Bringing the top medical researcher in the nation to Chattanooga this Thursday to educate parents, teachers, and adults to better manage ADHD is all part of a normal year for the volunteer group known as CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder). Pamper Garner Crangle, the volunteer who heads that group, is one of the primary reasons for the big things this group accomplishes, according to local CHADD board members.

Mrs. Crangle was recently recognized for her visionary work by being awarded the Volunteer Leadership Award by the CHADD National organization.

The local CHADD board of directors nominated Mrs. Crangle, who is one of three CHADD volunteers in the country who will receive the award at the National conference in Anaheim, Calif., next month.

In their nomination of Mrs. Crangle to receive the award, CHADD board members wrote the following:

"Pamper is our coordinator par excellence. She knows how to work with people, is friendly, competent, knows how to organize and delegate on a large scale, keeps us focused, is wonderful PR for our group and keeps morale high. Just a wonderful person.

"Pamper leads by example, she is first to take the lead but will step aside to let others shine. She encourages new thoughts and believes everyone has something to offer.

"She just IS. No one else is quite like Pamper. She's very businesslike yet friendly and personable to work with. She sees the big picture AND all the details. She has good wisdom when dealing with the public."

Mrs. Crangle said, "We want those who deal with ADHD/ADD in their lives to know that this disorder can be managed and there is hope for people who have it. A big part of successfully managing ADHD is being educated about it. That's why our chapter provides many educational opportunities, such as Thursday night's conference, featuring Dr. Russell Barkley."

CHADD's many activities, including Thursday evening's conference and monthly support meetings, are detailed on their website at www.chattchadd.org.

The group also has a 24-hour telephone support line, 423-876-1241, where messages are returned by volunteers.

Dr. Barkley, international ADHD expert, will speak at a conference sponsored by he Greater Chattanooga Area of CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD).

Dr. Barkley’s topic will be “ADHD in Children and Adults: Advances in Understanding and Management.” The conference will bring the latest medical research to parents and adults whose lives are adversely affected by ADHD, officials said.

The conference will be Thursday with registration from 4-5 p.m., dinner from 4:30-5:45 p.m., and Dr. Barkley’s presentation from 6-9 p.m.

It will be held at the East Brainerd Church of Christ, 7745 East Brainerd Road.