S. T.O. P. Announces Medical Conference on Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
(PRWEB) June 4, 2000
Contact: Laurie Girand, 408-867-9300
Focus is Long-term Health Implications for Survivors
(Chicago, IL) S. T.O. P. – Safe Tables Our Priority today announced that it is hosting a one day medical conference of specific interest to survivors of E. coli O157:H7, their parents and physicians. Entitled "Long-term Health Implications of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Multi-Disciplinary Conference," the event will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2000 in Seattle, Washington. Internationally renown medical experts on HUS will be presenting the latest information about health challenges faced by individuals who survive the catastrophic phase of illness and hospitalization. In the United States, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, also known as HUS, is the leading cause of acute kidney failure in children. Approximately 90% of children who develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome after an infection with E. coli O157:H7 survive but may face a lifetime of complications from the disease.
"By the time victims of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning and their loved ones are ready to leave the hospital, they have been through an incredible traumatic and brutally painful experience," said President Nancy Donley. "Oftentimes, there are many lingering medical problems and scores of unanswered questions. This is the first conference of its kind, assembling international authorities on HUS who can provide answers and bring the latest available information to persons most needing it." Though many medical conferences are centered around a single medical specialty, HUS involves so many of the bodyÂ’s systems that physicians and researchers for this event come from many disciplines, including nutrition, hematology, endocrinology, cardiovascular surgery, gastroenterology, and neuropsychology.
"The conference is a unique opportunity for parents of HUS children to meet other parents who have shared similar experiences and for physicians to get life-saving information," said Laurie Girand, Advisory Board Member and Conference Manager. "As a victimÂ’s organization, we know parents whose children are suffering but are hindered from proper treatment because the systemic cause is overlooked."
The conference will be held from 8:30 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in downtown Seattle, WA. If an attendee registers before August 1, the fee for the event will be $90, which covers a light breakfast, lunch, two snacks, and reproduction of materials. Continuing Medical Education Credit will be available. Registration forms are available by calling the S. T.O. P. hotline at 1-800-350-stop or at the S. T.O. P. website, www. stop-usa. org.
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S. T.O. P. - Safe Tables Our Priority is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 in the aftermath of the Jack-in-the-Box, E. coli O157:H7 outbreak by families and friends of victims of foodborne illness. Since then, the organization has grown to include E. coli victims whether from other identified outbreaks, like that of Odwalla apple juice, or from unidentified sources of contamination, and victims of other foodborne illnesses as well. Our mission is to assist victims and to advocate policies that prevent unnecessary illness, injury and death from foodborne illness. For more information, please call our hotline at 800-350-STOP or see our website at www. stop-usa. org.
