2010 National Conference Wrap-Up: A Memorable and Historic Event!

Boasting the largest number of attendees in the organization’s history, the 2010 National Patient Education Conference brought over 600 individuals to Boston, “Where Revolutionary Ideas Begin” July 30- August 1. With the support of the Foundation’s New England Chapter, the 2010 Conference was the most expansive yet, with a total of 56 workshops and 15 exhibitors.  The sold-out event brought together members of the scleroderma community from all over the globe to share stories, experiences, and the latest information on scleroderma.

Representatives from Conference sponsors, Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., United Therapeutics Corporation, and Lung Rx, took part in the three-day event and showcased a number of interactive booths and exhibits for attendees featuring games, information, and sweets.

The Friday night Welcome Reception offered attendees a chance to mix and mingle with the help of colorful necklaces that corresponded to the region each person was from. The reception also featured a thoughtful performance from physician and cellist, Dr. Eric Roter.  Dr. Roter, who is also the creator and musician behind the Bach to Health series, entertained all with his musical reflections. A delicious crudités spread, along with a complimentary carving station and refreshments kept guests energized throughout the evening.

On Saturday morning, Dame Carol M. Black, DBE, FRCP, FMedSci., delivered the opening keynote speech on the latest scleroderma research and patient experiences.  Following Dame Carol’s presentation, the “Linda Lee Wells Memorial Education Workshops” began and featured a grand lecture on “Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Scleroderma,” by Dr. Harrison Farber.  Other workshops included those on “Dental Issues Related to Scleroderma” by Dr. David Leader and “Managing G.I. Involvement in Scleroderma” by Dr. Dinesh Khanna. 

In addition to workshops, various panels were also featured on “Advances in Basic and Clinical Research,” “For Caregivers Only: A Panel Discussion” and “Raynauds Panel Discussion- Complimentary Therapies.”  Round-table discussions and meetings on juvenile scleroderma were also provided and led by Youth Ambassador, Samantha Murray and the Murray Family.

Shortly after the final set of workshops on Saturday, the Awards Banquet began and brought guests, speakers, and sponsors together once again.  Words of welcome were given by Scleroderma Foundation Board Chair, Joe Camerino, Ph.D., followed by an awards reception hosted by chief executive officer, Robert Riggs. Awards and acknowledgements were presented to chapters and individuals who went above and beyond in their efforts to fulfill the Foundation’s mission (to review a list of award winners, click here). Auction and raffle prizes, donated by chapters and other Conference sponsors, were also given to over a dozen attendees.  Before the end of the evening, it was announced that the 2011 National Conference would be held in San Francisco, California.

The Conference continued on Sunday, with another three sessions of dynamic workshops throughout the morning.  Following a brief lunch, the closing keynote presentation was given by Dr. Stephen I. Katz, Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases, who discussed research as it pertained to the National Institutes of Health.

In a final farewell, Robert Riggs offered thanks and well-wishes to all who attended, emphasizing the great qualities of scleroderma community members who demonstrate true strength, courage, hope.

More information on the Conference will be recapped in the Winter issue of the Scleroderma Voice magazine.  To receive the VOICE magazine, click here.

To view an audio-visual slideshow of photos from the Conference Awards Banquet, click here.