A Personal Plea to Support the 2012 TMS Conference
Jeffrey Sterling
Friends,
As many of you know, my family has been afflicted
with a rare disease known as mastocytosis. Since my wife and several of
our kids have been diagnosed with the disease we have worked to give
back by volunteering for The Mastocytosis Society, Inc. (TMS). For
the first time ever TMS is holding their
annual conference in the Pacific Northwest. The conference will be held
in
Bellevue, Washington from October 11 – 14 and embraces the theme “An Integrative Approach
to Mast Cell Disorders” by focusing on empathetic patient centered care.
Over the course of three days
physicians, patients, family members, caregivers and others with an
interest in
mast cell disorders will participate in educational, interactive and
supportive
sessions while learning about the
latest
advances in mast cell disease research. I am making a personal request for you to
support the TMS conference by donating at <http://www.tmsforacure.org/conference/2012/2012_conference.php>. We need donations to help pay for the conference. Conference registration alone can't cover all the costs.
Mastocytosis
and Mast Cell Activation Disorder (MCAD) are caused by excess and/or
hyper-reactive mast cells in the body. These illnesses can severely
affect the
lives of children and adults of all ages. There is no known cure, and
symptoms
may include anaphylaxis, food intolerance, skin rashes, itching,
abdominal
pain, nausea, vomiting, fainting, headaches, bone pain and brain fog.
Triggers
include, but are not limited to heat or cold, fragrances, certain foods,
friction, physical, emotional or environmental stress, insect stings and
more.
Mastocytosis and MCAD are not well known and are often misunderstood. Due to the lack of awareness and knowledge, patients are often misdiagnosed and therefore do not receive the most appropriate treatment. They may suffer needlessly for many years prior to obtaining a proper diagnosis. Hosting the conference in the Pacific Northwest is an important opportunity to enhance the awareness and knowledge of both medical professionals and community members in an area of the country where TMS has never held a major Annual Conference!
Thank you for your generous contribution to The Mastocytosis Society! <http://www.tmsforacure.org/conference/2012/2012_conference.php>
Jeff Sterling
425 299 1969