Posted by: Patient Advocate Summer Katz, M.A., NCC, LMHC

Happy fall, blog readers and community supporters!

As many of you know, this fall, the Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacy is hosting the annual Cystic Fibrosis Education Day which will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. I’m excited to share the details with you about this year’s event, which includes a transition back to welcoming patients to participate in the Education Day!

I am so happy about the decision to invite patients to attend. The Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacy staff took a lot of time to brainstorm options and recognized that there would be ample opportunity to make it happen.

This year the event will take place in the Camellia Room at Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave. Orlando, FL 32803. In compliance with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Infection Control Guidelines, the event will include outdoor accommodations to allow for the open ventilation space. The Camellia Room has a larger covered verandah area where CF patients, family members and caregivers can participate in the CF Education Day events.

Of course, patients with CF who have ever cultured Burkholderia cepacia, MRSA in the last two years, have two consecutive diagnoses of Nontuberculosis mycobacteria or have bacterium resistant to all antibiotics cannot attend. Patients who are experiencing active infection symptoms should not participate.

Dr. Daniel T. Layish and Dr. Mark R. Weatherly, two amazing pulmonologists from Central Florida Pulmonary Group and Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital respectively, will be sharing the latest and greatest research and treatment information from the North American CF Conference in Phoenix, AZ. There will also be a panel of speakers from CF clinics and hospitals across the state of Florida. A complimentary lunch will be served as well as opportunities to speak with numerous exhibitors sharing information on many aspects of care.

Personally, I am also excited to highlight the keynote speaker, Andrew Ladores, JD, MSW. I have known Andrew for many years and am thrilled that he will be coming back to Orlando to speak about his experience and efforts to live life with unrelenting dedication and motivation. I know that Andrew will share eye-opening and inspirational information, from topics related to his own trial and triumph experiences, as well as recognizing the impact on family and friends.

The Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacy hopes you will be able to join us at the 2015 Cystic Fibrosis Education Day on October 24 at Harry P. Leu Gardens from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (r.s.v.p. required at 407-898-4427 ext. 1002). And we certainly invite you to give us a call at ext. 1403 if you’d like to be an event exhibitor, or if you have any questions about the events of the day.

Summer Katz, M.A., NCC, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

*Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only (including brief topic exploration or reflection) and should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health or medical treatment.