Foundation Update

The Foundation continues to be thankful for another successful year in 2017. As the President of the Foundation of the National Lipid Association (NLA), I want to thank each and every one of you who made a contribution and supported our great Association. Last year was a big year for the Foundation. We updated our mission and vision statements, designed and launched a brand-new website (www. learnyourlipids.com), and held multiple events in conjunction with the 2017 NLA Meetings that brought awareness to the Foundation.  We supported and awarded multiple honors including the Hunninghake FH Abstract Award, the W. Virgil Brown Distinguished Clinician Award (in conjunction with the NLA), and the Clinician/Educator Award.  Thanks to you, we were able to accomplish all of these things, and much more.

Looking to 2018, we already have several events scheduled, including the first event that will be held in conjunction with the 2018 NLA Spring Clinical Lipid Update Meeting on Saturday, February 24 in San Antonio, TX.  The night will feature a live karaoke band where you can watch your colleagues take the spotlight and live out their musical dreams. Encourage your friends and colleagues to join you for this event to support the Foundation. Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to hearing your voices! Register online and get more information at lipid.org/springclu.

You should also make plans to attend the Foundation’s Dinner Gala and Silent Auction taking place on Saturday, April 28 in Las Vegas, NV in conjunction with the NLA 2018 Annual Scientific Sessions.  At this event, we will hold a top-notch silent auction with a variety of unique items ranging from event tickets, getaways and more. The evening will also feature dinner, live music from incoming NLA President Alan Brown, MD and his band “This End Up”, dancing and special recognition for the winner of the Foundation’s Clinician/ Educator Award. This is a chance to get out on the dance floor and have a great time! Register online and get more information at lipid.org/sessions.

In addition to the wonderful events already scheduled for 2018, the Foundation will be taking part (in conjunction with the NLA) in the opening sessions of the 2018 International Symposium on Atherosclerosis (ISA) in Toronto, Canada this June to honor Dr. Jonathan Cohen of Dallas and Dr. Nabil Seidah of Montreal for winning the Endo Award for Achievements in the Development of Treatments to Prevent Atherosclerosis. This Foundation/NLA Award is only given out every three years in conjunction with the ISA meeting.

While all of these events and awards are exciting for the organization, the Foundation remains focused on its new mission of improving the welfare of patients and families affected by cholesterol and triglyceride problems by continuing to provide valuable resources to both patients and healthcare providers. With your support we are able to continue our efforts, grow our reach and develop new tools and information resources.

Please consider supporting the Foundation in 2018 either through attending one of our events, making a donation on our website or spreading the word about the work of the Foundation.  I look forward to seeing each of you in 2018.