The Fourth Annual IHDSA state conference took place Saturday, March 15, 2003 at the Hilton-Allgauers in Northbrook, Illinois. We had well over 100 HD persons, family, and professionals in attendance. The consensus among the attendees I spoke to was that it was the "best conference ever" for our organization. We are grateful to Dr. Shannon for her work in putting together an outstanding day of learning and fellowship.
The morning program began with neuroscientist Jeffrey Kordower, Ph.D., Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, discussing genetic HD research, including his own important HD research using mice. Next, Emily Wang, Ph.D., Rush's Speech Pathologist, discussed speech and swallowing issues in HD. A panel discussion including an HD person, a caregiver, and an at-risk person followed. Dr. Wang and her students provided a very useful and important service by conducting clinical swallow studies during lunch for our HD persons!
The afternoon included breakout sessions for HD persons, caregivers, and at-risk persons. Craig Lutz, physical therapist, Tina Bailey, occupational therapist, and Donna George, food and nutrition services (all from Stroger-Cook County Hospital) led discussions in the HD-person breakout. When the conference reconvened as one group, Dr. Shannon provided an excellent clinical HD research update. The closing part of the program was a "professional-panel" discusssion including Drs. Shannon, Clingerman, and Wang, Mr. Lutz, Ms. Bailey, and Ms. George. The conference was a great success.
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Created: Aug. 11, 2003
Last updated: Nov. 13, 2010