APFED to Kick Off 14th Annual Eos Connection Conference in San Diego for Those Living with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (July 8-9, 2016)

(Atlanta, GA)—The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is pleased to announce that its 14th Annual Patient Education Conference on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs) will be held this week in San Diego, CA on July 8-9. APFED hosts this patient-focused conference as a chance for patients, families, caregivers, community advocates, and leading experts from across the United States to come together in one place for education, networking, insight, and inspiration.

Held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, the conference will feature roughly 25 educational and experiential sessions geared toward the Eos community, from recently-diagnosed patients to veterans of EGID management, as well as programs for children and teens.

Eos Connection attendees will learn the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of EGIDS, as well as promising research on the horizon. In addition, attendees will get practical tools to implement in the daily management of EGIDs, as well as strategies to help cope with the physical and emotional challenges of living with EGIDs. The conference is also a time for individuals and families to meet and build a support network with others who are managing these diseases. Social activities will include Family Fun Day at the USS Midway® Museum on July 7 and APFED’s HOPE on the Horizon Walk on July 8 to raise funds for EGIDs research.

Eosinophilic-associated diseases (EADs) are chronic inflammatory disorders characterized by having above normal amounts of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in one or more specific places in the digestive system, tissues, organs, and/or blood stream, which causes inflammation and damage. The most common of these diseases are EGIDS, which affect the gastrointestinal tract and often render the patient unable to tolerate certain food proteins.

“This year’s conference offers a robust program designed to help patients and families effectively manage EGIDs at any stage of their journey,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “We are grateful to welcome a remarkable group of speakers who are lending their time, knowledge and guidance at the conference to help benefit our patient community. Their insight, coupled with the sense of hope and community that the conference creates, empowers those affected by EGIDs to take on the challenges presented by these diseases.”

For those who cannot attend the conference onsite in San Diego, APFED is excited to offer a virtual registration option. On Saturday, July 9, virtual attendees may participate online via webcast in the conference’s general session and submit questions for conference speakers. This option also allows support groups and clinics to host their own “viewing parties” for the cost of a single registration fee.

Eos Connection 2016 is made possible thanks to the generous support of APFED’s Education Partners, including Presenting Partner EleCare®.

Learn more about the conference and ways to register at apfed.org.

About American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)
American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a non-profit organization dedicated to patients and their families coping with eosinophilic disorders. APFED’s mission is to passionately embrace, support, and improve the lives of patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated diseases through education and awareness, research, support, and advocacy. www.apfed.org

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