National Reye's Syndrome Foundation

Reye's Syndrome, a deadly disease, strikes swiftly and can attack any child or adult without warning. All body organs are affected, with the liver and brain suffering most seriously. While the cause and cure remain unknown, research has established a link between Reye's Syndrome and the use of aspirin and other salicylate containing medications. In 1974, the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation was incorporated, becoming the first citizen group to generate a concerted, organized lay movement to eradicate Reye's Syndrome.

Incorporated on August 3, 1974, in Bryan, Ohio, the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation is the only citizen group generating a concerted, organized lay movement to eradicate Reye's Syndrome. Children, teenagers, and adults are dying of Reye's Syndrome.

The Foundation is committed to the health and well-being of those who are most at risk. The Foundation has made great gains toward our ultimate goal of eradicating Reye's Syndrome. Our public awareness programs have resulted in a decrease in the number of cases reported in recent years. It is hoped that research will bring us closer to our goal.

The Foundation's Programs

Awareness - to aid in early detection and to educate the public and medical communities about the risk factor involved with the use of aspirin. To conduct awareness programs, the NRSF has brochures, bulletins, television and radio public service announcements, documentary and video/DVD presentations, and a speakers bureau available to groups and organizations free of charge.

Service - to give the families experiencing the personal trauma of Reye's Syndrome emotional support and guidance.

Research - to support investigation into the cause, management, treatment, and prevention of the disease, as well as study the impact the disease has had on survivors.

Major Accomplishments of the NRSF

	Encouraged and supported mandatory warning labels on all over-the-counter medicines containing aspirin.
	Produced and distributed an award-winning Reye's Syndrome documentary, entitled "Reye's Syndrome: A Real and Present Danger." This documentary is still available.
	Developed and produced television and radio public service announcements featuring National Spokesperson, Dick Van Dyke.
	Provides a toll-free 800 Reye's Syndrome hot line: 1-800-233-7393.
	Conducts an annual mass mailing to almost 16,000 school systems across the country in a massive education awareness campaign.
	Observes National Reye's Syndrome Month in September and National Reye's Syndrome Week the third full week in September.
	Participates in various television programs and taped radio interviews across the country.
	Establishes affiliates located throughout the country.
	Produced and distributed a medical DVD, entitled "Reye Syndrome And It's Mimickers" -- Only available for medical professionals.
	Consistently updated Website; Available in Multiple Languages; Language Expansion Continuous.

Research

The Foundation established a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprised of eight medical scientists from various parts of the United States and Canada, many of whom have been active in Reye's Syndrome research.

The Scientific Advisory Board is chaired by Dr. Thomas H. Glick, Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Chief of Neurology at The Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, Inc.
E-mail: nrsf@reyessyndrome.org
Toll Free: 1-800-233-7393 (U.S. only)
Telephone: 1-419-924-9000
FAX: 1-419-924-9999

We need to stand up and be heard! We need to join forces and let the pharmaceutical companies and retailers know that they need to help us protect our children, not harm them!

We need to provide awareness materials to the media, and to any organization that is formulating an influenza pandemic preparedness plan or holding an immunization clinic. We need to let them know that "Baby Aspirin" and "Children's Aspirin" are not acceptable terms. We need to spread the word and protect our children!