2015 HLH Conference for Families

Join us for a day-long workshop about the diagnosis and management of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. This rare and often fatal disease causes the body’s immune cells to become overactive and attack vital organs and healthy blood cells. Early detection is a challenge, but is crucial to patient survival. Learn too about some of the latest research findings and treatments, and what is on the horizon for HLH.

Friday, September 18
Welcome Reception and Dinner
Newport Aquarium
6:30 p.m. Cocktail and Appetizers

7:00-8:00pm Dinner is served.

Saturday, September 19
Conference Sessions
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
8:00-8:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30a.m.-11:45 a.m. Medical and Scientific Sessions
11:45 p.m. -12:45 p.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m.- 4 p.m. Family Sessions

This years family sessions will focus on social & emotional issues during and after treatment, as well as a presentation on genetics. This year, we will be working on a family support project titled: "What I wish I knew" during the family session. We invite families to contribute to this compilation during the workshop as we collect pieces of advice from one parent to another. The collection will be printed and distrubuted to families facing HLH. Bring your ideas, lessons learned, and inspiration as we work to support each other along this journey.

The purpose of this conference is to provide general information about HLH and an opportunity for families to connect with and support one another. The health care providers participating in the conference are committed to the highest standards of safe and ethical care and so are not able to engage in individual consultations or to answer specific questions about the diagnosis or treatment of individual patients at this conference. Thank you for understanding.

*Friday Afternoon Welcome Rally

If your travel schedule allows, please plan to joinus in the hospital courtyard on Friday afternon at 3:00pm for a welcome rally for this year's 700 Miles to Hope Team. This year’s team includes several fellow employees. Other team members also include past and present families & patients of CCHMC. Riders will enter the courtyard at approximately 3:00 p.m. where the welcome event will be held. Michael Fisher will give a brief speech. Feel free to bring signs or spirit items to cheer on the riders.