FRIDAY, JULY 29

SATURDAY, JULY 30

SUNDAY, JULY 31

**Agenda and speakers subject to change

Transportation

The Westin Seattle
1900 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

The Westin Seattle is located approximately 13 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The hotel does not offer shuttle service but there are the following forms of transportation available:

• Taxi
• Bus
• Subway (Link Light Rail – Westlake Station or Monorail – Seattle Center)
• Train (King Street Station)
• Uber/Lyft

Parking

Off-site parking is $9/hour while on-site parking (self) is $50/day. Valet parking is $60/day.

Self/valet parking are offered in adjacent garage with hourly/daily rates. Overnight rates include in/out privileges.

The much-anticipated in-person ITP Conference 2022 was a great success!

More than 160 attendees, from 10 countries and 25 states, traveled to Seattle, Washington for the invaluable opportunity to, once again, gather as a community, reconnect with and learn from one another, and reap the natural benefits of this shared experience. A robust agenda of both large and small group sessions featured PDSA’s Medical Advisors and other medical professionals and offered our attendees a wealth of information.

Check out our gallery of photos from ITP Conference 2022!

PDSA is pleased to offer its members exclusive access to select recorded content from ITP Conference 2022 (held in Seattle, Washington, this past July) and a special Virtual Q & A Webinar featuring ITP Specialists from the United States and United Kingdom (held in partnership with the ITP Support Association at the conclusion of ITP Awareness Month and Global ITP Awareness Week.)

The on-demand content will be available to PDSA Members on our ITP Conference platform through October 31, 2022.

David George Brooke - That Gratitude Guy

David George Brooke - That Gratitude Guy, has been a speaker, coach, and best-selling author for over 25 years. He is a former Nordstrom store manager and has managed in the corporate world for over 30 years. His published works include “That Gratitude Guy’s Daily Gratitude Journal”, “Monday Morning Minutes: 100 Messages of Gratitude”, “Six-Word Lessons to Embrace Gratitude” and a number of other books on gratitude. As a result of his passion for gratitude he has presented over 750 speeches & workshops in the past 8 years, including over 100 Zoom presentations in the last 18 months. He travels nationally and internationally to deliver this important message. He has over 1500 gratitude videos on YouTube, and over 1500 subscribers. Thousands have seen his message, and he is now considered a leading authority on how living a life of gratitude can enhance and improve your life both personally and professionally. He resides in Seattle, Washington.

James Bussel, MD

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.

Terry Gernsheimer, MD

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.

Easter Ho, ND, IFMCP

Dr. Easter Ho is the owner of Think Functional Medicine, an integrative and functional oncology clinic in Seattle, WA. She brings together a functional medicine approach and palliative cancer care. Her goal is to see her patients comfortable, nourished, and happy while going through chemotherapy. She is the designated integrative oncology physician at Lifespring Cancer Treatment Center located in Seattle, WA and Seattle Integrative Cancer Center in Renton, WA. In addition to her passion for integrative oncology, Dr. Ho's mission is to deliver preventative and wellness medicine throughout the world.

Sioban Keel, MD

Dr. Sioban Keel is board certified hematologist at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and an associate professor of Hematology and Medicine at University of Washington. Dr. Keel believes that excellent medical care requires a combination of up-to-date knowledge and compassionate, individualized patient care. She recognizes that excellent care requires physicians who communicate effectively with and educate each patient so that they understand their condition and can be a partner in determining the best treatment plan. Dr. Keel earned her M.D. at the University of Minnesota. Her clinical and research interests include benign red blood cell disorders, iron metabolism, acquired plastic anemia, congenital marrow failure syndromes, neurovisceral porphyrias, hemostasis and thrombosis disorders.

Craig Kessler, MD

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.

David J. Kuter, MD, DPhil

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.

Michele P. Lambert, MD, MTR

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. 

Howard A. Liebman, MD

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. 

Ishac Nazy, PhD

Dr. Ishac Nazy is an associate professor of Medicine, Hematology & Thromboembolism at McMaster University. His research interests include the specific interactions between antibodies and their target antigens on platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis. Heparin induced thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenia are great models for identifying key factors involved in the pathogenesis of the immune responses leading to low platelet counts. Dr. Nazy's research focuses on the cellular and humoral immunity and the downstream effects on platelet physiology.

Diane J. Nugent, MD

Dr. Diane Nugent is a Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She currently serves as Chair, Hematology, CHOC Children's Hospital of North Orange County, Orange, CA; Medical Director, Hematology and Blood and Donor Services CHOC Children's; and Division Chief, Hematology, CHOC Children's Specialists. Dr. Nugent is a nationally-recognized expert in pediatric hematology who specializes in blood disorders, bone marrow failure, bleeding and clotting disorders, anemias, and immune deficiencies. She is involved in clinical trials for rare blood disorders and is a principal investigator for regional hemophilia programs. Dr. Nugent has coauthored more than 100 journal articles and book chapters. She chairs review subcommittees at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB) at NIH in hematology. Dr. Nugent also participates in the Pediatric ITP Consortium of North America (ICON), a group of pediatric hematologists dedicated to improving the understanding, treatment, and quality of life (QOL) of pediatric ITP patients.

John W. Semple, PhD

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.

Michael Tarantino, MD

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.

Introduced in 2016, this program welcomes first-time attendees to the premier patient event. ITP Conference Ambassadors guide new guests through a weekend filled with in-depth disease information, treatment options, the latest research reports, access to world renowned specialists, and life-altering resources. Together they forge meaningful connections that eliminate the mystery and empower patients and caregivers to take control of ITP.

Meet This Year’s Ambassadors!

