The world really is in our hands as we move into 2009.  For the last two years, we've heard about Change We Can Believe In.  I believe it is important for all Americans to focus not simply on change but on effective and appropriate change.

As someone who has had the opportunity to travel and live outside the United States, I am reminded often when I hear so many complain about our Government and how bad they feel things are, that we are a nation with a strong and righteous Constitution, a nation that continues to work to overcome bigotry and prejudice, a nation built on the precepts of personal liberty, freedom of religion and freedom of the press, and a country that every four years holds national elections through which we have a peaceful transition of power.  

During my time in public service, I became involved in the areas of integral health (the synthesis of the best of conventional and complementary or alternative health to meet the therapeutic and philosophical needs of the individual); military and veterans health matters; and child developmental disorders such as autism.  I have learned much about the battles fought by individuals across this nation and around the world to insure that every individual obtains and retains the liberty to make their own health care decisions and not have a corporate or government bureaucrat force a specific treatment over the wishes of the individual.

Since entering the private sector I have had the pleasure of consulting with a number of corporate and non-profit organizations involved in autism, environmental health, military medicine, vaccine injury, medical education, autism, developmental disorders, addiction recovery, dietary supplements, and integral health.  

Building upon two years of vibrant activity in the Office of Rare Diseases at the National Institutes, of Health, and my time working for Congress, and the private sector, I have come to appreciate the important role of philanthropy in every aspect of health research and services.  At every step of medical advances, it has been parents and patients driven by their personal experiences, study, and observations that have focused policy makers, legislators, and researchers onto venues of activity that provide solutions in our lifetime.  Many of our best medical researchers are involved in a specific area of research because someone they loved had the condition. 

It is this spirit of ingenuity along with the greatness of our democracy that gives me hope that we as a nation and a global community will overcome our challenges and turmoil.