It's Amazing What Incentives Will Do!

For the past couple of years, I've taken part in the nationwide "Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis" fundraising walk. However, instead of going to Memphis or Nashville, I decided to organize a local walk to help bring attention to "inflammatory bowel disease" (IBD) in my rural community. In 2008 and 2009, we walked on the fitness trail on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin with great success. We were able to spread a lot of awareness in Northwest Tennessee thanks, in part, to friends, family and amazing contacts at various local media outlets.

This year, I haven't decided whether or not to continue my local walk just yet. The primary reason is that as Advocacy Chairperson of the TN Chapter, it is one of my responsibilities to attend the "big city" events and volunteer in helping with the walk. In addition, I will invite local legislators to our walks and encourage them to participate.

Usually I register my team, "The Rolling Crohn's", sometime around March or April. However, an email from the "Take Steps" folks last night helped light a fire under my butt (no pun) in registering a little early this year.

As an incentive to encourage people to register their teams early and, thus, begin their fundraising efforts, the CCFA "Take Steps" community came up with a strange, albeit, creative way to get things moving.

According to their email:

"Register for the Take Steps Walk before November 30th and you will be entered into your local walk site contest for free toilet paper for one month. One local walk site winner will go on to win the national grand prize of free toilet paper for a year!"

I swear, I'm not making this up! The amazing part is that I got up this morning and registered my team on October 31, 2009 for the Nashville walk scheduled for May 22, 2010. Hey, toilet paper is a sacred commodity around this house.

*Quick side bar - as it is Halloween, please resist the urge to "roll" someone's house tonight. It's not the mess that bothers me, it's the wasting of the precious TP that gets me. One caveat: If you choose to use cheap dollar store toilet paper, have at it*

Anyway, our team is ready to go! Right now, it's just Mandy, Xavier and me, but feel free to donate to or join The Rolling Crohns. You don't have to attend the walk in Nashville to be a part of our team. You can join our team, spread awareness and raise funds for a great cause! We'd love to have you as part of our team.

Our team goal is $1500, but I'd really love to exceed that this year. So, in lieu of Christmas or birthday gifts for me, I ask you to consider donating to our team. A cure for Crohn's and colitis means a lot to me...that would be the best gift I could ever receive.

Here are a couple of videos from our 2008 and 2009 walks.

I know budgets are stretched thin in every household, so any dollar amount is greatly appreciated!

To join our team or donate, click here.

Thanks to all who have walked with us in the past or donated generously! Your support means a lot to me.

Cheers,

Brent

The Incredible Shrinking Man

Remember that movie back in the eighties with Lily Tomlin called "The Incredible Shrinking Woman"?

Well, that's kind of an issue with folks who have inflammatory bowel disease. Weight gain and loss is a constant matter of contention with IBD.

For instance, when I was first diagnosed, I was put on Prednisone to control the inflammation in my gut. For those who don't know, Prednisone is a steroid. While it is useful in short-term situations, it's long-term effects can be harmful to a person's body.

Immediately after taking Prednisone, I felt like a new person. My abdominal pain was gone (or, at least relieved) and my appetite came back...with a vengeance! I could eat a whole bag of "Chips Ahoy" in one sitting...I'm not kidding....ask Mandy.

Suddenly, this 22 year old, skinny, 6 foot 4 inch kid was ballooning up! With Prednisone, you can get what is called "Moon Face"...a sort of rounding of your facial features.

Again, Prednisone isn't good for the long-term. It can lower your resistance to infections, increase your risk for osteoporosis, decrease wound healing among other things.

I have seen my weight fluctuate over the past 10 years. At one point, I think I got up to 280lbs. Ideally, I like to stay around 220lbs or so.

Lately, my weight has dropped down to 199lbs. I've made some lifestyle and diet changes that reflect my current weight.

