Our Alliance is celebrating the many successes of 2007-2008. The dedication and hard work of CCMSA members has resulted in new highs for public recognition, and fund raising. Congratulations to Estela Hansen, Wendy Agrawal, their board, and chairpersons for a stellar Alliance year of significant achievements. Special recognition is deserved by Jacqueline Lee and her Fashion Show team.

Now we are filled with excitement as we look to a new season of success. Long time members, new members, and potential members are invited to attend our CCMSA Homecoming luncheon, at the beautiful home of Karen Schroeder on September 16, at 11:30 am. Start planning now who you will bring, and who you will invite to attend. Save the date! More details will follow.

We eagerly anticipate the challenges we will meet as we face the future with our energized new board. These talented, creative women have already begun sharing strategies to build upon the successes of their predecessors. Our transition board meeting was very productive. We are currently seeking the addition of several great women to our team. Please consider stepping up to chair the Fashion Show. One, two, or three women would be the perfect number for this position. The Fashion Show Chair is crucial because this committee raises funds for our charity, the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Alliance needs you. Volunteer today!

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation has been selected as the CCMSA charity for 2008-2009. “The mission of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation is to work side by side with the medical community to provide social, emotional, education, and psychological support services and programs to families of all children diagnosed with life threatening or critical illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, hemophilia, renal disorders, and other immunologic diseases.” NCCF pediatric social workers, counselor, and patient services coordinators help integrate patient and family emotional and social needs with medical and nursing interventions. NCCF programs are diverse and include services such as paying for medicines, and providing fun filled memories at Camp Cartwheel. Jeff Gordon, NCCF Executive Director will be our guest at one of our meetings to tell the NCCF story. Special thanks to our very own Dr. Ron Kline for recommending NCCF to CCMSA.

As our family of medicine is very well aware, this will be a legislative year. We must support medicine by forging strong relationships with our legislators. Our county legislative chair, Annette Mohs hit the ground running by launching our efforts with the June 5 event, Evening with Governor Jim Gibbons. Annette arranged a donated wine tasting & hors d’oeuvres event for the enjoyment of CCMSA and CCMS. Plans are already in the works for the next “Mercedes Benz” CCMSA / CCMS event. Our Alliance members will have numerous opportunities to join forces with our sisters in Northern Nevada as we support our family of medicine during this legislative year.

Plans are well underway for the 2009 Fashion Show on March 26, 2009 at the Four Seasons. We are thrilled to announce that Elie Tahari will be our fashion house. More exciting details will be announced as they are finalized. The coming year will be a wonderful journey for Alliance members. We promise hard work, a sense of accomplishment that comes only from giving back to our community, and of course fun. Thank you for joining us on the journey!

Sheila Bazemore and Beverly Daly Dix