Lynne Clemens – President

Lynne was one of the founding members of CUSH.  She served as secretary until she was elected President in 2005.  Lynne represents the Boston, Massachusetts area for CUSH and has visited several patients at Massachusetts General who are there for Cushing’s treatment.  Lynne has hosted a luncheon in her area and attended CUSH conferences and luncheons in Arkansas, Virginia and Tennessee.

Cheryl Farrar – Vice President

Cheryl joined CUSH in 2004 and was elected Vice President in 2005.
During Cheryl’s term as Vice President she chaired the fundraising cook book project for CUSH. She worked diligently to have the resolution passed for April 8th to become National Cushing’s Awareness day. Cheryl also planned an event in Oklahoma City, OK. in recognition of Cushing’s Awareness Day and represents the state of Oklahoma for CUSH. She has had luncheons with Cushing’s patients as well.

“I became involved with CUSH as a patient looking for answers.   The information that I received and being able to talk with other Cushing’s patients helped me tremendously in my treatment and recovery.
   
Finding a name for the illness that had made me so incredibly ill was wonderful.  I hadn't realized that many of the common problems that I was experiencing were actually a part of a much bigger illness.  I was lucky that the first Endo I saw realized that I had Cushing’s. After learning what my illness was then I was able to do research and learn what to expect and what treatments were available.  I became involved with CUSH in hopes of helping bring more awareness to the syndrome.”

Cathy Gifford – Treasurer

Cathy became involved with the CUSH organization in 2002 as a member and at that time was doing some art work for the organization.  She was elected as Treasurer in 2003.  Cathy planned a conference for CUSH at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennesee, and has hosted several luncheons in the Nashville area.  She designed a brochure exclusively for CUSH that is currently being placed in medical facilities around the world.  She has written several publications for CUSH in hopes of assisting patients with tests, treatment and recovery.  Some of the publications are available for printing on the CUSH.org web site.  She is also in charge of all CUSH email and postal mail.  She oversees the CUSH quarterly newsletter and provides articles to the editor and publisher.  She has recently been working with the web designer to get the CUSH.org web site updated.   In addition to being Treasurer, Cathy is currently serving as interim Secretary.

“Remaining with Cushing’s disease along with Sarcoidosis and a host of related illnesses I realize how debilitating chronic illness is. Every aspect of my life has been affected.  It’s been a long hard journey for me.  However, it has made me a stronger person and I have learned to appreciate the simple things in life.  

Helping others gives me a sense of reasoning and helps me believe that my having Cushing’s is not all in vane.  Because of this, I volunteered to be a representative for CUSH in Northern Alabama and South Central Tennessee and later accepted the position of Treasurer after being elected in 2003. The organization was formed in an effort to promote Cushing's awareness, show support to those who are going through tests, treatment, and recovery. Patients need awareness and support while everyone needs more awareness of this syndrome in order to bring about improved diagnosis, treatment and recovery.  I’m proud to be a part of the CUSH organization and I believe that by Uniting together we can make a difference.”

Mary O’Connor

Mary has been a part of CUSH since it was just an idea waiting to become reality.  “I believe the CUSH Organization is very important for patients.  We often have nowhere to go, no one to talk to who understands what we're going through and CUSH helps to fill that need.  At the time of my pituitary surgery in 1987 I believed that I would never meet another Cushing’s patient.  Thanks to the Internet and CUSH, I have met a great many patients and people in the diagnostic process. It’s most rewarding to be able to help others in the same boat that I was in so long ago.”

Mary represents the Metro DC area for CUSH and therefore meets patients from around the world who are at NIH for diagnosis and treatment.

Elaine Roush

Elaine is the CUSH representative for Ohio. She has met several families whose lives have been affected by Cushing’s while volunteering for CUSH.  She is a retired school teacher with 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Elaine keeps her endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic supplied with CUSH brochures.

 “I’ve had Cushing’s twice with transphennoidal removal of a pituitary tumor in 1983. After surgery my life was so much better.  I had a recurrence of Cushing’s with a bilateral adrenalectomy in 2002. Today, I’m able to do substitute teaching as well as private tutoring.  I belong to several organizations and I’m active in my church. I enjoy reading, Yoga, walking, playing Bridge and being with family and friends.  

I continue to have some medical problems but I’m thankful for everyday of my life.  There was a time when I didn't think I would live as long as I have. 

I became involved with the CUSH organization after attending a conference at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee in 2004.  I was impressed with the support shown by the organization.  This type of support didn’t exist when I first experienced Cushing’s in 1983.  Realizing how important support can be to a patient and how much awareness is needed I applied for the area representative position and was accepted.  I enjoy having the opportunity to show support to Cushing’s patients.”