Because I lost 1/4 of my colon during a resection in 2000, I don't absorb nutrients from the food I eat and, therefore, use the restroom quite frequently. Basically, everything runs right through me (I'm trying not to use the "D" word...OK, diarrhea).

So, I'm watching what I eat, drinking more water and making sure I get my nutrients (& vitamins) from other sources.

It's a constant battle. I would love to throw down on a Big Mac without consequences or eat at our local Mexican restaurant (*cough* Los Portales *cough*) without using their facilities before I leave, but that's not realistic.

I hope these blogs help personalize this disease and help everyone understand the different symptoms involved.

Educating and raising awareness WILL help bring IBD to the forefront of people's minds.

Be an advocate and make your voice be heard!

Cheers,

Brent

Featured In Wishlist Foundation Newsletter

As a follow-up to yesterdays post about receiving help from the Wishlist Foundation Street Team, Laura sent me a copy of their latest newsletter this afternoon.



In this issue of the newsletter, they list all the different projects they are working on including upcoming Pearl Jam pre-show fundraisers in Philadelphia (Oct 27, 28, 30 & 31) benefiting The Yellow Ribbon Club and The Gift Of Life Family House, advocating breast cancer awareness for National Brest Cancer Awareness Month and helping me contact legislators in the House and Senate to ask them to co-sponsor the "IBD Research and Awareness Act".


Once again, thank you to the members of the street team who are taking a moment out of their day to help spread awareness and be advocates for inflammatory bowel disease.

If you're interested in becoming a member of the Wishlist Foundation Street Team, simply go to their Fancorps website to sign up.

Special thanks to Rochelle Howke for already completing this task by emailing her senators in Virginia!

Legislator Contact Update Regarding IBD Bill

Over the past 3 1/2 weeks, I have managed to send emails and physical letters to Congressman John Tanner (D-TN 8th District) and Senators Lemar Alexander and Bob Corker.

Thus far, I've received email responses from Senators Alexander and Corker. While Senator Alexander's email seemed to be a more generic one about health care, Senator Corker did specifically address the issue of inflammatory bowel disease and the bill.

Unfortunately, I've had no contact with Congressman Tanner yet. I did send a follow up email yesterday asking for his support of the bill and offering time to meet with him.



I've been hesitant to place calls to the offices of the aforementioned legislators until I speak with Steve Goodman, a member of the CCFA National Board's Public Outreach and Partnership Subcommittee. Goodman will be able to provide the necessary training and advice in order to be a more successful advocate. I will take part in a conference call within the next few weeks.

I have sent thank you emails to several key legislators who have already co-sponsored the bill and have reached out to Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY 1st District) about supporting the bill.

I did receive an immediate email response from Congressman Whitfield:

"Thank you for contacting me to express your views. I believe effective government can only be achieved with an open and constructive dialogue. For this reason, your input is especially helpful to me. I will respond to your views with a more detailed correspondence via standard mail."

I will continue my efforts to educate legislators about inflammatory bowel disease and, in the process, raise awareness within my community & online.

Again, I encourage you to research this bill and ask your local legislators for co-sponsorship.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time: ccfaadvocacy@gmail.com

Cheers,

Brent

Help From Familiar Friends

Sometime around late September 2004, I started working with fellow Pearl Jam fan Laura Trafton on organizing a small grassroots fundraiser for the St. Louis food bank before the "Vote For Change" tour. With just a couple of weeks to plan things out, we raised over 200lbs of food and clothing for the St. Louis Area Food Bank.

In 2005, I decided to build on that idea and raise awareness about Crohn's and colitis before Pearl Jam shows in Canada. To my amazement, these little meet-ups raised over $20,000 for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of Canada.



Again, building on that momentum, Laura and I partnered up for a similar campaign for Pearl Jam's 2006 tour. We set a goal to top the $20,000 figure we attained in Canada and held pre-show fundraisers across the country. Again, to our astonishment, fans came through with donations, support and excitement. The best part (aside from the unbelievable amount of money raised for the CCFA) was shining a light on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We were spreading awareness in a fun and positive way.


