Thank you for visiting the ASMBS Foundation Web site. I thought I would take this opportunity to update you on our activities.

Thanks to the support of our many donors, the Foundation has:

• Underwritten twelve research grants

• Partially funded the development and implementation of the Bariatric Nurse Credentialing Program

• Supported the educational and advocacy initiatives of the OAC

• Partially underwritten a professorship honoring Edward Mason, MD

• Partially underwritten the upcoming ASMBS CME Compendium

• Provided two community grants (Bryan Woodward Community Grants) to organizations seeking to address childhood obesity in their local communities.

At this year’s American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, the Foundation joined with our partner on the Walk from Obesity, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) to host the Walk from Obesity – Walk on the Capitol. Nearly 3,000 people and more than a dozen partnering organizations joined in this important event that raised nationwide awareness of the obesity epidemic. To view photos and learn more about this event, visit www.walkonthecapitol.com.

One piece of sad news was the passing of the founder of the Walk from Obesity, Bryan Woodward. Bryan was a true visionary in conceiving and organizing the first Walk and his spirit will live on for generations to come through the Walk.

The ASMBS Foundation and the OAC encourage you to participate in the 6th Annual Walk. A complete listing of Walk sites are available on the Walk from Obesity Web site at www.walkfromobesity.com. Walks in more than 70 cities will take place in late 2008 not only raising money, but also raising awareness of obesity and the need for both prevention and intervention.

I would like to thank all of our supporters and volunteers who have joined us in fostering proactive healthcare changes. Your generous contributions not only support the ASMBS Foundation’s research and professional education initiatives, but also further the patient and public educational and advocacy programs of the OAC. I hope to see you out walking in September and October at one of our events.

Sincerely,

Joseph Nadglowski, Jr.
ASMBS Foundation Executive Director