ATLANTA (September 30, 2013) – In recognition of Thrombosis Awareness Month, Senator Renee Unterman (R- Buford) recently joined the North American Thrombosis Forum (NATF) at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in downtown Boston to raise awareness of this potentially life-threatening condition.
“As a survivor of a blood clot in my leg, I am keenly aware of the importance of educating the public about the warning signs associated with pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis,” said Senator Renee Unterman. “I am honored to work with advocacy groups such as the North American Thrombosis Forum and other groups who are working diligently to build a strong grassroots effort in their local communities. This is proof that no matter how small the advocacy group, you can make a significant difference in bringing issues of national importance to the forefront.”
During the event, Senator Unterman delivered a lecture on the importance of advocacy and how small groups can make a big difference. Specifically, she shared tips on how to effectively create a grassroots effort on both the state and local level.
Senator Unterman also joined by several Georgia patient advocates such as Dr. Atul Laddu and his wife Jayashree A. Laddu along with several other researchers. In a recent Thrombosis Awareness Month Press Conference hosted by Senator Renee Unterman at the Georgia State Capitol, Dr. Atul Laddu and his family were present to discuss the dangers and warning signs of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrest and peripheral vascular disease.
As part of her two-day trip to Boston, Senator Unterman attended a lecture at Harvard University on “Heart Failure and Thromboembolic Risk” on Saturday, September 28. The lecture was presented by Dr. Marc Pfeffer, a professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Shortly after, Senator Unterman was invited to a luncheon at the Copley Hotel hosted by NATF President Dr. Sam Goldhaber and Dr. Marc Pfeffer.
Senator Unterman continues to be one of Georgia’s leading advocates for Thrombosis Awareness. While on a business trip, Senator Unterman experienced a deep vein thrombosis caused by prolonged airline flights. To raise awareness of this condition, she sponsored Senate Resolution 133 during the 2013 Legislative Session to establish the month of September as Thrombosis Awareness Month in Georgia.
The North American Thrombosis Forum is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to thrombosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. As part of its primary areas of focus, the NATF works to provide educational tools and prevention resources, promote public policy and conduct clinical research to improve diagnosis and therapy outcomes.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
September 30, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028