This article is part of a series of associate profiles
leading up to the Bank of America United Way campaign that begins (Aug. 26).
By: Gordon Turner
From the time
she first became a Bank of America associate in 1987, Gloria Ramos has
staunchly supported United Way campaigns. But Ramos, an executive assistant in
Middle Market Treasury Management, San Francisco, has a perspective on giving
to the United Way that is different from most. She sees the annual pledge as a
way to direct her contributions to a specialized program not affiliated with
United Way.
"I've
always given to United Way," said Ramos. "But now, I have a special cause to
support." Ramos participates in the United Way campaign at Bank of America as a
way to channel her annual contribution to the Cystinosis Foundation, based in
Oakland. Her 4-year old daughter, Ariana Natali, was diagnosed with cystinosis
when she was 18 months old. Since then, Ramos said, she's learned how important
it is to have specialized agencies ready and able to provide care and support.
Ramos explained that
nephropatic cystinosis is a rare, incurable genetic condition that, in one
form, strikes infants. The condition prevents the child's body from
metabolizing a naturally occurring amino acid called cystine. In young
children, this enzyme builds up in their systems and creates severe medical
problems, especially affecting the kidneys and producing debilitating,
life-threatening symptoms. Existing medical treatments can ease the symptoms,
but early diagnosis is critical to prolonging life, and victims will likely
require a kidney transplant prior to reaching adulthood.
"Cystinosis is rare and
is not widely known about or understood," Ramos said. "Ariana was nine months
old when she first started having problems, but her condition wasn't accurately
diagnosed for another nine months. Once we knew what we were dealing with, we
were guided to the Cystinosis Foundation for assistance," she said. "The
foundation helps families with all kinds of needs - the costs of special
medicines, education and support groups."
Perhaps equally
important, explained Ramos, the Cystinosis Foundation helps the families of
victims get involved in programs designed to educate doctors and the medical
community. Ramos has become an active volunteer, providing English-to-Spanish
translation, which is especially valuable for the Mexican Cystinosis
Foundation, which carries out programs in Latin American countries.
"Because Cystinosis is
so rare, diagnosis of the disease is often overlooked. As a volunteer with the
Cystinosis Foundation, I can work with other families of young victims to help
communicate information about cystinosis research," Ramos said.
Ramos' daughter
receives treatment for her disease at the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital
at Stanford University every four months, and additional care at Kaiser
Hospital in San Francisco. "Today, thanks to the Cystinosis Foundation and the
care she receives at Stanford and Kaiser Hospital, Ariana is a petite, adorable
little girl, full of energy and enjoying life," Ramos said. "I will always
participate in our United Way campaign, but I have a special interest in seeing
my contributions go to an area that is of great importance to me."
Associates who wish to
direct United Way contributions to a specific agency may do so by indicating a
preference on their contribution card during the campaign.