October 27, 2009

From: Ann Earles
Chairman, Board of Directors, IASCNAPA

To: IASCNAPA Membership

Aloha,

These are trying times for the Sickle Cell community. Although I am removed from actual involvement, I can sense the upheaval the disbanding of the Sickle Cell Centers has caused around the country. For many months job security as well as continuing ability to provide the best patient care has caused countless anxious moments for the IASCNAPA membership. This chaos perhaps contributed to the lack of participation in the spring 2009 elections.

There were nominations for each position, but the majority of nominees declined. Several nominees did not respond to either accept or decline. As a result there were not enough names on the ballot to hold a vote. Those who accepted nomination were installed into the available positions. We are left without an assistant secretary and are short one person on the Board of Directors.

My geographic location and my increasing family commitments greatly interfere with my ability to effectively serve as Chairman of the Board, therefore a new chairman will be elected and I will vacate my seat on the Board. I will continue to serve on the Scholarship and Nominations Committees and will be available any time my input is requested.

This organization is the realization of many dreams. IASCNAPA is even more important now to our patients, our families and our membership than ever before. Please join me in becoming more involved and committed to its viability and success.

My fondest aloha,

Ann Earles