Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Transverse Myelitis

Transverse Myelitis is a rare neurological disorder that is part of a spectrum of neuroimmunologic diseases of the central nervous system. Other disorders in this spectrum include, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Optic Neuritis, and Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic's disease). The membership of The Transverse Myelitis Association includes persons with all of these disorders, their family members and caregivers and the medical professionals who treat people with these disorders.
The Transverse Myelitis Association was established in 1994 as an organization dedicated to advocacy for those who have these rare neuroimmunologic diseases. It was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1996.

Mission

The Transverse Myelitis Association facilitates support and networking opportunities amongst families; provides educational information; functions as a clearinghouse for articles and research literature; and investigates, advocates for and supports research and innovative treatment efforts.

Programs

The TMA publishes a newsletter for our members twice a year, which contains articles by physicians and health care providers. There are also articles written by people with the rare neuroimmunologic disorders. A membership directory is published and distributed annually. The TMA assists in the development of local support groups and is involved in various fund-raising efforts, such as Reading for Rachel, to raise awareness and funds for research. The TMA supports and conducts various symposiums and workshops involving both professionals and patients for the exchange of information regarding research and treatment strategies for persons with the rare neuroimmunologic disorders of the central nervous system.
I plan to donate a percentage of the net profits from my book, to this organization.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Facebook Group, The Sons of Apollyon

Surprisingly, the group is nearly 200 strong now.  To be honest, I am shocked at how well the book has done considering the only advertising I've used is Facebook, and some business cards that I have passed out.  The latter, to the chagrin of my youngest daughter when I hand them out to strangers, in her presence.  Now I grant you. The Lantern and WSYX interviews were nice, though most of the book sales happened prior to that free publicity.  Sadly, it seems if you want to get noticed, you have to do something really stupid or illegal. A sad commentary for our country, that seems to reward bad behavior.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Sons of Apollyon

The reason people will hate my book... I insult Islam, Christianity, and organized religion in general.  People will love my book if they like sex, mystery and vampires.