CML Convention

[Guest guest]

>

> Dear friends,

>

> My name is Iris and I live in Vancouver, Canada. My twin sister Ilana

> lives in South Africa and was diagnosed with CML last month.

>

> Since then, I have been reading and investigating every bit of information

> I could find on CML and while corresponding with a CML patient in the US, I

> had an idea that I would like to run by the group.

>

> The activity in this support group serves to prove how important it is for

> CML patients and their families to interact with each other. There is so

> much that we keep learning from one another and besides, we draw strength

> and courage from hearing each others' stories.

>

> What do you think about the idea of holding an annual or bi-annual CML

> convention, each time in a different venue?

>

> The convention would comprise lectures by top experts in the field who

> would share the latest research and where it is leading, provide us with

> statistics and latest treatment options. In addition, supporting natural

> treatments could be demonstrated and pharmaceutical companies could

> advertise (after getting the green light from experts) some drugs that help,

> say, with side effects.

>

> I am thinking that we could all use our connections and come up with a way

> to finance such a convention-be it through sponsored airfare, minimal (if

> any) hotel costs or accommodation by local families, free outings (there has

> to be an element of fun too!) and meals etc.

>

> In return for sponsoring the event, participants could provide information

> to researchers, universities, pharmaceutical companies etc. The information

> they can gather from participants could prove invaluable to their research

> and subsequent new treatment.

>

> I would love to hear your thoughts.

>

> Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and looking forward to hearing your

> comments and ideas,

>

> Iris

>