Gaza (PRWEB) February 23, 2009 -- As truce talks drag on between Israel and Gaza, James S. Gordon, M.D., the distinguished psychiatrist who leads the Washington D.C.-based Center for Mind-Body Medicine (http://www.cmbm.org), will on March 4, 2009 lead an international team of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish mental health professionals into Gaza in a groundbreaking effort to relieve population-wide psychological trauma in that war-devastated Israeli-occupied territory. The team will arrive in Israel February 28, 2009 and make their way to a border crossing.

For the last seven years, Dr. Gordon and his CMBM team have been working intensively with the traumatized population in Gaza and Israel separately and jointly -- they are the only organization doing so. During this time, they've trained 300 Israeli professionals and 90 in Gaza to develop comprehensive, scientifically based programs that are effectively treating widespread post traumatic stress disorder, major depression, anxiety, violence, and despair.

CMBM's pioneering program, which recently received a research award from the US Department of Defense, combines such mind-body techniques as meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, and yoga with self-expression in words, drawings, and movement in a supportive small group setting.

CMBM's program is a powerful force for peace for those living in Gaza. Before the recent Israeli invasion, CMBM's Gaza team, which has treated 15-20,000 children and adults, was providing up to 75 ten-week long mind-body groups every three months. In the aftermath of the devastation, the number of groups has tripled. The CMBM approach is currently also being offered to hundreds of families that lost members in the conflict, to orphaned children, mothers with 'failure to thrive' infants, and depressed, suicidal, and violent children and adults.

A wealth of data supports and informs CMBM's unique, highly effective model, which has been used to help traumatized populations in postwar Kosovo, post-Katrina New Orleans, as well as Israel and Gaza, and is now being implemented on an increasingly large scale with US military returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.

As Dr. Gordon says, "The CMBM model is welcomed by people of all ages and races around the world because it is educational, non-stigmatizing, and demonstrably beneficial. It can be easily taught and can be used by all people of all ages on their own." Dr. Gordon describes this groundbreaking approach in his newest book Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression (Penguin Press; June 2008).

The results of CMBM's program are astonishing. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the use of the model with war-traumatized children in Kosovo -- the first RCT of any intervention with war-traumatized children -- was published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2008; it showed an 80% decrease in symptoms following 12 sessions of mind-body skills groups. Also, data collected on the first 500 children and 600 adults in the CMBM Gaza program revealed significant decreases in symptoms of PTSD and depression and anger and increased hopefulness in those who participated in CMBM groups, gains which were largely maintained even during the ongoing siege of Gaza at six months' follow-up.

After four days working with the CMBM faculty in Israel and visiting with people affected by the Palestinian shelling in Sderot and Ashkelon, Dr. Gordon and his team will enter Gaza. During the first several days, they will visit with some of the thousands who have sought out CMBM-trained counselors to help them deal with the loss of family members and friends. During the following five days, Dr. Gordon and his colleagues will supervise the 15-member CMBM Gaza leadership team as they prepare 150 more of the most committed mental health professionals, including school psychologists and school counselors, to offer CMBM's program to Gaza's devastated children and their families.

Journalists are invited to accompany Dr. Gordon as he meets with CMBM's Israeli staff prior to entering Gaza and visits Sderot, and as the team interviews individuals and families throughout Gaza. There will be opportunities for interviews with Dr. Gordon and his Palestinian leadership team, traumatized families who have been aided, as well as the possibility to observe the training program. A short article on Dr. Gordon's work in Gaza (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/13/health/views/13case.html?ref=health) which appeared in the New York Times.

Dr. Gordon is a dynamic public speaker with a wealth of personal stories of children and adults he has helped find healing in the midst of loss and despair. A respected and world-renowned expert in mind-body medicine, he can bring the human aspects of this story to life in any medium -- radio, television, or print -- with a warm, knowledgeable voice and his wealth of experience. He is available for immediate comment and interview.

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Contact Information Dr. Gordon EA

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine

http://www.cmbm.org

202-537-6837