CAHSAH’s Annual Conference was well-attended last week, and a large contingent of home care providers throughout the State were present.

Additionally, our Washington, DC colleagues and friends,  Val Halamandaris, President and Bill Dombi, Vice President for Law were also present.

According to Edwards-Tate:  “A highlight was certainly the beautiful and poignant retirement party for outgoing CAHSAH President, Joseph Hafkenschiel. It was a wonderful opportunity to say good-bye and make a tribute.   A nationally recognized and respected home care leader for 26 years, we wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Laurie Edwards-Tate, President and CEO for At Your Home Familycare is pictured below with:

1. Melani Conti (right), Senior Vice President, Heffernan Insurance Brokers.
2. Tami Unsworth (center), Assistant Vice President and Melani Conti (right), Senior Vice President, Heffernan Insurance Brokers.

What a privilege to be part of the effort to fight MS!

Team At Your Home Familycare celebrated our 28th year in home care by participating in Sunday’s Walk MS at LEGOLOAND California to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Team At Your Home Familycare was among the thousands of walkers raising funds toward this effort. We are proud of all our team members who participated

Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts. Know that you are making a difference. For every dollar raised in this effort, 82 cents goes toward programs, services, and research to help 18,000 individuals affected by MS in Southern California and 400,000 families nationwide touched by multiple sclerosis.

It’s not too late to help! Click on the Walk MS button on any page of our website to make a secure donation.

At Your Home Familycare was a sponsor of the San Diego Alzheimer’s Association Memories in the Making Art Auction, Friday, March 23rd, at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

According to Laurie Edwards-Tate, President and CEO of At Your Home Familycare:  “It is very gratifying for us to help sponsor such a worthwhile and inspiring event, and for such a worthwhile cause.”

This annual event and fundraiser showcases original artwork created by those stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Then, Pairing Artists create their own version of what they believe is being conveyed–providing a fresh pair of eyes and a visual voice for those stricken with this incurable disease. Silent and live auctions of this artwork raise funds at this event, and creates lasting memories for those who purchase it.

At Your Home Familycare representatives in attendance included Christina Meade, Administrative Services Department Manager and Jeanne Bates, Human Resources and Development.

Laurie Edwards-Tate at our State's Capitol with motivated home care colleagues, representatives, and home care aides.

Laurie Edwards-Tate, President and CEO, At Your Home Familycare, San Diego, was among over 300 home care professionals in attendance at Lobby Day, CAHSAH’s annual political and advocacy event. High on the agenda were discussions and advocacy relative to SB 411, AB 889, opposition to proposed cuts in Medi-Cal provider rates, and support for Hospice.

According to Edwards-Tate:  “I wish to express my appreciation to the entire CAHSAH organization for hosting this critical and empowering event, and providing us with the tools and education needed to advocate on behalf of home care at our State’s Capitol.”

At Lobby Day, CAHSAH provided political overview and briefing relative to the foremost issues facing home care today.  Additionally, Assembly Member Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), Chair, Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, received CAHSAH’s 2012 Legislator of the Year award for her work in support of home care.  “It was truly gratifying meeting and speaking with Assemblywoman Yamada, whose background as a social worker has given her the expertise and heart to place people above politics, said Edwards-Tate.”

“It is important for me to thank all our State Assembly and Senate who extended their time and staff to hear our voices and concerns. Some of us were were fortunate to have scheduled meetings specifically with the offices and staff for Senator Juan Vargas (D), Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher (R), Senator Christine Kehoe (D), and Senator Mark Wyland (R)–a true bipartisan experience!

Laurie Edwards-Tate with CAHSAH Staffperson Extraordinaire Michele Lander at our Lobby Day Breakfast and presentation.

Laurie Edwards-Tate at California's State Capitol greeted by our California State grizzly bear.

Dedicated, cheerful volunteers assist attendees at the MS Breakfast.

At Your Home Familycare is both honored and excited to lend its support.

The Pacific South Coast Chapter of the MS Society hosted its annual fundraising kickoff event, the annual breakfast featuring this year’s Honorary CEOs Against MS on February 6 at the University Club. AYHF President and CEO Laurie Edwards-Tate attended the event and is honored to participate as an Honorary CEO Against MS. At Your Home Familycare is both honored and excited to lend its support in its role as an advocate and fundraiser.  Team At Your Home Familycare will participate at the MS Walk in support of this cause for the fourth year on Sunday, April 22, at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad.

Steven Luke, Reporter/Anchor, NBC San Diego, lends his heart and personality to emcee this event again in 2012. In addition, keynote speakers shared their inspirational stories regarding their path to becoming leaders and fundraisers in the fight against MS.

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.

“I wish to give special thanks to Mr. Rich Israel, CEO of National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter, for his outstanding leadership and ongoing creative development of programs, events, and services,” said Edwards-Tate. “We welcome your support and participation! All of us at Team At Your Home Familycare look forward to playing our part with your help year after year.”

Please visit our team’s website here to join us or make a donation. Proceeds of all fundraising activities provide direct assistance, education, emotional support, family and social support, resources for independence, wellness resources, and research funding for those affected by MS.

Laurie Edwards-Tate, President and CEO of At Your Home Familycare, attends the Honorary CEOs Against MS Breakfast at the beautiful University Club venue with its spectacular views of downtown San Diego.