We have received your submission and will be in contact with you shortly.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us by email at pdsa@pdsa.org or by calling 1-877-528-3538.
Thank you, The PDSA Staff
Campaign open to anyone individual living with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), or a parent caregiver of a child/teen with ITP. Applicants must be age 18 or older by May 1, 2016. Teens and children younger than age 18, required to obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Submissions can be made from now through June 21, 2016, at 5pm EST. Selected videos will be announced by the end of June, 2016.
No purchase necessary to enter or be chosen. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
All entrants must complete this entry form and upload video by close of submissions. By submitting an entry for the Be the Voice for ITPSM Patient Video Campaign, submitters agree to the following legal considerations:
As part of PDSA’s ongoing commitment to patient advocacy and raising ITP awareness, ITP Conference 2016 will feature videos before each conference session with a question specific to that topic of discussion. All of the videos will be from people who could not attend the conference in-person. Here’s how you can Be the voice for ITPSM:
In appreciation for helping us make the World of ITP a more manageable place to be, originators of videos selected for each topic will receive a complimentary jump drive with videos from ITP Conference 2016 sessions.
* This program was partially funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award.
Review campaign eligibility and rules here
PDSA will present the 16th annual update on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for patients, caregivers, and the medical community July 8-10 at the beautiful Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. Our three-day program is not only an important update on information about immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but it is also a chance to meet others affected by ITP. You will also have the opportunity to ask your questions to PDSA's medical advisors, some of the most experienced ITP doctors in the world. You don’t want to miss out on this tremendous opportunity to hear and talk with these world-renowned experts.
Each year the conference provides opportunities to hear the latest information about ITP, meet others who are coping with ITP, and receive answers to your questions. A highlight to this weekend will be a patient mixer on Friday evening and a special family-oriented party Saturday evening. PDSA realizes how important it is to offer patients and families a respite from dealing with a chronic illness while bringing a little joy and laughter into their lives. In addition to the educational programs and social events, we will have programs for children at our Kid’s Kamp for all children ages 5 and up. New this year is a separate track for teens and young adults.
Click on any of the thumbnail images below to view the photos in a larger size.
3:30 — 6:00 PM: Registration/Exhibits Open
5:00 — 6:00 PM: ITP 101: Basic Fundamentals for the Newly Diagnosed
6:00 — 7:00 PM: Patient Mixer
7:00 — 8:30 PM: Concurrent Presentations:
8:30 — 9:30 PM: Ice Cream Social
8:00 — 9:00 AM: Registration
Continental Breakfast
Exhibits open
9:00 — 10:15 AM: Primary vs. Secondary ITP: the Similarities, Differences & Significance
10:15 — 10:30 AM: Break
10:30 — 11:30 AM: Inquire & Inspire: Patients Ask the Experts & Share Personal Journeys (small group sessions)
11:30 — 11:45 AM: Break
11:45 AM — 12:45 PM: Concurrent Presentations
12:45 — 1:45 PM: Lunch Break with PDSA Medical Advisors
1:45 — 2:45 PM: Communicating with Your Doctor: Asking the Right Questions to Get the Right Answers
2:45 — 3:00 PM: Break
3:00 — 4:00 PM: Inquire & Inspire: Patients Ask the Experts & Share Personal Journeys (small group sessions)
4:00 — 4:15 PM: Break
4:15 — 5:15 PM: The Next 100 Years: The Future of ITP Research & Treatments
5:15 — 5:30 PM: Announcements
5:30 — 7:00 PM: Pre-dinner Break
7:00 — 8:00 PM: Educational Dinner Program
Complimentary Dinner Program from Amgen
8:00 — 10:00 PM: Saturday Evening Event
8:00 — 9:30 AM: Support Group Facilitators’ Breakfast (pre-registration requested)
8:30 — 9:30 AM: Continental Breakfast
9:30 — 10:30 AM: Hope and Healing from Chronic Illness: What Each of Us Can Do
10:30 — 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 — 11:45 AM: Living with ITP... Patients share their stories
11:45 AM — 12:00 PM: Closing Remarks
*A separate track for teens and young adults will run Friday from 7-8:30pm, Saturday from 9am-11:30am, and free time after lunch as a group at the hotel pool.
