May is Better Hearing and Speech Month -- Hearing Health E-News
WELCOME
Deafness Research Foundation works hard to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your hearing and providing resources for those with hearing loss. We are proud to celebrate Better Hearing and Speech month this May. Better Hearing and Speech Month is a great time for people to take an intimate look at their own hearing health and find ways to protect their hearing. We encourage those of you who have not had a regular hearing check-up recently to make an appointment with your hearing healthcare professional this month.
As a long-time Board member of DRF who also happens to have hearing that is very sensitive to noise, I have been keenly aware for much of my life about the dangers to our hearing from loud, man-made sounds in our environment. Whether at a sporting event, party, concert, or any other large social gathering, try to be aware of the surroundings and protect your hearing with noise-reducing earplugs, headphones, or by standing away from dangerous areas near speakers. Be careful with your, and your family members', hearing.
At DRF, we have many programs and activities for people to stay informed about the latest resources and discoveries in hearing science. For instance, our award-winning publication, Hearing Health magazine, provides our readers with insight on healthy hearing, the latest research in hearing science, and great resources for prevention. For a free subscription, visit http://www.drf.org/magazine/.
If you no longer wish to receive this e-newsletter, simply click the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom, and you will be removed from the mailing list.
Warm Regards,
Paul E. Orlin
DRF Board Member and Member of the Advocacy, Development and Strategic Planning Committees
Deafness Research Foundation
In Memoriam: Collette Ramsey Baker, founder of DRF, 1918-2010
On May 9 2010, Collette Ramsey Baker, founder of DRF, passed away at age 91 with her adoring husband and devoted companion of twenty-two years, Maurice Baker, constantly at her side. After living with a substantial hearing loss for many years, at age 35 she had her hearing completely restored with an early fenestration operation. In gratitude, just over 50 years ago she founded the Deafness Research Foundation (DRF), for which she became widely known and respected. Under her leadership, DRF gave grants to colleges and other research institutions for research and improvement of hearing.
For more information about Collette Ramsey Baker's legacy, click here
In lieu of flowers please send contributions in her name to Deafness Research Foundation, 641 Lexington Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10022-4503.
Trading Day
DRF was thrilled to participate in BTIG's 8th Commissions for Charity Day, which was held on Thursday, May 6, 2010. More than $4 million was raised, making the 2010 Charity Day BTIG's most successful event yet. The money raised will be donated to over 100 charities all over the country, including Deafness Research Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Autism Speaks, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Children of Fallen Patriots, A Little Hope, National Downs Syndrome Foundation, and All-Stars Helping Kids. Thank you to BTIG for again supporting the work of DRF.
To read more, visit the DRF Newsroom by clicking here
NIH Awards Current DRF Grantee, Dr. Michelle Hastings
DRF congratulates current DRF grantee Michelle Hastings, assistant professor at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, for receiving a $336,875 grant award from the National Institute of Health (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for her research entitled, "Targeting SMN2 Alternative Splicing for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy." The goal of this one-year grant is to discover and develop effective therapeutics for the treatment of the pediatric neurodegenerative disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and other human diseases that have common molecular defects for which there is currently no cure.
To view a list of DRF's 2009-2010 grant recipients, click here
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
In celebration of Better Hearing and Speech Month, DRF announced a drawing contest in March. The theme of the contest was "It's A Noisy Planet: What Are You Doing To Protect Your Hearing?" The purpose of the contest was to raise awareness about the need to prevent hearing loss and the steps children are taking to protect their hearing.
We are excited to announce our winners Lucy Hewitt and Bryanna Smith! To see their winning artwork, visit www.drf.org.
Farida Gives Back!
Photo of Farida Esaa. Photo courtesy of Durriya Esaa.
DRF thanks Farida Esaa, a senior at Williamsport Area High School in Williamsport, PA, who raised almost $1,500 to support DRF's work by asking friends and family to sponsor her violin practice hours from January-March. Farida who has studied the violin for 13 years performed her recital March 20. Her plans for after graduation are to attend Haverford College in the fall and pursue a premedical course of study.
Upcoming Events
June 27, 2010 -- DRF Sponsors Research Symposium at the Alexander Graham (AG) Bell 2010 Biennial Convention.
Join us at AG Bell's biennial convention, where Deafness Research Foundation will be sponsoring the Research Symposium, featuring world-renowned scientists in the field of hearing health and research from 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM.
Presentation topics will focus on advancements and limitations of stem cell and cochlear sensory cell regeneration. Presenters include:
- Andrew Groves, PhD
- Jian Zou, PhD
- Stephan Heller, PhD
For more information, including how to register, click here
September 30-October 2, 2010 -- AARP Orlando@50+
Deafness Research Foundation is exhibiting at the AARP 2010 National Event & Expo from September 30-October 2 in Orlando, Florida. Please visit us at booth 1260 and pick up your free gift bag!
For additional information, including registration, click here
Summer Camp Directory for Kids with Hearing Loss (Online Exclusive)
In the Spring 2010 issue of Hearing Health magazine, a summer camp directory is provided to guide parents' decisions about which camp will best suit their child needs and interests. Get a jump start in getting your child enrolled!
To see the complete directory of summer camps for kids with hearing loss, click here
Connect with DRF on Facebook!
Stay up-to-date with Deafness Research Foundation (DRF) by becoming a part of our Facebook community. This is a great way to receive the latest news, events, programs, resources, DRF contest and promotion information, and more about hearing and balance disorders and issues related to hearing loss, as well as learn how to protect your hearing!
DRF will not have access to any of your personal information, photos or status. Only your name, profile picture, and any comments you leave on our page are visible to us and DRF's Facebook community.
To be a part of DRF's Facebook community, visit us at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Deafness-Research-Foundation/409708740227?ref=ts
We're also on Twitter! Follow us at http://twitter.com/drfnyc
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