NYCHC Annual Meeting a Huge Success

Nearly 300 members of the local bleeding disorders community came together on December 4^th for a day of laughter, learning and lunch at the New York City Hemophilia Chapter 2011 Annual Meeting. It was our highest attendance at any Chapter program outside of the New York City Hemophilia Walk. The event, which was held at the Downtown Marriott Hotel, featured a variety of educational and fun sessions for adults and children. The main session featured a Chapter Update by NYCHC President and Founder Melissa Penn. Penn talked about all of growth the Chapter had experienced in the last year as well as some of the plans underway for the future. The update was followed by a panel discussion entitled “Factor Today and Tomorrow” with participation by representatives of six of the clotting factor manufacturers. Panelists discussed some of the product improvements coming in the near future, including longer lasting factor products. 

 

The meeting also featured an infusion workshop and a very popular live infusion demonstration by two young volunteers. There were also lots of activities for kids including an improvisation workshop with a group called Cherub Improv. After the meeting, participants enjoyed a Holiday Party featuring a visit by Santa Claus who presented gifts to all of the children in attendance.

NYCHC Vice President Wendy Chou, who acted as one of our volunteer photographers for the day, has set up a webpage with pictures of the event. You can view them at http://wendychou.phanfare.com/5388416.

NYCHC would like to offer special thanks to our Annual Meeting sponsors: Baxter, Biogen Idec, BioRx, CSL Behring, CVS Caremark, MedPro RX, Novo Nordisk and Pfizer. Thanks also to all of our exhibitors, to our many wonderful volunteers and to everyone who participated. We look forward to seeing everyone again at another event in the near future.