Around the same time, Laura and I started discussing an idea of forming a non-profit organization to help the myriad of charities that Pearl Jam supports year round (not just during tours). We wanted to raise awareness (and money) for other charities that might not get as much exposure as others.

To her credit, Laura took the idea and created The Wishlist Foundation. On September 14, 2006, the Wishlist Foundation was legally registered as a nonprofit corporation in Illinois. They are now dedicated to supporting Pearl Jam’s charitable and philanthropic goals.



While I still try to help out from time-to-time, my participation level decreased because of family priorities and work commitments. I did, however, manage to get a letter published in Relix magazine commending The Wishlist Foundation and Pearl Jam fans. Pearl Jam, Mike McCready and a host of artists and fans continue to keep the momentum going for various causes and charities.


Now, as I find myself working to help pass the IBD Research and Awareness Act, I am grateful to know that I have continued support from The Wishlist Foundation. They have formed a grassroots street team made up of fans and volunteers who work together to promote the Wishlist Foundation, their beneficiaries and Pearl Jam. The street team is now working to help me get this important piece of legislation passed. I can't thank them enough.

In addition, I have to thank the folks at the Pearl Jam message board for sticking my post to the top of the board and for all the efforts of the fans to write, call and email their local legislators.


With the right amount of motivation, inspiration, determination and other words ending in "ation", we can make our voices be heard. We can shed light on causes and organizations that might not get the attention they need.

Thank you to my wife, family, friends, Laura, Pearl Jam fans, Mike McCready and the Wishlist Foundation for working to find a cure and continuing to raise awareness about IBD.

Cheers,

Brent

Putting A Famous Face On IBD

When you think about Inflammatory Bowel Disease, you normally think about the person sitting across from you in the waiting room of your Gastroenterologist office. You see normal every day people: Those who work in a professional environment, school-age children & college students or senior members of the community.

But, this disease doesn't discriminate. There is a long list of famous faces who struggle daily and fight with the rest of us.

I was amazed to learn in 2003 that Mike McCready, guitarist for Pearl Jam, was diagnosed with IBD at a young age. When McCready became an outspoken advocate for IBD awareness, he helped me come to terms with my own condition. I was embarrassed to talk about how I had to go to the bathroom 10 times a day or felt anxious about finding a bathroom in public. McCready has always been extremely candid in discussing his condition. I've always appreciated his candor in explaining things that I've had the displeasure of experiencing. McCready is the person who inspired me to be proactive in raising awareness about Crohn's and colitis.



When I was diagnosed, I didn't know anyone, let alone a celebrity, who suffered from IBD. Since then, I've learned that there are quite a few famous faces who have Crohn's, colitis or both.


Rolf Benirschke is a former NFL kicker for the San Diego Chargers and founder of the "Great Comebacks" program.



David Garrard is the current Quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a matter of fact, for every rushing or passing touchdown that David scores during the' 09 football season, Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. will make a donation of $10,000 to CCFA for research, education, and support initiatives.


Anastacia is a songwriter, a singer and a dancer from Chicago. She was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 13. She had a huge hit with "I'm Outta Love" in 2000.


Beth Orton is a british singer, songwriter who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the age of 17.



George "The Animal" Steele (real name: Jim Myers) is a former wrestler for the WWF. He also speaks very candidly about living with Crohn's on his website.




Shannen Doherty most famously played Brenda Walsh on "Beverly Hills 90210" in the 90's. She's also starred on TV shows like "Charmed" and "Our House". Her film credits include "Heathers" and "Mallrats".



I've really only touched on the surface of celebrities, public figures and politicians who also have IBD. For instance, former President George H.W. Bush's youngest son, Marvin, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and in 1991, the CCFA named Marvin Bush as its spokesman.

So, you are not alone in this fight. For years, I thought I was the only one. Since then, I've met some really great people who have shared their stories with me and have shown me that life continues regardless of what diagnosis we've been given.