**Agenda and speakers subject to change
Click on any of the thumbnail images below to view the photos in a larger size.
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Dr. James Bussel is Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Obstetrics at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. His training was initiated at Yale, continued at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, then he completed a Pediatric Residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the combined Cornell/Memorial Sloan Kettering program. The great majority of Dr. Bussel's publications are centered around diagnosis and especially management of patients with ITP, including children with ITP, adults with ITP, pregnant women with ITP, HIV infected patients with thrombocytopenia, and fetuses affected by autoimmune and alloimmune thrombocytopenia. He has worked with IVIg, IV anti-D, rituximab, and most recently the thrombopoietic agents. Dr. Bussel also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Terry Gernsheimer is Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Medical Director of the Platelet Antibody Laboratory at the Puget Sound Blood Center, and Director of Transfusion Services for the University of Washington Medical Center and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Dr. Gernsheimer's research focuses on the pathophysiology and treatment of immune platelet disorders and pathologic immune responses associated with transfusion. She has clinical research interest in transfusion management of the hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient and surgical bleeding in patients undergoing solid organ transplant and cardiovascular procedures. She has made significant contributions toward understanding the pathophysiology and management of auto-immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Dr. Gernsheimer serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Craig Kessler is professor of Medicine and Pathology and Section Chief of Hematology. He is also Director of the Coagulation Laboratory at Georgetown. A graduate of Tulane School of Medicine, Dr. Kessler received his specialty training in hematology and oncology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. An international expert in the area of disorders of coagulation, Dr. Kessler has a particular interest in hemophilia. He also has expertise in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Dr. Kessler also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. David Kuter is Chief of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. He earned a research doctorate (DPhil) at Magdalen College of Oxford University and a medical degree at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kuter is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Chief of Hematology at the Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition, Dr. Kuter sits on numerous national and international ITP committees and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology. He has dedicated years of effort to researching coagulopathies, anticoagulation, and platelet disorders. In recent years, Dr. Kuter has conducted groundbreaking research into the development of effective thrombopoietic agents. Dr. Kuter also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Lambert is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Medical Director of the Special Coagulation Laboratory at CHOP. She graduated from UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (now Rutgers) and completed her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children followed by a year as Chief Resident. She then moved the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia were she completed her fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology. She received her Masters in Translational Medicine in 2001. Her research efforts have focused on understanding the control of platelet production by megakaryocytes (the cells that make platelets) and the ways in which genetics influence platelet function and number in various clinical scenarios including ITP and inherited platelet disorders. Dr. Lambert serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Howard Liebman is Professor of Medicine and Pathology at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. He serves as Medical Director of the Special Hemostasis Laboratory at the USC NorrisComprehensiveCancerCenter and is Director of the fellowship program in hematology. Dr. Liebman received his medical degree from USC and completed his postgraduate training including a residency in internal medicine and fellowships in medical oncology and hematology at Los AngelesCounty - University of Southern California Medical Center. Dr. Liebman completed a research fellowship at TuftsUniversity - New EnglandMedicalCenter, Boston, MA, and held faculty positions at TuftsUniversity and BostonUniversity, before returning to USC. Dr. Liebman's research interests include clinical management and characterization of haemostatic and thrombotic disorders, management of autoimmune blood disorders, and clinical therapy of HIV and AIDS. He has authored or co-authored 85 peer-reviewed publications and 26 reviews and chapters. Dr. Liebman also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Peter Lee Powers is a world-renowned speaker, and a family and sports medicine physician practicing in Prescott, Arizona. Diagnosed with Diabetes at age 14, Peter still led a full and active life. He excelled as a student and athlete, attending medical school in Madison, Wisconsin. Then his own health took a dramatic downturn. By age 34, he was completely blind from Diabetic Retinopathy. Refusing to accept this fate, he began to study expanded medicine. While living in Alaska, he became President of The American Society of Handicapped Physicians, and later was named “Handicapped Alaskan of the Year.” Miraculously, he also healed his blindness. But soon he was diagnosed with Diabetic Nephropathy (kidney failure), and confronted with probable death within 18 months. Again he faced the challenge. Today, Dr. Powers’ healing work builds a bridge between traditional Western medicine, Eastern healing arts and Ancient wisdom. His techniques harness the healing powers of the mind, learning how to live a healthy and conscious life.
