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New! BMT InfoNet Survivorship Project
You have just had a transplant! Your doctor says: “Go home. Enjoy your new life.” What an incredible relief! But what follows during the next few years of your life is often challenging and surprising — to you, your family, and even to your local doctor.
 With this in mind, BMT InfoNet is launching a new Survivorship Project. This project will address the unique needs of transplant
“This kick-off symposium will be very interactive. Survivors will learn strategies from experts and from each other about navigating life after transplant.”
—Andrea Feldmar,
Conference Coordinator
survivors both in the early days following their transplant as well as many years later. It will also focus on the needs of caregivers.
“When survivors return home from the transplant center, a new chapter of their life begins,” explains Sue Stewart, Executive Director of BMT InfoNet. “Although it’s exhilarating to be alive, survivors face many unexpected challenges, both physically and emotionally, that can last for months or even years. The goal of the survivorship project is to arm survivors with tools to manage these issues.
The kick-off for this survivorship project will be a one-day symposium for transplant survivors and caregivers called “Celebrating a Second Chance at Life”. The symposium will take place Saturday, April 14, 2007 at Hamburger University in Oakbrook, IL (just outside of Chicago). Survivors will learn how to manage medical and emotional problems post-transplant, and how to communicate their needs to local physicians.
“I’m so ready for this conference,” commented one survivor. “It’s been like ‘do-it-yourself medicine’ ever since I left my transplant center.”
“This survivor’s event will be fun as well as educational ... we have so much to learn and even more to celebrate!”
—Sue Stewart, CEO of BMT InfoNet
(17-year transplant survivor)
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Leading experts will be on hand to address issues such as post-transplant fatigue, emotional challenges, learning and memory problems and other medical issues post-transplant. Participants will also have plenty of opportunity to network with other survivors and share their ideas and experiences. (See the agenda on page 5.)
The symposium will end with a reception and celebration featuring food, live jazz music and a silent auction. You can register for the survivor’s symposium online at www.bmtinfonet.org/conference.html, by calling 888-597-7674 or by using the form on page 10. Space is limited, so register early.
   
Imagine...
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