Keep your head up, be proactive and continue to educate & raise awareness about IBD!

Cheers,

Brent

Email Response From Senator Alexander

Got home tonight, checked my email and found a response from Senator Lemar Alexander regarding my inquiry last week about the IBD bill. This email was a little less personal than Senator Corker's but appreciated nevertheless.

"Dear Brent,

Thanks very much for getting in touch with me and letting me know what's on your mind regarding health care reform.

Providing every American with genuine access to quality, affordable health care is one of my highest priorities as a member of the U.S. Senate. Unfortunately, the health care bills we're debating right now flunk their most important test, which is cost. These bills - including the Kennedy health care bill that I voted against in committee on July 15, 2009 - are good faith efforts to find the best way to go in the wrong direction. We have to start over to get it right.

Why do we have to start over? People at home in Tennessee, the Mayo Clinic, 1,000 local chambers of commerce and businesses, Democratic governors, and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office all basically say, "These plans have too many problems." Add all those problems up, and this is what you'd get in Tennessee:

• Dumping 300,000 low-income Tennesseans into the failed Medicaid program (known as TennCare in Tennessee), even though right now 40 percent of doctors won't see Medicaid patients. Then they're going to shift the cost to the states after about five years - the equivalent of a 5 percent to 10 percent new state income tax in Tennessee.

• Around 900,000 Tennesseans could be affected by proposed cuts to Medicare.

• Up to 1.6 million Tennessee workers could lose their employer-provided health insurance.

• As many as 2 million Tennesseans are at risk of being forced into a new government-run plan.

I believe that the era of the thousand-page bill is over. The best way to get a result on health care and other major issues facing our nation is to re-earn the trust of the American people by working step by step to begin solving the challenges facing our country. Instead of a trillion-dollar, thousand-page comprehensive health care bill centered around a government-run plan, as a first step we might allow small business pooling to reduce health care costs and increase access to affordable coverage. We could reform medical malpractice laws so runaway junk lawsuits don't continue to drive up the cost of health care. We could allow individual Americans to purchase health care across state lines like they can with their car insurance today. We could enact meaningful insurance market reforms, such as making sure that people aren't disqualified from getting health coverage because of preexisting conditions.

These are some steps we could take in the right direction, which would improve our existing health care system without adding trillions more to the national debt and dumping new debt on the states. I appreciate your taking the time to let me know where you stand on this important issue, and I'll be sure to consider your comments as health care is discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.

Sincerely,

Lamar"

As you can tell this appears to be a generic email response about health care. To be fair, in my email to Senator Alexander, I chose "health care" as the topic of my correspondence. It's now my job to be more aggressive in educating the senator about IBD and more direct in asking for him to co-sponsor the "IBD Research and Awareness Act".

Again, thank you to the senator for sending an email acknowledging my letter and hope to hear more from him in the future.

This is only the first step towards garnering more attention about S. 981!

I encourage all of you to email, write and call your legislators and ask them directly to co-sponsor the "IBD Research and Awareness Act".

This CCFA web page is a great resource and can help you along the way.

Continue to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel disease! We will find a cure!

Cheers,

Brent

Being A Father...And Having Crohn's Disease

Many of you hear me talk about Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) quite often. Those close to me see how it's affects my life on a daily basis...others don't. I do my best to solider on through difficult times with as much of a smile as I can.

Crohn's disease is more than just stomach pains and frequent bathroom visits. IBD is fatigue, depression, anxiety and fear of missing something special.

Today was one of those days where I wanted to do something but my body and mind made it difficult.

Today, we made it a point to make plans to go to UTM's Homecoming festivities and football game. I'm always hesitant to make plans because I never know how I'm going to feel from day-to-day. So, when Mandy asked if I wanted to go to the Homecoming pre-game and then the UTM game, I kind of figured I could muster enough energy for one or the other...but probably not both.

