News Item
FDA Approves First Drug for Treating Fibromyalgia
Click here to read the full press release.
CDC Promotes CFIDS Awareness
CDC Launches "Get Informed. Get Diagnosed. Get Help." Campaign to promotes greater awareness of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
ICAF Established as a Non-Profit
The International Coalition for the Advancement of Fibromyalgia/CFIDS treatment has formally been established and is excited about the many opportunities in which this new organization will be able to bring together a Coalition of business, clinician, and patient advocates.
ICAF Board of Directors
- Business - Bob Baurys
- Patient - Yvonne Keeny
- Clinical - Jacob Teitelbaum
- At Large - John Merrill, Sue Hrim, Tom VonderBrink
Robert S. Baurys, II - Business
Founder and Chairman of Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc.
Mr. Baurys, a serial entrepreneur, has been involved in both the technology and health care industries in various business adventures over the past 20 years. His degrees in Finance and Marketing, from 1981 to 1985 at College Misericordia in Pennsylvania, provided the basis for those business ventures. As CEO of an incubator that launched companies for FedEx and others around the nation, his entrepreneurial skills broadened. Other developments with a clinical partner, Sue Hrim, RN, include: a respiratory company called Triad Medical, HorseTrak, a software firm, and a service provider by the name of UniqMed, Inc. which focused on the needs of diabetic patients. His strong partnership with Sue continues today through the development and operations of Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc.
In the late 1990’s Bob was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Searching extensively across the nation, he was able to find minimal relief, but at a substantial financial cost to him, and nothing with long term positive outcomes. It wasn’t until he met Dr. Kent Holtorf, a Los Angeles based doctor who specialized in treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, that he at long last found results. Dr. Holtorf’s proven treatment not only minimized his symptoms, but eliminated some altogether, allowing him to once again lead a normal life. In the classic example of turning lemons into lemonade and after experiencing the struggle to get quality, knowledgeable care firsthand, he decided to build treatment centers that focused on the condition and were priced affordably. Thus, Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc. was born.
Yvonne Keeny - Patient
Fibromyalgia Coalition – Executive Director
Yvonne Keeny suffered with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for over 13 years. With the help of a few knowledgeable health care providers and self-help techniques she has been well since 1997.
Yvonne's illness brought a special understanding and empathy for people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and the difficulties of day-to-day living. She conducts local support group meetings and lectures throughout the US. She founded the Fibromyalgia Coalition International, a nonprofit organization which hosts the annual Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Awareness Conference in Kansas City. The Fibromyalgia Coalition International, under Yvonne's leaderships, has responded to thousands of FM/CFS sufferers seeking information and resources.
Yvonne's story has been an inspiration to many and has led to guest appearances on radio and television talk shows. She is editor of the quarterly newsletter, Conquering the Challenge, and has written a support group leader’s guide as well as articles for various newspapers and magazines.
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. - Clinical
Dr. Teitelbaum is Board certified internist and best-selling author, Dr. Teitelbaum, joins FFC where he serves as Medical Director for the specialized treatment of Fibromyalgia and fatigue-related conditions. Dr. Teitelbuam’s research and innovative approach led him to author a landmark study on effective treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia (CFS/FMS), which was published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (8:2, 2001). This gold standard research showed an average improvement of 76% after 3 months of treatment, and a dramatic 90% average improvement after 2 years (p <.0001 versus placebo) using his comprehensive medical approach. Close to 50% of participants experienced a 133% increase in energy and a 58% reduction in pain after 3 months (see the study at www.endfatigue.com). Dr. Teitelbaum’s work has also been editorialized in the Journal of the American Academy of Pain Management, in which his integrative treatment protocol was recognized as “standard of practice” for chronic pain conditions.
Dr. Teitelbaum knows CFS/FMS as an insider. He contracted the disease in 1975 when he was a student at the Ohio State University College of Medicine and had to take a leave of absence for a year to recover. In the ensuing years, he dedicated his career to developing, researching and teaching about effective treatment and founded the Center for Effective CFIDS/Fibromyalgia Therapies in Annapolis, Maryland.
Dr. Teitelbaum received his medical degree from the Medical School at Ohio State University. In 1980, he became Board Certified in Internal Medicine. For over two decades, he has worked with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue patients and has a specialized practice for FM/CFS patients in Annapolis, Maryland. He continues to lecture to patient and physician/research groups internationally.
Sue Hrim - At Large
Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc.
Sue Hrim serves as Vice President of Clinical Affairs and is a director of Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc. Sue is responsible for the corporate operational oversight of the national Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, along with clinical development, implementation, and quality assurance initiatives.
Sue has been a principal of several healthcare organizations, a clinical legal consultant, and long-term care industry consultant. A Registered Nurse with over 20 years experience in healthcare management, she brings executive leadership, strategic planning and implementation with a proven history of success.
Thomas VonderBrink - At Large
Bioenergy, Inc. – President & Chief Operating Officer
Thomas VonderBrink joined Bioenergy, Inc. in January 2000 and became president and coo of Valen Labs in 2003. Before joining the Company, Mr. VonderBrink spent 25 years with Novartis Corporation, most recently as general manager responsible for senior care, health systems and trade market segments managing more than $800 million in contracted sales. Mr. VonderBrink began his career at Novartis – formerly Sandoz, Inc. – in 1974 as a sales representative. Other positions held at Novartis include national sales manager, director of business development, director of national healthcare programs, and general manager of corporate account management.
Mr. VonderBrink has vast experience in clinical nutrition product development, sales, marketing, and management. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Thomas Moore College in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, Mr. VonderBrink went on to earn his master’s degree in counseling and guidance from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
John Merrill - At Large
President of Merlo Co.
John Merrill is the current president of Merlo Co. which owns and distributes the Cuddle Ewe brand underquilt. Mr. Merrill is also the owner of Modern Quilters which has manufactured the Cuddle Ewe underquilt since 1997. When it became clear that the Cuddle Ewe was beneficial as a sleep aid for Fibromyalgia sufferers Mr. Merrill worked with the past ownership of Cuddle Ewe to optimize the quality of Cuddle Ewe products for that market.