Third Annual Hope, Health and Healing Conference

Third Annual Hope, Health and Healing Conference:
An Inspiring and Educational Day for All!

On Sunday, October 7, 2007, the Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter welcomed over 150 guests to the Embassy Suites in Southfield, MI for a day of inspiration and education on a variety of topics related to people affected by scleroderma.

Our Chapter deeply thanks the following speakers who dedicated their time and talent to help the people we serve:

Keynote Speaker

John Varga, M.D. – Dr. Varga, named Physician of the Year in 2006 by the National Scleroderma Foundation, is Professor, Division of Rheumatology, at Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill. He presented on cutting-edge research being conducted by his team in the Varga Lab at Northwestern focusing on stem cell transplantation, pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension.

Hope Speakers

Dr. Celia Guro – Dr. Guro is Director of Personal Counseling and Professional Development at Michigan State University. A truly inspirational lady who copes with scleroderma each day, Dr. Guro delivered our message of hope for the day citing what she has learned from scleroderma and how all of us can live our best life despite our unique challenges.

Ms. Rita Hiveley – Rita recently underwent a very successful stem cell transplantation and share with our audience her amazing results. She emphasized how always keeping hope and faith – as well as believing in positive things happening to you – are key to living well and overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Educational workshops were conducted by these medical experts:

• Lung Involvement: Featuring Dr. Tammy Ojo with the University of Michigan.
• Occupational Therapy: Featuring Carole Dodge, OTR, with the University of Michigan.
• GI and Digestive Issues: Featuring Elena Schiopu, MD, with the University of Michigan's Scleroderma Program.
• Dentistry: Featuring Mark Saidman, DDS, Secretary of the Scleroderma Foundation MI Chapter's board of directors.
• Hand Function: Featuring Carole Dodge, OTR, with the University of Michigan.
• Overlap Syndromes: Featuring Patricia Dhar, MD, with the Henry Ford Health System.

A presentation was also be made on "Building a Great Team with Your Physicians: Learning How to Communicate and Interact Effectively with Your Medical Team," presented by Patricia Thomas, PhD, RN.

Would you like to receive information presented at our Conference?

If so, we welcome you to contact Carol Hilf, Patient Services Coordinator, at 248.865.7259 or via email at chilf@scleroderma.org.

We especially thank and appreciate our guests who joined us for a beautiful Sunday filled of education and inspiration. Many of you indicated to us how helpful the conference proved to be and that you look forward to continuing with us as strong partners in our collective mission to improve the lives of people who
are affected by scleroderma. Thank you so much.

Plans for our next Hope, Health and Healing Conference will be announced soon on this website and in future correspondence. We look forward to staying in touch and hopefully seeing you at our next Conference!