We got bundled up and took Xavier with us to "Quad-City". I got to see Xavier jump in the inflatables, pet the animals, hear the band play one of his favorite songs and even cry when trying to take his picture with "Captain Skyhawk". Those are the moments I want to experience. As my friend Szurgot says, "If the kid is crying...that's the moment...for better or worse, enjoy the moment."

Then, before the game, we decided to stop for lunch. And that's when I began to feel the fatigue set in. I was mentally and physically tired...to the point where all I wanted to do was lay on the couch.

Regrettably, I had to tell Mandy that I wouldn't be able to go to the game with her and Xavier. I had to put my life on hold for this disease.

As we passed the stadium, Mandy commented that she was sad that I wouldn't be there for Xavier's first football game.

When you're a parent, you want to be there to experience everything (or as much as you can) your child experiences. You get to live vicariously through them and be a kid again.

I didn't want to miss seeing Xavier walk into the stadium or cheering on the team, but I was completely worn out. Even if I did go, I would be miserable.

So, I came home, covered up and got some rest on the couch for a couple of hours. I felt a lot of guilt though. This isn't the first time that I've wanted to do something with my son (or my wife, family and friends), but couldn't pull myself up in order to go.

Guilt got the better of me and I decided that I wasn't going to let this disease keep me from sitting in the stands with my son.

I decided to get up and, at the very least, get there by halftime and enjoy the remainder of the day with my wife and son.

Truth be told, when I got there he was tired, cold and not really interested in the game. But, that's the moment I'll remember about his first football game even if he didn't have a care in the world whether I was there or not.

Even if the romanticized version of each moment doesn't turn out exactly how I picture it in my head, I want the opportunity to be there for it.

I think that's what frustrates me the most...not knowing what each day will bring. Will I have enough energy to see him run the bases at tee-ball? Will I be too tired to tell him about all the music I'm passionate about?

I had to come home and write all of this down before fatigue got the better of me.

Luckily, I receive my next dose of Remicade on Monday. Hopefully, I'll get more pep in my step shortly thereafter.

So, there you go...a real personal story from someone with IBD who has to learn how to live each day and enjoy each moment as it comes.

I hope you come away from this with a better awareness of what it's like dealing with a chronic illness. I'm not looking for pity...just understanding.

Ultimately, I want the opportunity to experience life and not let a disease take that away from me. It's tough, but I continue to work through it.

Cheers,

Brent

Response To Senator Bob Corker's Email

In reviewing the email I received from Senator Corker on Tuesday, one part stood out that I wanted to make sure to clarify:

"I would also like to share with you that I have consistently supported broad-based medical research. On March 13 of last year, I voted in favor of an amendment to increase NIH funding by $2.1 billion in the 2009 budget. It is my hope that this across-the-board increase in research funding will benefit all disease-specific medical research, including inflammatory bowel disease."

While I applaud the senator for voting in favor of an increase in NIH funding, I also want to express the Sense of Congress that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease at NIH should expand support for research on inflammatory bowel disease.

With over 28,000 patients just in Tennessee alone, this piece of legislation is extremely important for his constituents.

I emailed him a response with more information and, again, asked specifically for him to co-sponsor S. 981 "The IBD Research and Awareness Act."

I really do appreciate the fact that the senator responded so quickly to my email. I hope he takes the additional information I supplied and moves forward with co-sponsorship.

Please feel free to email Senator Corker and urge him to help pass this important piece of legislation for IBD patients and their families!

Cheers,

Brent

Senator Bob Corker Responds To My Email

I wasn't sure if I would get a direct response from my inquires to my congressman and senators about the "IBD Research and Awareness Act". At most, I figured I would get a form letter or something nice saying "thanks for writing."

However, today, I received a response from Senator Bob Corker (R) - Tennessee, via email, that specifically mentions the information I supplied and thanks me for my input.

