Currently I am a Certified HELP Group Advisor through the ASHA Support Program in Southern Indiana, I participated in the GSK Herpes Internet Advisory Board, participated in Valtrex sales training forums where I offer "The Patient's Perspective" from 2001 to 2004, I am currently a listed member of the GSK Speaker's Bureau as The Lead Patient Advocate for Valtrex and participated via video, in their launch meetings across the U.S. in September 2003.

I have assisted in the forming of several Herpes Social Support Groups across the U.S. as well as a Co-founder of Indy Friends which is currently ran by Indy Help. I served as a virtual administrative assistant to Dr. H of Herpes.org. My personal story has been published by several online organizations including Family World Wide, interviewed with Dr. Ruth for her book that was released in Fall 2004 that focuses on the topic of Herpes.  My story appeared in the March 2001 issue of Marie Claire Magazine and I was featured in a news segment on Indiana's Fox59 news.

My ongoing effort to provide Support, Education and Public Outreach continues via several venues. Upon ending a 3.5-year career in Support and Public Outreach for a large online herpes resource center, I began to pursue a more extensive existence in the world of STD's.  As much as I would love to form a non-profit for this particular cause, I cannot allow my voice to be restricted by the Government's red tape.

My true history with sexually transmitted diseases extends back to 1989. Having been employed by Boehringer Mannheim Corporation in Indianapolis (now Roche Diagnostics) where I was staff assistant in STD Research and Development and Drugs of Abuse.

The fact that there is no cure for herpes drives many to the Internet for information on treatments and with anticipation that lurking just beyond that next click lies the promise of a cure. Over on herpesonline.org you will find various herpes treatment products that can be found for ordering on the Internet, those that are available by prescription and over the counter (OTC).

I have done extensive research in hopes of providing consumers a list of available treatments, costs, effectiveness and possible concerns associated with each. You will find the opinions on that site to be of a personal nature, based on my private research and experience.

My contribution to the world of those living with or who wish to become more educated on the topic of STD's can be found at www.herpesonline.org and it's blog www.herpesonline.org/std - Gayla

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