Spring Meeting 2009
The NCCNA held its annual meeting on April 21 at the beautiful Woodland Community Center. The Yolo county 
support groups—Woodland, Davis, and West Sacramento—hosted the event, handling signage, check-in, breakfast, and directions to the restrooms. We are all very grateful to Woodland group leader Delia Genera and her crew.
NCCNA board members were thrilled with the growth of the event. Over seventy people besides the board attended. This is 10,000% growth over 2007, when only seven people attended. Several people who weren’t members came, and some joined.
The annual meeting served as the debut of the NCCNA’s public service announcement (PSA). The NCCNA has been developing thirty and sixty second spots with Town Square Productions of Woodland. The PSAs will be completed by mid-May and then distributed to our groups and to various media outlets. Ideally, the spot will run on public TV, public access channels, private closed-circuit channels, and perhaps even major stations. Keep an eye out for it! We’ll keep you posted on the progress.
Dominick Spatafora, president of the Neuropathy Action Foundation, spoke first, telling his tale of dealing with his insurance company to get coverage for treatment essential to his being able to function with CIDP neuropathy. He explained the role of his organization along with ours, and encouraged everyone to attend the Third Annual Neuropathy Action Awareness Day on June 25, being held for the first time in Sacramento. He concluded his presentation with a generous gift of $1,000 to the NCCNA.
Dr. Ken Furukawa, Associate Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
for the UC Davis Health System, filled in for his collegue, Dr. Scott Fishman, who was called away suddenly. Dr. Furukawa spent time in the military, serving as an Army Reserve surgeon and as an Air Force Reservist who was deployed in Afghanistan in 2007. He has worked extensively in pain management practice and research, and is actively trying to improve patient access to pain management care, and to finding more effective practices. His discussion of pain management, including the roles and effects of various treatments, was well-received.
The NCCNA board presented the annual report, and introduced the newest board members, Michael Green and Amy Considine. The full text of the annual report for 2008 is available on this site, as is information about the board. You may also request a printed copy of the annual report by contacting us. Audience members asked wonderful questions about the board, the report, and new policies. Remember, the NCCNA is always looking for good board members (we’d like four more) and others who can assist on committees and in other ways. If you are interested in helping out, please get in touch with us.
The day ended with a presentation by Mae Denman, a yoga instructor specializing in working with seniors and individuals with physical challenges. She led everyone in gentle yoga techniques, with NCCNA Director Emeritus 
Sandra Vinson assisting as a demonstrator. Mae gave a good description of the various types of yoga. She explained her philosophy that pain during exercise is not beneficial, and that having someone understand your condition is vital. Then she put everyone through a variety of simple exercises they could do at home. Sandra has gained a lot of mobility through these techniques.
The NCCNA recorded all the speakers, and has a DVD available with presentations from the event. We also recorded a special, custom session with Mae so our members can enjoy the benefits of Gentle Yoga any time.
You may want to review the highlights of our 2008 Annual Meeting or our 2007 Annual Meeting, as well as enjoying the rest of the photos below.
NCCNA President Bev Anderson addresses the audience.
NCCNA Board member Michael Green.
Folks await the start of the 2009 annual meeting.
‹—NCCNA Board members Amy Considine and Dick Ward prepare the resource table.
—›Amy Considine displays cards, magnets, brochures, and other resources available at the annual meeting.
The Yolo County support groups of the Northern California Chapter of the Neuropathy Association provided a continental breakfast before the meeting.
NCCNA Treasurer Dick Ward presents the annual report.
Neuropathy Action Foundation President Dominick Spatafora with NCCNA President Bev Anderson.
Amy Considine assists people at the resource table.
Arrivals register at the annual meeting.
Mae Denman and Sandra Vinson demonstrate gentle yoga techniques using a common play ball.
NAF President Dominick Spatafora and NCCNA Treasurer Dick Ward
Newest Board member—less than one week at the time—Amy Considine introduces herself.
Another look at the gathering.
