See SLIDESHOW
If you read about Keri and her struggle in the first conference summary (by Derek Levondowski, 2008) you know why we formed this organization in her name, and what we are trying to accomplish; mainly providing education to PALS (People with ALS), and all caregivers both professional and non-professional, in all fields that deal with an ALS victim. The participants left feedback of better understanding and how to better care for someone with ALS! Several said the day went very fast, full of information! (All professionals received credits.)
Our 2009 conference exceeded expectations! Held in Greenville, NC at the Monroe Center in conjunction with the Pitt County Memorial Hospital ALS Center, the conference was again attended by over 100 people!
The event was coordinated by the Wanda Bennett (Pitt County Memorial Hospital ALS Clinic Coordinator), and Paula Josey (Eastern AHEC), in conjunction with the ALSA – Keri B. Still Fund, and in accordance with ALS Association’s Jim Catfish Hunter Chapter. This event could not have gone smoother.
The vendors were extraordinary, and very capable in answering questions and providing demonstrations! The vendors for this event were: Carolina Mobility and Seating, Hill-Rom Vest Division, Professional Healthcare, Inc., and Nestle Nutrition.
The program consisted of speakers and break-out sessions, with a touching slideshow (different from 2008) about Keri, early in the day. The highlight of the day was a speaker with ALS: Jill Hollis, who with her daughter, gave us a most moving story. A panel for discussion was also held.
The speakers were as follows: Robert Frere, MD, E. Carolina Neurology (Complexity of ALS) – Sherri Drake, RRT, RPFT, PCMH (Respiratory) – Richard Bedlack, MD, Phd, Duke University (Symptom Management and Research Update) – Melissa Phillips, Phd, PCMH (Coping with ALS Progression) – Sue Humphries, LMSW, Catfish Hunter Chapter (Chapter and Community Support – and Jill Hollis, ALS victim (her story).
The break-out sessions were concurrent, with hands on approaches and more indepth information from the lastest in respiratory devices to wheelchairs. They included: Respiratory (Sherri Drake) – Nutrition Liz Hobbs, MS, RD, LDN, – Communication and Swallowing (Melanie Blevins, MA, CCC-SLP & Tina Hill, MEd, CCC-SLP – and Mobility/Activity (Blanks Walker, OTR/L /& Debra Jefferson, LPT.
This second conference has confirmed a real need for this venue in NC. We hope to continue this effort for many years to come, in memory of one who died lf ALS, Keri Brown Still.
