Greetings from the New IPPF Outreach Manager: Becky Strong
Hello all! Working for the IPPF has been something I have been interested in doing for about five years, since my pemphigus vulgaris finally got under control. I knew from my first contact with the Foundation that this is an amazing group of people. I am proud of the way our community pulls together and rallies for each other; it’s amazing how we sincerely care about one another.
The position of Outreach Manager is new to me, as well as to the IPPF. This position was created to be a link between Patient Support and the Awareness Campaign. While these programs have different focuses, they are united by the common goals of education, early diagnosis, and promoting the best treatments for P/P patients.
As a result, half of my time will be spent supporting patients. If anybody touched by our diseases has a question, comment, or concern, I am their first point of contact. It is my responsibility to provide all who contact me with clear, precise information and resources. I will also be creating and revising material for print and online, as well as helping to facilitate local support groups, meetings, and patient education calls.
The other half of my job will be spent raising awareness of P/P in the medical community with the goal of reducing patient suffering and diagnostic delays. Currently, the Awareness Campaign focuses on dental outreach. I will be coordinating patient presentations at universities and looking to recruit, train, and supervise other patient speakers and volunteers. I will also take over coordinating exhibit booths at conferences for dentists and medical professionals. It is my goal to pass along what I’ve learned and use my knowledge to make a difference in the lives of P/P patients. And the IPPF has given me this wonderful opportunity to do so.” It sounds like a lot of work — and it is — but I am up for the challenge! Because of my status as a PV patient and my past work in the healthcare field, I feel that I am qualified to work with both communities simultaneously. I promise to work tirelessly to promote quality of life for the members of our community, as well as in the dental, medical, and nursing communities.
I know I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the IPPF community. So many of you provided me with support, compassion, and encouragement during one of the lowest periods of my life. I was young when I was diagnosed. I was scared and felt isolated. But my IPPF friends changed all of that. I want to do that for others. It is my goal to pass along what I’ve learned and use my knowledge to make a difference in the lives of P/P patients. And the IPPF has given me this wonderful opportunity to do so.
Please know you can contact me by email at becky@pemphigus.org or by phone at (916) 992-1298 x105. I will work to get you the answers you need. I am here for you.