Friends as Champions

Friends of NCBDDD members can serve as Champions in one or more of the thematic areas. Champions provide content expertise on Thematic Area “kitchen cabinets” and advise the Friends, NCBDDD, and other key partners in each of the thematic areas. Acting as a think tank, each thematic area kitchen cabinet will be composed of a group of 8-12 individuals whose mission and work relate to the particular thematic area. Champions also serve a vital role in recruiting other Friends of NCBDDD members who share an interest in the particular thematic area to serve as Champions or be engaged in particular Friends activities.

We can always use a few more Champions!  

The Executive Committee needs your help to serve as a Champion in one or more of the thematic areas. Experience in communications, marketing, government relations, and working with family members are welcomed but not required. The time commitment would involve a 1 year term, with an option to renew for an additional year. It would also involve a monthly commitment of 1-2 hours and participation in quarterly conference calls. If you are interested in serving on a Thematic Area “kitchen cabinet,” please contact Adriane Griffen.

Listing of Current Champions in the Four Thematic Areas

	Saving babies through birth defects prevention and research
	Becky Abbott, March of Dimes Sheri Romblad, Family Liaison/Parent to Parent/Family Voices, Connecticut Kayte Thomas, Family Liaison/Parent Advocate, North Carolina
	Helping children live to the fullest by understanding developmental disabilities
	Adriane Griffen, Association of University Centers on Disabilities Pat Johnson, American Academy of Pediatrics Jennifer Pineo, Family Liaison/Family Voices, New Hampshire Alison Singer, President, Autism Science Foundation
	Protecting people and preventing complications of blood disorders
	Randy Fenninger, National Blood Clot Alliance Courtney Stinnett, Family Liaison/Sickle Cell Treatment and Outcomes Research in the Midwest (STORM) consortium Katie Verb, Hemophilia Federation of America
	Improving health of people with disabilities
	Roberta Carlin, American Association on Health and Disability Jeannette Mejias, Family Liaison/Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, New Jersey Sara Struwe, Spina Bifida Association