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 14 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 six community grants named in honor of late Walk founder, Bryan Woodward, to organizations seeking to address obesity in their local communities.
• Co-hosted and financially supported one of the nation’s largest gatherings of those seeking to address the obesity epidemic, the Walk from Obesity – Walk on the Capitol in June 2008 which attracted more than 3,000 participants.
• Hosted more than 70 local Walk from Obesity events raising both community awareness of obesity as well as funds to support the missions of the Foundation and our walk partner, the Obesity Action Coalition.

2009 looks to be another outstanding year. Look for the return of the annual Foundation Event which this year will honor MAL Fobi, MD with the 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award as well as honoring all of those who make the Walk from Obesity such a success. We also encourage you to participate in the 7th Annual Walk. A complete listing of Walk sites is available on the Walk from Obesity Web site. Walks in more than 70 cities will take place in 2009 not only raising money, but also raising awareness of obesity and the need for both prevention and intervention. A number of 2009 Walks will take place in the spring this year as well as during the traditional Walk months of September and October.

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 participating at the 2009 Foundation Event and/or one of our local Walks.

Sincerely,

Joseph Nadglowski, Jr.
ASMBS Foundation Executive Director