The Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) is seeking to diversify its 15-person Board of Directors. Our current board consists of individuals and healthcare professionals who volunteer their time to VDF's mission. They are responsible for governance of the organization and serve annual terms, renewable for up to a total of four years. Directors are expected to attend four meetings per year, actively participate in the organization and work to help VDF fulfill its mission. If you would like to help us reduce death and disability from vascular disease, please visit www.vdf.org/about/BOD_Application.php or e-mail BOD@vdf.org with questions.

Welcome to VDF's new Inspire network, an online community designed to be a safe place for you to discuss your health with like-minded men and women. Topics will include abdominal aortic aneurysm, Buerger's disease, carotid artery disease, congenital vascular malformation, deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema, PAD, portal hypertension, Raynaud's disease, thrombophilia, varicose veins and vasculitis. Visit http://vdf.inspire.com.

If you would like to nominate someone for the Excellence in Care Award, please send us a note or email with a tax-deductible donation of $50 or more telling us who you are honoring and why he or she deserves the recognition. Nominees can be any medical professional who has helped you or your family or has shown special kindness which you feel deserves recognition.

VDF has created a preprinted envelope in response to request from supporters who have contributed "In Memory of" and "In Honor of" a loved one. This can simplify and expedite your desire to memorialize or honor a special person through a donation to VDF. If you would like to receive these special envelopes, call us at (888) 833-4463 or contact us by e-mail at info@vdf.org.

Start a walking program and keep your heart healthy. Download a free walking brochure on our Web site at www.vdf.org or call (888) 833-4463 to receive your free brochure by mail.

Learn the warning signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) at www.vdf.org or call us to receive your free copy of our Focus on Blood Clots brochure. Check our Web site at www.vdf.org for more information.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Julius H. Jacobson II award for physician excellence. This prestigious annual award recognizes outstanding contributions to physician education, leadership or patient care in vascular disease. The deadline for nominations is March 16, 2012. Visit us online at www.vdf.org/links/jacobsonaward.php to download an application.

VDF extends our heartfelt gratitude to those who volunteered for The Vascular Disease Foundation, P.A.D. Coalition and Venous Disease Coalition in 2011. Your efforts and hard work have made a difference. Thank you!