Carrot of Hope: Find Answers
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updated Friday, 30-Apr-2010 12:23:57 MST
Dr. Margaret Altemus
Department of Psychiatry
Weill Medical College, Cornell University
Box 244, 1300 York Ave, NY, NY 10021
212-746-3751 (phone), 212-746-3870 (fax)
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Carrot of Hope is a nonprofit organization started in 2007 and based out of Arizona. Our organization consists of 100% volunteers. They donate their time and resources to cultivate our dream.
Carrot of Hope assists individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as their friends and family. While Carrot of Hope is awaiting 501(c)(3) status, it has filed within Arizona as a nonprofit organization, so your contributions may still be tax deductible. We will advise all donors when 501(c)(3) status has been finalized.
Currently we are taking donations to fund a research project studying the role of the MAO-A enzyme in post traumatic stress. The monoamineoxidase-A (MAO-A) removes catecholamines (fight-or-flight chemicals) from the body. Studying MAO-A levels in PTSD patients could be a major key in curing and preventing post traumatic stress in the future.
Carrot of Hope was created by individuals with PTSD. When we came together, we realized that, collectively, we have more information out there than most doctors. Frustrated by a medical community that knows little-to-nothing about the mechanisms of PTSD, we decided it was time to gather our knowledge in one place, so that it could be used more effectively.
Carrot of Hope has a wide variety of members: artists, nurses, authors, journalists and researchers. We also get assistance and provide information from family and friends of individuals with PTSD. Right now, there are few resources available for PTSDers and the people who care for them. Carrot of Hope plans to change this. If you would like to help spread the word, please contact info@CarrotOfHope.org.
While we are still in our first 12 months, we have great ambitions. The ultimate goal is to build a green facility that provides care for individuals with AND without health insurance. You can join us at Building Green TV. This center will be designed to provide holistic care to treat immediate symptoms with a focus on rewiring the brain to reduce the release of the fight-or-flight chemicals (catecholamines). You can read more about our ideas in the Latest News section under "Curing PTSD" and "Research Grant." We add 2-3 articles a month as well as links to other information we believe is important. Recently, we have added information showing that Geodon (ziprasidone), alone, has shown an 89% efficacy in treating PTSD. We also have writers working on dietary suggestions, what to expect when you get PTSD, how families can support loved ones with PTSD and a new Inspirational section.
Please check back often for updates on information for patients AND families. We will be including links to the most important organizations, the most helpful articles, instructions on service dogs to help with & prevent agoraphobia and we will also be adding items you can purchase to help support patients, their families and research.
Remember, this is only the beginning. To take your first step towards the carrot, please join the PTSD Online Support Group at www.DailyStrength.org and peruse some of the links below.
Other Important Sites:Sidran.org is dedicated to traumatic stress education and advocacy. A wealth of resources can be found here, including referrals and articles.
SAMHSA's National Mental Health Center allows for downloading and ordering hardcopies for many illnesses. In the future, we will list the materials we have ordered and found to be most helpful.
WhatADifference.org is an organization dedicated to supporting friends and family members. It is also dedicated to hope for those who are suffering and those who love them.
Best wishes and a Carrot of Hope from your friends.