Below is the body of the correspondence:

Dear Mr. Hinson,

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office about S. 981, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research and Awareness Act. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.

My heart goes out to all of those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. I fully understand that this is a serious and debilitating disease and I share your desire to find better treatments. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Enhancement Act is currently before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The information you've provided here will certainly help my staff and me more effectively look into this issue.

Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me.

Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator

I encourage everyone to contact Senator Corker and other legislators in regards to this bill and ask them to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation.

If you would like more information about the "IBD Research and Awareness Act", please feel free to contact me at any time.

Cheers,

Brent

What Are Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis?

Crohn's & Colitis

•Crohn's disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it can involve any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon.

•Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic (ongoing) disease of the colon, or large intestine. The disease is marked by inflammation and ulceration of the colon mucosa, or innermost lining. Tiny open sores, or ulcers, form on the surface of the lining, where they bleed and produce pus and mucus. Because the inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, symptoms typically include diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and often crampy abdominal pain.

The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may also involve the entire colon. When ulcerative colitis affects only the lowest part of the colon -- the rectum -- it is called ulcerative proctitis. If the disease affects only the left side of the colon, it is called limited or distal colitis. If it involves the entire colon, it is termed pancolitis.

•Ulcerative colitis differs from another inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease. Crohn's can affect any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the small intestine and colon. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, affects only the colon. The inflammation involves the entire rectum and extends up the colon in a continuous manner. There are no areas of normal intestine between the areas of diseased intestine. In contrast, such so-called "skip" areas may occur in Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost lining of the colon, whereas Crohn's disease can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall.

•What Causes These Conditions?

Although considerable progress has been made in IBD research, investigators do not yet know the cause. Studies indicate that the inflammation in IBD involves a complex interaction of factors: the genes the person has inherited, the immune system, and something in the environment. Foreign substances (antigens) in the environment may be the direct cause of the inflammation, or they may stimulate the body's defenses to produce an inflammation that continues without control.

•What Can You Do To Help Find A Cure?

A bill, THE IBD RESEARCH AND AWARENESS ACT, to support research and public awareness activities with respect to inflammatory bowel disease, and for other purposes was introduced to the House and Senate in May 2009.

Sen. Harry Reid [D-NV] sponsored the bill in the Senate and Rep. Jesse Jackson [D-IL2] sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives.

If there are 218 co-sponsors (half of the House) for the House bill and 51 co-sponsors (half of the Senate) for the Senate bill in the next 8 - 10 months, we will be well positioned to pass the bill.

We need your help to voice your support of this bill. Please contact your local Senator and Congressman/Congresswoman to encourage them to co-sponsor this piece of legislation.

The IBD Research and Awareness Act: Overview

Senate

S. 981 - A bill to support research and public awareness activities with respect to inflammatory bowel disease, and for other purposes.

Original Sponsor: Harry Reid (D) - Nevada - May 5, 2009

Co-Sponsors (and co-sponsor date):
*Christopher Dodd (D) - Connecticut - 09/11/2009
*Joseph Lieberman (I) - Connecticut - 06/02/2009
*Daniel Inouye (D) - Hawaii - 05/13/2009
*Debbie Stabenow (D) - Michigan - 06/25/2009
*Thad Cochran (R) - Mississippi - 05/07/2009
*Sherrod Brown (D) - Ohio - 05/13/2009
*Jack Reed (D) - Rhode Island - 07/07/2009

House of Representatives

H.R.2275 - To support research and public awareness activities with respect to inflammatory bowel disease, and for other purposes.

