The AFFPC is a proud member of the Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC)
The DDNC is an advocacy organization comprised of the major national voluntary and professional societies concerned with digestive diseases. The DDNC focuses on improving public policy related to digestive diseases and increasing public awareness with respect to the many diseases of the digestive system.
The DDNC’s mission is to work cooperatively to improve access to and the quality of digestive disease health care in order to promote the best possible medical outcome and quality of life for current and future patients with digestive diseases.
Marla Wagner, Director of Advocacy, and Theresa Dukovich, Executive Director, attended the DDNC’s 26th Annual Public Policy Forum on March 1 – 2, 2015 in Washington, DC.
The annual event brings together patients, health care providers, industry representatives, lawmakers and their legislative staff for two days of educational programs, legislative updates and advocacy training.
One of the Key Priorities of the DDNC is the Implementation of the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act which provides advice on overall research objectives for pancreatic cancer research and develops a strategic plan for pancreatic cancer research awareness.
The AFFPC also provided a stipend for a pancreatic cancer patient to attend the forum.
Dr. A. James Moser presented during the forum, along with Dr. Robson and Dr. Freedman, all of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
In addition to many other informative speakers, Stephen James, MD, Director, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), also presented during the Forum.
Slides from Dr. Moser’s Presentation Moser DDNC 2015
Public Policy Forum Photos
Dr. A. James Moser during his DDNC Forum Presentation
Dr. A. James Moser during his DDNC Forum Presentation
Dr. A. James Moser during his DDNC Forum Presentation
Participants of the DDNC Advocacy Forum
Left to Right: Tammie Fleck of Griffith Family Foundation, Marla Wagner, and Theresa Dukovich with Dale Dirks, DDNC Washington Representative
Left to Right: Dr. James DeGerome, past president of the DDNC, Andrew Spiegel, Chairperson of the DDNC, Barbara Kenner of the Sandler-Kenner Foundation, Cathy Griffin of the Griffith Family Foundation, Tammie Fleck of the GFF, Marla Wagner of the Alliance of Families Fighting Pancreatic Cancer, Theresa Dukovich of the AFFPC, Priyanka Surio of the DDNC, Costas Kefalas, MD, President of the DDNC, Ralph Mckibbin, Vice President of the DDNC
Theresa Dukovich and Marla Wagner at the DDNC Board of Director’s Meeting on 3/1/15
Left to Right: Barbara Kenner of the Sandler-Kenner Foundation, Cathy Griffith of the Griffith Family Foundation, Tammie Fleck of the GFF, Marla Wagner of the Alliance of Familes Fighting Pancreatic Cancer, Theresa Dukovich of the AFFPC
In front of Senator Robert Casey’s office, with his staff Douglas Hartman
In front of Senator Pat Toome’s office
DDNC Participants with Representative, Mike Kelly’s staff, Suanne Edmiston
DDNC Participants with Representative Keith Rothfus’ staff, Danielle Janowski