Passing the Torch in the Bay Area: Thank You, Kent and Sue Drescher, and Welcome, Sam Feldman

The FSHD Society is deeply grateful to Kent and Sue Drescher for their years of dedicated service as leaders of the Bay Area Chapter. On Sunday, May 22, they officially passed the baton to Sam Feldman, marking both the close of an extraordinary chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one for the Bay Area FSHD community. 

Kent and Sue have given so much of themselves to building and nurturing this chapter. Throughout their tenure, they brought people together with warmth, consistency, and care, helping create a local community where individuals and families affected by FSHD could connect, learn, and support one another. In retirement, they devoted much of their time to strengthening the Bay Area chapter, coordinating quarterly meetings, helping organize Walk & Rolls, and finding meaningful ways to keep people engaged and connected. 

Their generosity has extended far beyond logistics. In 2024, Kent and Sue even opened their home to families in the community so they could gather together to livestream the Connect Conference, creating a welcoming space for connection and shared experience. It is this spirit of hospitality and service that has helped define the Bay Area chapter under their leadership. 

Kent brings a remarkable background to his volunteer service. With a PhD in psychology, he has supported many individuals both within and beyond the FSHD community, offering insight, compassion, and encouragement. His contributions have also extended to the broader field, including work that helped inform care guidelines for FSHD. Sue, too, has been a steady and meaningful presence in the community. In addition to her work supporting the Bay Area chapter, she has served as a leader for the Gathering Place Care Partner Hour and remains actively involved. She has been part of that group since its earliest days, helping create a trusted space for care partners to share, learn, and feel less alone. 

We are so thankful for all Kent and Sue have done to help build the Bay Area FSHD community with such thoughtful leadership and heart. 

At the same time, we are excited to welcome Sam Feldman, who has officially assumed the Chapter Director torch from Kent and Sue. Thanks to the strong foundation they built, Sam steps into a vibrant and connected community, and we look forward to all that lies ahead under his leadership. 

Please join us in thanking Kent and Sue for their incredible service, and in warmly welcoming Sam to this new role.