From J D Faccinetti – cofounder. In what is sure to be the first of many, Canada’s acromegaly community gathered in Vancouver for a two-day session filled with community, activity, and information. Patients, pituitary specialists, and advocates discussed science, medicine, patient care, support, communications, advocacy and empowerment for this tough disease affecting many people in Canada and around the world.
Vancouver Acromegaly Support Group president and founder Deanna Badiuk and group leader and treasurer Pieter Dorsman did a fabulous job organizing the presentations and all the conference activities. “This conference was a first for Canada”, said Pieter, “and it was unique in having patients from all over North America and specialists together in an open setting where we could exchange information and discuss acromegaly. The long-term relationships forged through this event are invaluable”. Deanna added, “I am thrilled at the responses from everyone and the positive, powerful energy from all that attended. I think everyone went home with new friends”
The sessions were informative and relevant focusing on the latest in treatment, lab tests, therapies, including discussions of potential new drugs, and a very informative presentation on pain management.
There was a poignant presentation by Santino Matrundola on his journey with acromegaly and Dan Jeffries shared his “rare” story and how that inspired him to write a book called Me, Myself and Eye. Read more about Dan here. Dan also wrote an insightful and hilarious article for PWN, which you can read here.
Pituitary World News founder and chairman J D Faccinetti presented PWN’s approach to communication and advocacy focusing on developing and using the available tools to get the word out. He encouraged all attendees to participate in the effort to increase awareness.
Several members tweeted during the conference. You can follow this link to read more about the speakers and subjects.
We hope to have video from each presentation to share with our audience soon so please stay tuned for more content. In the meantime, here a few more great posts and photos from the conference.
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