[Anonymous]

#1020126

There are now only three days left to get that great $89 room rate for the Cincinnati Conference. You can reserve your room and also register for the conference and pay conference fees and pay for optional events, all ONLINE from the NGDF website, at:

http://www.ngdf.org/2007Onlinereg.htm

These are three separate steps, so make sure you have done all three.

For anyone who decides at the last minute to come to the conference, walk-in registration is also available.

If anyone is thinking of attending the conference but just not sure it’s worth it, or if all of life seems to be getting the way, I urge you to take this time for yourself. I think you’ll find it’s an experience you’ll want to repeat year after year.

I know that I have, and even now, eleven years after my diagnosis, each conference is for me a treat. Even though I’ve had eight major eye surgeries and many more minor procedures done, I feel linked to those who are still suffering with double vision, proptosis, disfigurement, and self-esteem issues of the eye disease. We look more like each other than my own siblings and I do!

And where else can we talk about the emotional issues we’ve been through with those who understand. Where else can our spouses talk with other spouses who have been through this? It’s good for them, too.

Do our doctors listen to everything we tell them? In many cases they don’t. This subject comes up frequently at conferences, and we discuss ideas for talking with our doctors better. In some cases it’s necessary to find a doctor who listens better. Jake George gives a good talk on how to hire and fire doctors.

Jake is also a first-class storyteller, and when you meet him in person you will be amazed. If you catch him in the right mood he can keep you rolling on the floor in stitches for hours on end. This skill explains his abilities as an author. He has written some very creative fiction.

We have what we call the “dream team” of thyroid researchers, endocrinologists, and ophthalmic plastic surgeons who will speak to us at the conference again this year. Besides giving their talks, they will be available during the Saturday luncheon to answer questions, which registrants may submit on their registration forms.

I’ve always loved the “Support Group” sessions as well, which are run by professionals Marsha and Cy Worby. These are a time of healing for everyone and a time of caring for each other.

Those who haven’t met our own Dr. Nancy Patterson, our truly fearless leader and the founder of the National Grave’ Disease Foundation, will enjoy doing so. She spends all her spare time (and I’m sure much that isn’t) and I’d guess many of her own resources to keep the NGDF running smoothly. During the many times when this has been difficult or discouraging to her, all it takes it knowing that one person is being helped, and the rest doesn’t matter to her. She’s back at it, giving all she has.

I hope this has been a good “shameless plug” for the conference. I mean every word.

Bobbi, are you planning to attend this year?

Dianne W
NGDF Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1076057

Hi all – I am a new member of NGDF and am planning to attend for the first time this year. Just made flight arrangements from New York. Thanks for the encouraging words, and I look forward to it!

[Anonymous]

#1076058

Hi Claire, I’m glad you’re going to join us, and look forward to meeting you. I know of another Claire who said she’s coming for her first time, so you two will have more in common than your disease.

I just realized this is only a little over two weeks away now. Does anyone posting here know what the weather is like in Cincinnati this time of year?

Claire, how are you feeling? Will you be well at this conference, or will it be a struggle for you?

Dianne W

[Anonymous]

#1076059

Hi Dianne – I’m doing well, thanks. My last blood work taken in mid-September showed me slightly hypo, so my endo reduced my tapazole from 20 to 10 mg a day. So, other than wanting to nap whenever possible, I am fine. And, I do realize, quite fortunate. Looking forward to meeting you, and the other Claire…and everyone else! Hope you are feeling good as well!

[Anonymous]

#1076060

You may be wondering who should attend the conference. If you have Graves Disease or know someone with Graves Disease, this conference is for you. It does not matter whether you are newly diagnosed or have had it for several years. Newly diagnosed and those that have had Graves for over 20 years will be at this year’s conference. There will be one attendee that has been to all but one conference. That means that she has been to 13 conferences. This will be my 4th conference. Once you’ve been to one conference, you want to come to all of them. It’s amazing to be around lots of other people that are going through the same things I am. As the credit card commercial says, that’s priceless. Besides being around others with Graves, we’ll be learning so much about Graves.

If you are thinking of attending the conference, today is the day to make your hotel reservations. The group rate expires tomorrow.

Registration has no expiration. You can mail in your registration or sign up online or register at the door.

I can’t wait to see old friends and make new friends at this year’s conference. If you can, please join us in Cincinnati.

Linette

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