I feel like I’ve been an anaphylaxis junkie these days: I just returned from the Food Allergy Blogger Conference (I was a speaker and attendee) and only a few weeks ago I attended the Anaphylaxis Summit™ in Anaheim, CA, presented by the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA). In my scramble between trips, I realized I have failed you! I’ve been holding you back from details about two (FREE) upcoming golden life threatening allergy education and advocacy opportunities to be held on October 10th and 17th, 2014. These intimate summits bring together thought leaders that will provoke you to ask more questions and leave you inspired to educate and advocate (Kimberly, Turner, Esq and Dr. Gupta truly inspired me while instilling hope). Below is a quick outline of each event day and a short list of the various speakers as they differ in each location. Bonus: these summits take place on Friday and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) will host a group leaders summit the next day (Saturday)!
One of my favorite handouts of the day!
Kimberly Turner’s presentation regarding stock epinephrine law was incredibly inspiring and left me ready to go home and continue the legislative success our communities are achieving. We truly are witnessing an incredible time in history as we move mountains. Dr. Gupta left me feeling hope for her continued research that lays the ground work for future funding on our quest to find a cure, to help us understand better anaphylaxis and how to better live. I enjoy how she explains that we need more research, there is just so much that we don’t know. Dr. Greenhawt really pushed me to think more about airline safety and the issue of the peanut dust laying on surfaces and then exposing allergic people via touch (think rubbing your eyes, touching your lips, etc). My own son experienced an allergic reaction by touching an allergen and then picking his nose!
I walked away from this conference asking more questions and realizing that what we discuss today, will change by tomorrow as we continue to discover more and more about anaphylaxis. I think back to how the medical advise I received ten and five years ago compared to today and it has changed greatly and continues to develop. Understanding Anaphylaxis is ever changing, hence why attending these summits is an incredible opportunity to discuss trends.
Consider taking a few minutes and check out these conference details:
Denver, CO, October 10th, 2014, Anaphylaxis Summit™
Note: I copied the data below from the AANMA website:
Includes anyone who has experience, commitment and passion for increasing awareness about anaphylaxis through outreach, education and advocacy. This may include allergists, nurses, school nurses, dietitians, food allergy bloggers, parents of children with life-threatening allergies, researchers, school psychologists, and representatives from national patient advocacy and school board organizations.
At the Denver Summit, we will discuss the impact of the stock epinephrine laws and explore options for policy development and implementation. In addition, summit attendees will participate in interactive forums that will address:
- Anaphylaxis Trends
- Fact-Based Accommodations
- Psychosocial Impact of Life-Threatening Allergies
- Innovative Tools to Educate Your Community
- Power of Partnering
- School Nurse Best Practices
Each presentation will be followed by interactive roundtable discussions, allowing attendees to dialogue with other stakeholders and develop action plans for building anaphylaxis awareness and preparedness in their communities.
Speakers include [nationally prominent physicians, school nurses and anaphylaxis experts] Ruchi Gupta, MD; Jennifer LeBovidge, PhD; John Lee, MD; Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc; Deborah Pontius, RN; Kimberly Turner, Esq; and Tonya Winders, MBA.
Philadelphia, PA, October 17th, 2014 Anaphylaxis Summit™.
Note: I copied the data below from the AANMA website:
At the Philadelphia Summit, we will discuss the impact of the stock epinephrine laws and explore options for policy development and implementation. In addition, summit attendees will participate in interactive forums that will address:
- Anaphylaxis Trends
- Fact-Based Accommodations
- Psychosocial Impact of Life-Threatening Allergies
- Innovative Tools to Educate Your Community
- Power of Partnering
- School Nurse Best Practices
Each presentation will be followed by interactive roundtable discussions, allowing attendees to dialogue with other stakeholders and develop action plans for building anaphylaxis awareness and preparedness in their communities.
Speakers include [nationally prominent physicians, school nurses and anaphylaxis experts] Gene Cash, PhD; Sandra Gawchik, DO; Matthew Greenhawt, MD; John Lee, MD; Sally Schoessler RN, MEd, BSN; Kimberly Turner, Esq; Dana Wallace, MD; and Tonya Winders, MBA.
Hope you enjoy the opportunity to attend one of these events!
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..