Kudo's to the HCMA Staff for a great Conference

[mbcube]

It was so great to finally meet some of the wonderful staff members and the folks I "chat" with here on the boards. I know a lot of effort went into it and a lot of the staff worked extra hard this year. I have to say that words can't begin to convey my appreciation. From the sign-in to the workbooks, to the folks responsible for ac/lighting and such. You all did a terrific job!

I had the opportunity to meet new HCM friends, family members who support their families (both living and passed), medical personnel, moderators, Transplant recipients, doctors, you name it! It was great to meet you all!

[Pam Alexson]

It was great to meet you also even though it was at breakfast the last day! I wish I could attend the social after hour stuff but a girl"s got to get her z'ssss! We need a longer time for these gatherings.

You are correct it was a great time for all and SOOOO many faces of HCM, So much gratitude for everyones hard work and dedication.

Pam

[Reenie]

It was great meeting you too. I really enjoyed the meeting this year, not that I haven't enjoyed other meetings as well. There were so many people there and I felt like I didn't get to spend enough time with everyone like I wanted to, but overall everyone I met amazed me with their stories and their determination to come to New Jersey just to meet others like themselves, to meet the specialists, and to learn. It's amazing how all that comes together in one place and it's definitely a very special occurence.

[EmilysMom]

This was my first meeting (and Emily's), and we also found it to be a great experience. We were glad to meet so many of you from on-line. It is a very impressive organization. The staff (who are very small in number!) do an amazing job. The level of the technical presentations was impressive. One of the great things that the HCMA has accomplished is getting the top experts in HCM to come and share their knowledge directly with their patients. I don't know another patient advocate organization that does a better job in helping patients have access to a great group of medical professionals.

It was wonderful to meet so many of you, and thanks for sharing your stories. I have been telling people that going from the message boards to the meeting is like a storybook coming alive. All of a sudden there they all were, real live people!

[Reenie]

What a great analogy, a storybook coming alive. I hadn't thought of it that way but you're so right. I remember the gratitude, overwhelm, and love I felt at the first meeting I went to. There is so much information, so many people who care, and so many experts who are willing to come share their time and expertise with use that it's hard to imagine without experiencing it for yourself. The attendees also do a terrific job at supporting each other and sharing their own experiences, which in turn help others understand what's happening to themselves.

[gfox42]

Me too -- it was great to meet so many people I've been interacting with!

Gordon

[Cynaburst]

I also thought that this meeting was the best ever. Every year, it just grows and grows. More doctors this year than ever, and the information about the research in progress is fascinating.

I am also humbled by the people I met and the stories. Bernice Besso is my new personal hero. She is truly an inspiration for patients everywhere!

[Midge Rollins]

It was a great meeting and I am so glad to meet so many people that have not been there before and renew old friendships . My personal hero is Claude, 19 yrs. post transplant. Awesome. The genetics issues were also great and trying to start a healthy heart club is soemthing I am going to work on.

[JudyA]

Truly a wonderful conference- my first! My husband, who has been to many computer-oriented conferences, said that he has never been to one that was so organized, well rounded, and filled great presenters and with people who really cared about the subject.

He took his program book to work and told me was explaining an ICD to his coworkers!!

Now I, on the other hand, worked on monday and today and now am having a multitude of palpitations. A very long trip,(we drove) but I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

I really enjoyed putting faces to the names I knew, I didn't get to speak to all of those from these boards, gotta save something for next year....

JudyA

[Reenie]

Judy, I'm really happy you both got a lot out of the meeting. The whole point is for patients (and their families) to have the opportunity to meet others like themselves - who understand all you go through - to meet the medical teams, and to have a good time while learning. Now, remember to drink your water and put your feet up tonight and I hope you're feeling better tomorrow. :)

[Reinhard]

First meeting I attended since discovering this site back in 2002. Always managed to miss it due to other obligations, whether family or work related. All I can say is what a wonderfull experience it was! Came away with a multitude of knowledge. Thanks to the dedication of Lisa, her staff and all the wonderfull Doctors, Nurses, Genetesists, Health Care Professionals and Sponsers that made this all possible. If it weren't for them, where would we be now??

Reinhard

[THW]

All I can say is WOW! I think my head is still spinning with all the information (especially the genetics), as well as how touching it was to meet so many of you and so many of the medical experts. I was quite impressed with everything, from the presentations to the compassion and genuine interest of the doctors present.

Lisa, Kelly, Carol, and Kim, as well as all the volunteers, medical professionals, fellow HCMers and their families -- thank-you all for making this such a worthwhile trip. I'm hooked, and I can't wait til next year's, where I hope to meet even more of you!!

Theresa

[Shelly]

My thanks to all the staff, directors, docs, and fellow HCM'ers. I felt like I was so blessed to have been there. The chance to meet everyone and the education I gained was priceless. I am finding myself anxious for next years meeting already. To be able to share stories and experiences with each other has given me such a gift. I am very grateful for this time I've had and the friends I made.

My 'heart'felt thanks!