Capital District Times

Supports people worldwide who require home IV nutrition or tube feeding

• Founded in 1983 by Albany Medical Center physician Dr. Lyn Howard and her patient, Clarence “Oley” Oldenburg
• Organization supports more than 28,000 people worldwide who rely on home intravenous (IV) or tube feeding for survival
• Feeding Tube Awareness Week is Feb. 6-10

The Oley Foundation, a nonprofit based at Albany Medical Center that supports and advocates for people who use home intravenous nutrition or tube feeding, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special event at the Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Medical Center on Feb. 2.

People with severe digestive conditions, such as the inability to swallow, a motility disorder, or a shortened intestine, cannot eat normally. Instead, they rely on long-term home IV nutrition (parenteral nutrition or PN) or tube feeding (enteral nutrition or EN) to survive.

Nutrition support therapy was once solely hospital based. Oley Foundation Co-Founder Dr. Lyn Howard helped pioneer bringing it into the home setting, helping thousands of people regain their independence.

Feeding Tube Awareness Week is Feb. 6-10.

At the 40th anniversary event, Foundation members from across the country spoke about how their lives changed when they met people like themselves who were living – and thriving – with their chronic illness.

Participants noted how the Foundation introduced them to new innovations like portable pumps and helped them navigate the complexities of living with PN and EN. “You can’t control intestinal failure,” said one member. “But you can control how to live.”

Acknowledging Dr. Howard and the Oldenburg family for their years of support, Executive Director Emeritus Joan Bishop also thanked Albany Medical Center. “We are surrounded by professionals who care for their patients and their employees, and that sets us up for success,” she said.

About the Oley Foundation:

Founded in 1983 by Albany Medical Center physician Lyn Howard, MD and her patient, Clarence “Oley” Oldenburg, the Oley Foundation is a national, independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to enrich the lives of those with home intravenous nutrition (IV, parenteral) and tube feeding (enteral) through education, advocacy, community, and innovation. 

Based at Albany Medical Center, the Foundation also serves as a resource for families, clinicians, industry representatives, and other interested parties. Programs are directed by the staff and guidance is provided by a board of dedicated professionals and patients.

Media Inquiries:

Cassie  Nelson

nelsonc6@amc.edu

518-262-3421

Original source can be found here.