Original Sponsor: Jesse Jackson (D) - Illinois - May 6, 2009

Co-Sponsors (and co-sponsor date):
*Harry Mitchell (D 5th) - Arizona - 05/14/2009
*Barbara Lee (D 9th) - California - 06/04/2009
*Michael Honda (D 15th) - California - 06/16/2009
*Adam Schiff (D 29th) - California - 06/04/2009
*Lucille Roybal-Allard (D 34th) - California - 09/25/2009
*Michael Castle (R At-Large) - Delaware - 05/06/2009
*Ander Crenshaw (R 4th) - Florida - 05/06/2009
*C.W. Bill Young (R 10th) - Florida - 07/31/2009
*Robert Wexler (D 19th) - Florida - 06/16/2009
*Sanford Bishop (D 2nd) - Georgia - 06/04/2009
*Henry Johnson (D 4th) - Georgia - 06/04/2009
*Jim Marshall (D 8th) - Georgia - 06/04/2009
*Bobby Rush (D 1st) - Illinois - 07/22/2009
*Janice Schakowsky (D 9th) - Illinois - 07/31/2009
*Mark Kirk (R 10th) - Illinois - 07/22/2009
*Brad Ellsworth (D 8th) - Indiana 06/16/2009
*Dennis Moore (D 3rd) - Kansas - 07/22/2009
*John Olver (D 1st) - Massachusetts - 07/31/2009
*James McGovern (D 3rd) - Massachusetts - 06/04/2009
*Barney Frank (D 4th) - Massachusetts - 06/04/2009
*Michael Capuano (D 8th) - Massachusetts - 07/31/2009
*William Delahunt (D 10th) - Massachusetts - 06/16/2009
*Dale Kildee (D 5th) - Michigan - 06/04/2009
*Thaddeus McCotter (R 11th) - Michigan - 06/25/2009
*Gene Taylor (D 4th) - Mississippi - 07/22/2009
*Carol Shea-Porter (D 1st) - New Hampshire - 07/22/2009
*Frank LoBiondo (R 2nd) - New Jersey - 05/14/2009
*Donald Payne (D 10th) - New Jersey - 06/04/2009
*Albio Sires (D 13th) - New Jersey - 07/22/2009
*Tim Bishop (D 1st) - New York - 07/22/2009
*Steve Israel (D 2nd) - New York - 06/04/2009
*Peter King (R 3rd) - New York - 06/16/2009
*Gary Ackerman (D 5th) - New York - 07/22/2009
*Gregory Meeks (D 6th) - New York - 07/31/2009
*Anthony Weiner (D 9th) - New York - 09/25/2009
*Carolyn Maloney (D 14th) - New York - 06/04/2009
*Jose Serrano (D 16th) - New York - 09/25/2009
*Nita Lowey (D 18th) - New York - 06/16/2009
*Maurice Hinchey (D 22nd) - New York - 09/25/2009
*Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D 28th) - New York - 09/25/2009
*Brad Miller (D 13th) - North Carolina - 07/22/2009
*Marcy Kaptur (D 9th) - Ohio - 06/04/2009
*Dennis Kucinich (D 10th) - Ohio - 07/22/2009
*Tim Ryan (D 17th) - Ohio - 05/14/2009
*David Wu (D 1st)- Oregon - 07/31/2009
*Jason Altmire (D 4th) - Pennsylvania - 09/25/2009
*Jim Gerlach (R 6th) - Pennsylvania - 05/14/2009
*Joe Sestak (D 7th) - Pennsylvania - 06/25/2009
*Christopher Carney (D 10th) - Pennsylvania - 05/14/2009
*Paul Kanjorski (D 11th) - Pennsylvania - 05/14/2009
*Tim Holden (D 17th) - Pennsylvania - 05/14/2009
*Tim Murphy (R 18th) - Pennsylvania - 07/22/2009
* Patrick Kennedy (D 1st) - Rhode Island - 07/22/2009
*Bart Gordon (D 6th) - Tennessee - 06/04/2009
*Pete Sessions (R 32nd) - Texas - 07/22/2009
*Frank Wolf (R 10th) - Virginia - 06/16/2009

Please take a moment to email or phone the above-mentioned Senators and Congressmen/Congresswoman to express your thanks for helping this legislation!

Information up-to-date as of October 1st, 2009