Chicago Area Ataxia Support Group.

The highlight of the July 20 meeting of the Chicago Area Ataxia Support Group was a presentation by Dr. Kathleen Shannon. Dr. Shannon is an Associate Professor of Neurological Sciences at Rush Medical College, as well as the neurological doctor for one of our members, Emma Brumback. Dr. Shannon enlightened us, in understandable terms, on the many facets of this complex family of diseases. Most welcome was her information on various medications. While she was careful to point out that there is no cure at this time, there may be medications that address some side affects of ataxia while we are waiting for that cure.

Our September 21 meeting was the CASG second annual potluck luncheon and silent auction. Eighteen of us enjoyed the main entree, chicken, obtained with the support group funds, and the delicious side dishes and deserts from the cooks of the group. Our veteran auctioneer, Pat O'Brien, ably handled the silent auction. The silent auction, for the second year, has proven to be an excellent source of funds to offset the support group annual expenses. In addition to the normal social activities of the day, Maureen Coffey outlined her family's plans for a NAF fundraising event on August 6, 2004. As this date gets closer, we will be entertaining any and all ideas to lend support to this fund raising effort.