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James and Evette Britton, Gallatin, TN Support Group Leaders
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"Gateway to Hope" National Conference Educates, Inspires, and Empowers Attendees
Hundreds found their way to the Scleroderma Foundation’s 2009 “Gateway to Hope” National Patient Education Conference held this past July 17–19th in St. Louis, Missouri. Hosted by the Foundation’s Missouri Chapter, the Conference was yet another successful event, drawing the scleroderma community together once again to socialize with one another and share valuable information and experiences.
Over 350 patients and their families, national staff, members of the Board of Directors, exhibitors, and Missouri Chapter volunteers participated in the Conference.
Representatives from the Conference sponsors took part in the three-day event and showcased a number of interactive booths and exhibits for attendees.
The Friday night Welcome Reception offered attendees a chance to socialize and meet with Foundation staff. A delicious crudités spread, along with a complimentary carving station kept guests satiated and satisfied throughout the evening. After the reception, many went outside on the town to take part in a public fireworks show under the archway.
On Saturday morning, Cindy Coney, M.Ed., delivered the opening keynote speech. From there, the first day of the “Linda Lee Wells Memorial Education Workshops” began. Topics such as “Discussing Traditional and Complementary Care with Your Primary Care Physician,” “Managing GI Involvement in Scleroderma,” and Social Security Disability Rights” were just a few of the morning workshops featured.
A number of researchers and medical professionals spoke at the Conference and discussed a variety of topics. Virginia Steen, M.D., discussed the effects of scleroderma on a specific demographic population in her workshop on “African Americans and Scleroderma.” Sergio Jimenez, M.D., analyzed the lesser-known signs of scleroderma in his workshop on “Less Well Recognized Manifestations.” A handful of new seminars and panel discussions on juvenile scleroderma were also offered throughout the weekend.
The much-anticipated Saturday evening Awards Banquet allowed guests to mingle once again- this time, over an elegant dinner reception. Awards and acknowledgements were presented to chapters and individuals who went above and beyond in their efforts to fulfill the Foundation’s mission. Auction and raffle prizes, donated by chapters and other Conference sponsors, were also awarded to over a dozen lucky participants.
On Sunday morning, John Varga, M.D., who is the chair of the Foundation's Medical Advisory Board presented on the state of scleroderma research, updating the scleroderma community on the latest information and advancements in research. Following Dr. Varga’s presentation was a second series of workshops that included seminars on “Advocacy,” “Behavioral Pain Management,” and “Assisted Yoga for Scleroderma Patients.”
Before departing for home, a fashionable “Taste of St. Louis” lunch was offered to guests after the completion of the workshops. National Board member Mary Ann O’Neil gave the final keynote address for the Conference.
It was announced that next year's National Conference will be held in Boston, Mass.
All attendees left St. Louis empowered with knowledge and with renewed hope for a cure!
More information on the Conference will be recapped in the September issue of the "Scleroderma Voice."
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