TRIO Chapter Activity Report

San Francisco Bay Chapter - November 2009

Our fall meetings have been fairly well attended with 20+ at each, however, we have not had any special speakers.  Primary topics have been H1N1 vaccinations and the mildly different policies of our various area transplant centers, the "3 Rivers" program, which a large share of our members watched, and the national health care debate.  Hoping this would yield an energetic discussion, I again learned the truth of the axiom, "Be careful what you ask for!"  In addition to this 'tea party', we've had a number of guests, some of whom will hopefully risk again attending.  Our organ procurement agency (CTDN) liaison spoke regarding the merger of their tissue recovery function with the organ recovery function and the revamped staffing resulting from this.   There has been some discussion on the new generic form of Cellcept, and I am curious if any other TRIO members are having issues adjusting to this drug.   

Our meeting this Thursday will feature a presentation by our chapter members, twins Anna Stenzel and Isa Stenzel Byrnes, who recently returned from Japan after promoting the Japanese edition of their book "The Power of Two."   Both are lung transplant recipients (Ana, twice!), who had been battling cystic fibrosis.  The session should offer a glimpse into the unique issues facing people needing transplants in that country.  TRIO was one of the sponsors or their trip, and they met with the president of TRIO Japan at least once.  More on this following their upcoming report.
Our Christmas/Holiday party is set for Tuesday, December 8.


Steve Okonek President,
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter