| U.S. Congressmen Back Migraine Work | |
 © Michael John Coleman, 2002 Used with permission of Mr. Coleman.
Dr. Fred Sheftell Interviewing a
300-Year-Old |
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When the Board of Directors of the World Headache Alliance (WHA) met in Dublin, Ireland, in March of 2002, letters form two United States Congressmen were presented, working to improve international government understanding of Migraine Disease issues.
Following the events of September 11, President Bush encouraged nongovernmental organizations to get involved in our communities. When preparing for the Dublin meeting, the staff of MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association, decided to turn to two prominent New York Congressmen with deep Irish American roots in the state of New York:
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U.S. Congressman Eliot L. Engel, (D-NY) of the 17th District located in New York City, is an Executive Board Member of the Congressional Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, as well as member of the House Health Subcommittee.
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Congressman James T. Walsh, (R-NY) of the 25th District of upstate New York, is also a member of United States Congress’ Friends of Ireland, and Assistant Majority Whip.
These two gentlemen were only too happy to send their greetings and their praise to the entire WHA and official letters of support to the Migraine Association of Ireland.
In his letter to Ms. Audrey Craven, Executive Director of the Migraine Association of Ireland, Congressman Engel extended his greetings,
“…to all participating in the annual World Headache Alliance Board meeting.” He continued, “I commend MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association, for its determination in raising awareness and understanding of Migraine disease and headache disorders in the United States.” Additionally he expressed his hope that “… meetings such as this will lead to further discoveries in the assessment and treatment of Migraine Disease.”
Congressman Walsh's letter, complimented the Migraine Association of Ireland, saying,
“Your organization should be honored to be hosting such a gathering. Considering your work on behalf of those who suffer from Migraine Disease and headaches disorders ... I know that the National Migraine Association, or MAGNUM, in the United States, is proud to be one of the thirty-eight member nations working to increase worldwide awareness of head-pain disorders.”
Leading international Migraine medical experts in attendance included:
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American Dr. Fred Sheftell
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Britain’s Dr. Tim Steiner
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India’s Dr. K. Ravishankar.
Well known international patient advocates participating included:
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Colette Andree from Switzerland
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American Michael John Coleman with MAGNUM
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Ireland’s Audrey Craven, of the Irish Migraine Association
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French Canadian Peire Lefebvre
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New Zealander Ann Hallam
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Lois Taboas of Puerto Rico
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England’s Ann Turner
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WHA Chief Operating Officer, Kary Shannon, from Canada.
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WHA Board member are seen here at the Dublin, Ireland Council Meeting. In attendance we have well know international patient advocates (from left to right) American Michael John Coleman with MAGNUM, C. Andree from Switzerland, India's Dr. K. Ravishankar, England's Ann Turner, Lois Taboas of Puerto Rico, Ireland's Audrey Craven, of the Irish Migraine Association, American Dr. Fred Sheftell, Britian's Dr. Tim Steiner, (hiding in the back) WHA COO Kary Shannon from our neighbors to the north, Canada, New Zealander Ann Hallam, and French Canadian Peire Lefebvre. |
MAGNUM’s Information Services Director, Susan Moeller Denny, who traveled to Dublin with MAGNUM staff noted,
“I can’t believe how hard these dedicated people work. They worked into the evening missing a planned event so they could continue that day’s meeting into the evening allowing them to resolve a key issue on Migraine and headache disorder awareness they had on their agenda. It is good to see so many people from around the world together for a greater good. These days, it is a comforting thing to witness.”
The support of Congressmen Engel and Welch for the efforts of MAGNUM, the WHA, and other such organizations is significant, not only on the surface, but on a deeper level. The key is in the wording of their letters, as both recognize Migraine as a "disease," as President Bush highlighted this disorder in his letter to the International Headache Congress in June of 2001. (See: Bush Addresses "Congress") To view the full Engel and Welch letters, click HERE.
For more information, visit MAGNUM’s top rated and award winning healthcare website www.migraines.org as well as Ireland’s top Migraine website; Migraine Association of Ireland at www.migraine.ie. For further information on Migraine and headache disorders also visit the American Council for Headache Education (ACHE) at www.achenet.org and the World Headache Alliance at www.wha.ws.
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"Dublin Eventide" an original image by American fine art photographer and patient advocate Michael John Coleman. |
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