APFED Holds 15th Annual Eos Connection Conference in Greenville, SC for Those Living with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (July 7-8, 2017)
July 6, 2017
(Atlanta, GA)—The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is hosting its 15th Annual Patient Education Conference on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs) this week in Greenville, SC on July 7-8. 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.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, Eos Connection will provide a patient-tailored program that highlights important information in the clinical and research areas. This year’s conference will feature roughly 25 educational and experiential sessions designed specifically for the Eos community, from recently-diagnosed patients to veterans of EGID management. The agenda will also include programs for children and teens.
Eosinophil-associated diseases (EADs) are chronic inflammatory disorders characterized by 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 bloodstream, 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. Although not commonly life-threatening, these chronic diseases require lifelong treatment and can cause debilitating symptoms. Those that suffer from EADs often embark on a long, frustrating journey seeing many different specialists before a diagnosis is made.
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 APFED’s HOPE on the Horizon Walk on July 7 to raise funds for EGIDs research.
“APFED hosts this conference with the goal of providing our community of patients and families with education and resources to help effectively navigate EGIDs at any stage,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “We are grateful to an outstanding lineup of speakers who lend their time and expertise. This conference is celebrating its 15th year, and that would not be possible without an inspiring community that year after year shares its challenges, solutions, successes, and hope for the future.”
For those who cannot attend the conference onsite in Greenville, APFED offers a virtual registration option. On Saturday, July 8, virtual attendees may participate online via webcast in the conference’s general session and submit questions for conference speakers.
Eos Connection 2017 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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