The National Volunteer Network (NVN) is the backbone of the NMF’s successful strategy to fulfill its mission at the local level.  The NVN is the interconnected web of Chapters, Network Groups, Support Groups, Telephone Support Contacts, and the many individuals and families that volunteer to support our shared mission at the local level.

• Chapters
• Network Groups
• Support Groups
• Telephone Support Contacts
• Find a Local Group/Local Telephone Support Contact 

The National Volunteer Network supports the NMF mission in three crucial ways: 

• Providing support and information to individuals and families affected by Marfan syndrome and related disorders
• Providing a strong volunteer force to implement NMF education and awareness programs in their communities 
• Providing vital fundraising to support the NMF mission, education, research and support.

CHAPTERS
The purpose of a Chapter is to carry out the NMF mission at the local level.  As a legal entity, with elected officers and a bank account, chapters serve a vital role in saving lives and improving the quality of life for affected persons by providing education and awareness, support for members, and fund raising to strengthen and grow NMF programs.

NETWORK GROUPS
Local Network Groups enable members to meet in their own communities, without having to travel a long distance.  Less formal than a Chapter, they have no elected officers or bank account.  Some local groups operate as part of an established NMF Chapter located near them.  Meeting topics and activities are directed toward informal support, education on Marfan syndrome and related disorders, outreach and fund raising projects.   Establishing a Network Group is the first step to establishing a Chapter.

SUPPORT GROUPS
A Support Group focuses solely on psychosocial support for affected members and their families.  It is strongly recommended that this type of group is run by a professional, volunteer facilitator.  A Support group may operate as a service offered by a nearby Chapter or Network Group, or may be established independently.

FIND A LOCAL GROUP/LOCAL TELEPHONE SUPPORT CONTACT

Disclaimer: The National Marfan Foundation (NMF) is a health advocacy organization. The NMF does not provide medical advice or treatment. We are not a health care provider.  It is important to realize that information provided by the NMF is not meant as a replacement for proper care from a doctor, therapist, etc. Information provided by the NMF is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychological care. It is vital that you talk with your health care providers regarding the diagnosis and treatment of Marfan syndrome and related disorders and your symptoms/features. Minors should consult with a parent/legal guardian when considering treatment and providers.

Health care provider information is supplied solely by the providers themselves and is not checked or warranted by the National Marfan Foundation. The NMF provides contact information for health care providers who are known to have seen patients with Marfan syndrome and related disorders. The NMF does not endorse or recommend individual health care providers. You are responsible for interviewing and selecting the practitioner. By requesting health care provider resources you understand and agree that the NMF and it’s affiliates are not responsible for any providers’ services or lack thereof.

Key:
CH = Chapter
SG = Support Group
LN = Local Network Coordinator
TS = Telephone Support Volunteer

Here is a list of our contacts by state:

ALABAMA
There are currently no listings in this state. Please check nearby states, or you may contact the NMF Social Worker at (800)8-MARFAN x 22 support@marfan.org

ALASKA
There are currently no listings in this state. Please check nearby states, or you may contact the NMF Social Worker at (800)8-MARFAN x 22 support@marfan.org


ARIZONA
LN - Phoenix Steve and Amy Jerome  602/843-0908 sjerome@swlaw.com
TS - Phoenix David Ledbetter 602/284-2727(cell) or 602/955-2192 dledbetter1@cox.net
TS - Phoenix Phyllis Collins 928/252-2574 we2goaz@cox.net
TS - Tucson Laura and Michael Faust 520/321-0742 mfaust@mmla-psomas.com 

ARKANSAS
There are currently no listings in this state. Please check nearby states, or you may contact the NMF Social Worker at (800)8-MARFAN x 22 support@marfan.org

CALIFORNIA 
LN - Central Coast Network Group Christina Arakaki 805/937-4568 harakaki@concentric.net
TS - Del Mar Barbara Krueger 858/792-6061 bkrue@earthlink.net
TS - Fallbrook Susan Grossi-Pasillas 760/723-8500 susan@susangrossi.com
LN - Inland Empire Penny Slater 951/929-9333 or 951/515-4544 (cell) pennydotcalm@msn.com Nancy Wood nancywood1@verizon.net 
LN - Los Angeles/Orange County (Visit Web Page) Regine Bluestein 310/391-4453 reginew33@aol.com Roelina Berst 310/476-6190 roelinab@roadrunner.com
TS - Los Angeles Michael Hart 323/441-9654 michaelhrt@gmail.com 
LN - Marin County Heidi Law 415/507-9898 heidi@bakinaction.com
CH - Northern California Chapter (Visit Web Page) Susan Meier susan.meier@starstream.net
LN - Redding Kim Nemchick 530/222-4839 blingiton6@yahoo.com
TS - Ridgecrest Cathy Banks 760/375-5059 dsnurse@verizon.net
LN - Sacramento (Visit Web Page) Susan Meier 916/632-3214 susan.meier@starstream.net 
Carrie Reinsimar carriercares@yahoo.com
LN - San Diego Sue Aguiar 619/464-3228 sioux1947@hotmail.com
TS - San Francisco Vicky Prager 415/665-7244 vprager@california.com
LN - Silicon Valley Maya Zimmerman 614/551-0609 maya.m.zimmerman@gmail.com