ASMBS Foundation News and Update—February 2015

by Connie Stillwell
Ms. Stillwell is the Executive Director of the ASMBS Foundation.

Florida 2/22 Pedometer Challenge. The ASMBS Foundation has teamed up with the Florida State Chapter of the ASMBS to raise awareness of obesity in Florida this February. Healthcare providers, bariatric patients, and those affected by obesity will track their steps on February 22, 2015 in hopes of reaching a combined total of 1.7 million steps— the distance from Pensacola to Key West.

Dr. Samuel Szomstein, President of the Florida State Chapter of the ASMBS said, “Obesity adversely touches the lives of our patients, families, and communities. Although many advances have been made to combat this disease, obesity is predicted to rise to nearly 120 million in the United States over the next five years. Joining the 2/22 Pedometer Challenge is just one way you can support those affected by obesity, and raise awareness, all while having an enjoyable time walking toward better health.”
To get involved, start by taking the online pledge “2 Better Health, 2 A Better Life, 2 Fight Obesity” at www.asmbsfoundation.org/pedometer-challenge

Make sure you have a pedometer, fitness tracker, or way to track your steps. Then on the morning of Sunday, February 22, 2015 put on your pedometer and start tracking your steps. At the end of the day submit your step count online.

Top 2014 Fundraising Walks. 2014 was another great year for the Walk from Obesity. With the support of our National Sponsors, Presenting and Local Sponsors, Walk participants, and individual donors, we raised over $300,000 to fund research, prevention, education, and access to treatment efforts in the fight to end obesity.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Walk in 2014. We would also like to congratulate our Top Fundraising Walk locations for reaching over $10,000 raised at their local event.
New York, NY
Presented by: Various New York City Bariatric Programs
Event Leaders: Rachel Goldman

Greater CT
Presented by: Bristol Hospital Bariatric Program, Dr. Makram Gedeon, Dr. Souheil Adra, and Dr. Vanessa Malit
Event Leaders: Kerry Roy and Tammy Gangloff

Carrollton, TX
Presented by: Baylor Medical Center of Carrollton
Event Leaders: Karen Baumann

Oklahoma City, OK
Presented by: INTEGRIS Weight Loss Center – INTEGRIS Health, Weight Wise Bariatric Program, Oklahoma Weight Loss Options,  Norman Regional Hospital Bariatric Program, and Journey Clinic
Event Leaders: Sarah Kitchen

Indianapolis, IN
Presented by: Community Health Network and Get Your Strong On
Event Leaders: Sarah Muntel, Courtney Moss, and Robanne Robin

Lafayette, LA
Presented by: Lafayette General Medical Center, Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery
Event Leaders: Brook Doucet and Julie Marks

New Orleans, LA
Presented by: Surgical Specialists of Louisiana
Event Leaders: Ramsey Schmitz

Alexandria, LA
Presented by: James Parrish, MD
Event Leaders: Carolyn Mayes and Kendra Quinn

Spring 2015 Walk from Obesity Events. We are proud to announce our 2015 Spring Walk from Obesity locations. Thank you to all of the local Presenters and Event Leaders that are working so hard to bring the Walk from Obesity to these communities in an effort to raise awareness about obesity, and obesity treatment options.
California—Ventura
Kentucky—Mayfield
Louisiana—Alexandria, Lafayette
Massachusetts—Boston
New Jersey—Hamilton
New York—White Plains
North Carolina—Durham, Wilmington
Pennsylvania—Philadelphia
South Carolina—Anderson
West Virginia—Morgantown

Welcome New Board Members. We are pleased to announce four new members to the ASMBS Foundation’s Board of Directors; Gina Baldo, Rami Lutfi, Kelvin Higa and Karen Schulz.
The Foundation is truly fortunate to have a wonderful group of volunteers leading the organization and helping to fulfill our mission; to raise funds for conducting research and education, increasing public and scientific awareness and understanding, and improving access to quality care and treatment of obesity and morbid obesity.

“href=”https://bariatrictimes.com/wp-content/uploads/asmbsf-feb15.jpg”>2014-2015 ASMBS Foundation Board of Directors

The ASMBS Foundation Invites 501(c) Organizations to Become a “Campaign Partner” for the Walk from Obesity.SM The Walk from Obesity Campaign Partners program was established to expand our collective outreach through collaboration and networking for a common cause: obesity prevention, education, research, and access to quality care and treatment.
Walk from Obesity Campaign Partner Benefits include the following:
•    Campaign Partners will be listed on the Walk from Obesity website, newsletter, and other promotional electronic materials.
•    Campaign Partners will be offered an educational materials table and/or material distribution at each Walk from Obesity event.

What is expected of a Walk from Obesity Campaign Partner?
•    Help promote the Walk from Obesity in publications, newsletters, and on website(s).
•    Submit articles (as requested by the ASMBS Foundation) for the Walk from Obesity Newsletter.
•    Provide “approved” printed educational materials to the ASMBS Foundation to be distributed at Walk from Obesity events.

To learn more about becoming a Campaign Partner, please visit www.walkfromobesity.com/campaign-partners.

Tags: ASMBS Foundation

Category: ASMBS Foundation News and Update, Past Articles