Cathy (ITP Warrior) and Raul (ITP Spouse) Aldama

Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA

ITP Warrior & ITP Spouse since: 2006

Daily Inspiration:
Cathy: My family; and new travel adventures.

Raul: Today will be a great day if I let it be.

ITP Survival Tip:
Cathy: Seek out as much information as you can so you can be your best advocate.
Raul: Understand that you can control ITP more than it can control you.

Favorite thing about ITP Conference:
Cathy: hard to pick just one...so, all the great people...seeing old friends, and making new ones!...and, of course, the wealth of information!
Raul: It’s very encouraging to hear how optimistic the panel of experts are.  The information and education and hope they provide is very encouraging.

Kim & Jim Everett

Hometown: Manitowoc, Wisconsin

ITP Warrior since: Primary ITP diagnosis 1983 – Lupus diagnosis 1993. Currently in remission since 2008, after 25 years refractory to treatment ITP.

Daily inspiration: Family, friends, and inspiration from others, who have worse challenges in life.

ITP Survival tip: Get out and live life, enjoy company of others and keep learning.

Favorite thing about ITP Conference: Meeting others, learning, and enjoying the location PDSA chooses for conferences.

Tammy Fassett

Hometown: Seattle, WA

ITP Warrior since: 2006

Daily inspiration: Happiness is a choice.

ITP Survival tip: Ask as many questions as you need to, you are your best advocate.

Favorite thing about ITP Conference: Meeting all the people, hearing the stories, and knowing you are not alone.

Melissa Hilsabeck

Hometown: Orange County, CA

ITP Warrior since: 2010

Daily Inspiration: Making people laugh and smile! You never know what someone else is going through so I believe a little smile can go a long way and laughter is the cure for everything.

ITP Survival Tip: Maintain an open communication relationship with your doctor so you feel just as involved in your treatment decision making process. Don't rush into anything you are uncomfortable with and research treatments before saying yes so you know they are right for you. Bonus Tip: PDSA has done all the research for you and they are available 24/7!

Favorite thing about ITP Conference: Seeing people from previous years continuing to stay involved in PDSA and sharing their experiences back in their hometowns. Having a meeting or putting on an event at least once a year really goes a long way. Hearing about them at the conference is very inspirational and serves as motivation to continually stay involved.

Susan and Dale Paynter

Hometown: Cambridge, ON, Canada

ITP Spouse & ITP Warrior since: 2010

Daily Inspiration:
Susan: Every day is a gift. Be kind. Be patient. Be positive. Tell your family you love them.
Dale: Having friends that are family from so many different parts of my life, and being able to add to those great times.

ITP Survival Tip:
Susan: Although Dale’s numbers are low, it does not slow him down. As a caregiver, try to be as supportive as possible. I have met Dale’s hematologist and of course, Dr. Arnold. Make sure appointments are kept. We assess if events/trips may affect him and/or how to do the event. Stay positive and realize that you are not alone. PDSA is always there to help.
Dale: This is just a small part of who you are. Don’t let ITP stop you from doing and being so many things. I’ve had positive experiences I couldn’t have possibly imagined a decade ago. Welcome to a group that you didn’t expect to be part of, but can’t imagine being without.

Favorite thing about ITP Conference:
Susan: Reuniting with our awesome PDSA family! Yes, we do consider you our family. The doctors are so approachable and always have time for you. Also, everyone has learned a lot over the past few years – even the doctors! Staff is SOOO helpful.
Dale:  Sharing and learning about other people’s experiences on this journey. My first conference was in 2011 eight months after being diagnosed. There was nothing more reassuring about this new journey than being in a room of hundreds of other people who were going through the same thing as you – I wasn’t alone.

Dawn (ITP Mom) and John (ITP Warrior) Phillips 

Hometown: Sacramento, CA area

ITP Mom & ITP Warrior since: March 2014 when John was diagnosed and we have been raising awareness ever since.

Daily Inspiration:
Dawn: My daily inspiration is seeing the support and care offered on the PDSA Facebook page in real time for those with pressing concerns and questions at any time of day or night. I was once that person and am happy to help others now that I have the knowledge and experience. Being a voice and an extra set of ears was so important for my son as he traveled on his ITP journey. However, it was important for me to also care for myself while I cared for my son.
John: My daily inspiration is remembering all the times I have helped others who struggle with this frustrating disease and seeing a smile emerge as they feel a sense of relief and realize that they are not alone.

ITP Survival Tip:
Dawn: Keep calm and know that other people understand what you are going through and are there to answer your questions.
John: I advise others to take care of themselves and ask for help when needed.

Favorite thing about ITP Conference:
Dawn: The conferences have been such a blessing to me as I immediately found others who have been in my shoes and the staff have had warm smiles and endless resources for us, year after year. The conference is a fun, informative, therapeutic, and heartwarming experience that I highly recommend.
John:  My favorite thing about the conference is being an ambassador to new participants and reuniting with the regular attendees as well.

Barbara Pruitt

Greetings and welcome to your first PDSA conference! I guarantee you will not be disappointed and I hope I can help you navigate this busy weekend. I remember going to my first conference about 20 years ago. It was the first time I had met anyone with ITP. It was amazing! To meet other people that have “walked in my shoes”, that understood my fears and frustrations. The connections are immediate, and I hope you will make some of those connections this weekend.

I live in Coral Gables, Florida and was diagnosed with ITP at the age of 4. I have been through so many treatments it is hard to remember them all. But I am still here! I try to enjoy every day. There is so much to love about life. I don’t let ITP define me. I don’t fret over the things that I can’t do (due to the ITP), I look forward to what I can do! A positive outlook always helps!

You will learn a lot this weekend. I always learn something, and I get to see old friends and make new ones. And that is why I keep coming back every year.

I look forward to meeting you too!

Gentle hugs, Barbara Pruitt