Dr. John Semple received his PhD in Immunology from Queen's University in 1986 and trained as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Banting and Best Department of Medical Research of the C.H. Best Institute, University of Toronto from 1986-1990. He joined St. Michael’s Hospital in 1990 and was a Senior Staff Scientist and Head of the Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences. He was also a Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology, Medicine and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto and an Adjunct Scientist with Canadian Blood Services. He joined Lund University in 2016 as a Professor of Transfusion Medicine of St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Semple has published over 120 papers on platelet immunology. His research activities include several areas including anti-platelet T cell responses in patients with acute and chronic ITP, the analysis of how platelet antigens are recognized by the immune system, and how platelets may act as immune-like cells that are responsible for initiating and perpetuating their own autoimmune demise. Dr. Semple also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Michael Tarantino is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria and Medical Director of the Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute. He received a doctoral degree in medicine from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1987. He completed an internship and residency at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. Dr. Tarantino first became interested in ITP during his residency in 1988. Since that time he has designed and/or participated in numerous clinical investigations related to ITP and other platelet disorders. He has authored numerous publications relevant to the diagnosis and management of ITP, especially as it occurs in children. He is also active in hemophilia and other bleeding disorders research, and founded The Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute in 2010. Dr. Tarantino serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
The 17th annual update on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for patients, caregivers, and the medical community was held on July 28-30 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona. Our three-day program was not only an important update on information about immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but it was also a chance to meet others affected by ITP. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions to PDSA's medical advisors, some of the most experienced ITP doctors in the world.
A highlight to this weekend was a patient mixer on Friday evening and a special family-oriented party Saturday evening. PDSA realizes how important it is to offer patients and families a respite from dealing with a chronic illness while bringing a little joy and laughter into their lives. In addition to the educational programs and social events, we hosted programs for children at our Kid’s Kamp for all children ages 5 and up, and a separate track for teens and young adults.
"I wanted to thank you and the entire crew at PDSA for the opportunity to attend the 2016 PDSA conference. Both my husband and I found it very useful to learn about other’s experiences and options available. I thought I knew a lot about ITP, but I learned so much and the conference helped to articulate better what this condition is all about. We found every session useful and I have a list of things to follow up on. We also met so many warm and welcoming people, which was a lovely added bonus. If I don’t make it to Arizona next year, we will definitely strive for 2018." – Gail S.
"My heartfelt thanks to you, PDSA stuff and volunteers for all the hard work in organizing another successful conference. Cheers to you all!!! I feel so blessed and grateful for receiving the PDSA scholarship, making it possible for me and family to attend the conference this year. I got recharged with healing energy and valuable new information to fight against ITP. I hope to see you all again next year." – 2016 Scholarship recipient
"Worth all the effort to get to 2016 Orlando Conference! Two benefits are the interaction with others with ITP and the information." – Jerry J.
"I cannot even express with words how amazing the PDSA conference was this year! Thanks to Caroline Kruse, the PDSA staff and all the volunteers, we all had such a memorable experience! So many new members and first time attendees! We appreciate all that you guys do and love our ITP community so much!! Can’t wait for next year!" – 2016 attendee
"ITP Conference in Orlando was excellent! Heard a lot about the treatment that put me into remission. The best part is always the people. Got to meet some I’ve “known” for several years through FB groups. Looking forward to next year in Arizona!" – Mary I.
Platelet Disorder Support Association
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IMPORTANT!
The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.