Contact: Mary Jo Strobel, American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, Phone: (713)-493-7749, Email: mjstrobel@apfed.org
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
APFED to Host Patient Education Conference on Eosinophil-Associated Diseases in Washington, DC Area on July 25-27, 2019
Eos Connection 2019 will be held in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR)
(Atlanta, GA)— The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) will host its 17th annual Eos Connection Patient Education Conference on eosinophil-associated disease (EADs) on July 25-27 in Bethesda, MD. The conference is a unique opportunity for patients, families, caregivers, advocates, and experts from across the United States to exchange knowledge, experiences, needs, and perspectives.
For eight-year-old Jack Burstein, Eos Connection is a chance to make new friends who struggle with EADs and visit with a group of children he looks forward to seeing every year. Jack receives care at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), an educational partner for this year’s conference.
As Jack’s mother Juliet Ross explains, “Eos Connection is an extraordinary experience. As a mom, it is very moving to see my son with children like himself. He feels a unique comradery among this group of children, many of whom have feeding tubes like he does. And there is no other time for me to be among parents who face the challenge of feeding children who have difficulty eating.”
Eosinophil-associated diseases are chronic inflammatory disorders characterized by elevated levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in one or more specific places in tissues, organs, and/or bloodstream, which in turn causes inflammation and damage. These chronic diseases require lifelong treatment and symptoms may be debilitating.
Eos Connection 2019 will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bethesda, MD. The conference will feature three days of networking and social opportunities, conference sessions, and breakouts sessions on specific topics of interest. Those who cannot attend in-person may participate in and view a webcast of select general sessions.
This year’s Eos Connection is being held through collaborative partnerships with CHOP’s Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic Disorders and the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR). The conference will provide a patient-centered program that highlights important information in the clinical and research areas. Attendees will learn the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of EAD, research updates, and practical strategies to help patients with disease management. The agenda will also include programs for children and teens.
“APFED is thrilled to partner with CHOP’s Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic Disorders, the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers, and a robust lineup of speakers to provide patients and families with education and resources to effectively navigate eosinophil-associated diseases,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “Year after year, Eos Connection is a unique opportunity for our community of patients, caregivers, and providers to connect, learn, and share in a supportive environment. It’s a forum to acknowledge and work through challenges, celebrate successes, share insights and solutions, and foster hope for a brighter future.”
“We’re excited to share our latest breakthroughs in food allergy research directly with families,” says Jonathan Spergel, MD, PhD, Chief of the Allergy Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Parents, caregivers, and patients themselves will have the opportunity to hear from leaders in the field of allergy research about what’s being done to combat these conditions.”
Eos Connection 2019 is made possible thanks to the generous support of APFED’s Education Partners, including Platinum Education Partner Abbott.
Learn more about the conference and register at apfed.org.
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About American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)
APFED is a non-profit organization dedicated to patients and their families coping with eosinophilic disorders. APFED’s mission is to 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
About Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
About Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children’s Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 564-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.
About the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR)
CEGIR (U54AI117804) is a part of the NCATS Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN). RDCRN is an initiative of the Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR), NCATS, funded through a collaboration between the NCATS, the NIAID and the NIDDK. CEGIR is also supported by patient advocacy groups including APFED, CURED and EFC. www.rdcrn.org/cegir.
