Scleroderma Foundation to Host National Patient Education Conference in July

The Scleroderma Foundation’s  Annual National Patient Education Conference is right around the corner. Scheduled for July 29 – 31 in New Orleans, La., the event is dedicated to patients who struggle with the chronic and autoimmune disease, as well as caregivers and loved ones.

At the conference, according to the Scleroderma Foundation, participants will get plenty of opportunities to learn how to cope with the emotional challenges of living with scleroderma; develop strategies for staying positive and motivated; meet people who want to take charge of scleroderma, their health, and their lives; build a support network, and talk with others who share similar experiences; and learn about current therapies from the medical community.

Highlights of the two-day event include more than 50 workshops, an array of exhibitors, panel discussions, and educational sessions led by renowned scleroderma investigators and health workers. Organizers believe participating patients will consequently discover ways to help to raise public awareness about scleroderma while establishing new friendships.

A special program tailored for younger patients, and siblings or children of patients, is also included.

For first time attendees and those who are unable to attend without financial help, the foundation has created a Conference Scholarship Program. While the deadline for applying for the scholarship has already closed, the organization is recommending that those who wish to attend should contact the group to discuss their personal situation.

The per-person cost of hosting the conference is more than $700, according to theScleroderma Foundation, but the organization has garnered help from numerous sponsors to defray participant costs. Leading sponsors include Actelion, Bayer, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Gilead, Genentech, and United Therapeutics Corporation.

Anyone interested in attending the conference can register online here or download and fill out this PDF registration form then submit it by mail or fax.

Learn more about scleroderma here: http://bit.ly/learnscleroderma

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.