APFED's Eos Connection 2015 Conference Offers Insight and Support for Those Living with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (June 26-27, 2015)

Indianapolis, IN, June 19, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Members of the growing EGID community will learn from the leading experts and panelists that APFED has assembled for this multi-day educational event. This year’s conference features some of the nation’s top researchers and community advocates and will include a special session from the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR).

Eos Connection 2015, to be held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, will feature roughly 25 educational and experiential sessions on topics including facts about EGIDS and an understanding of treatment options; practical management at home, school, and work; what's on the horizon for EGID research; and more.

Eosinophilic-associated diseases (EADs) are chronic inflammatory disorders characterized by having above normal amounts of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in one or more specific places in the digestive system, tissues, organs, and/or blood stream, which causes inflammation and damage. The most common of these diseases are EGIDS, which affect the gastrointestinal tract and often render the patient unable to tolerate certain food proteins.

“APFED's annual patient conference offers a unique opportunity for patients and families to connect and learn more about effectively managing EGIDs at any stage of their journey,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “The speakers lend their time to offer expert knowledge and guidance into the challenging world of these diseases. This, coupled with the sense of community that the conference creates, provides an invaluable experience for anyone affected by EGIDs and those wishing to learn more about these diseases.”

APFED's Patient Education Conference on EGIDs offers sessions for everyone, from recently-diagnosed patients to veterans of EGID management, as well as a track for teen attendees. In conjunction with the conference, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and Indiana University School of Medicine is offering a CME Program for Healthcare Providers on Friday, June 26 entitled "Eosinophils and GI Tract: Esophagus and Beyond." Learn more and register: http://cme.medicine.iu.edu/courses.

On Friday, June 26, there will also be a special Lunch and Learn session offered by Nutricia North America, makers of Neocate® amino acid-based formula, on the "Transition Care of Teens with EoE from Pediatric to Adult Care." An additional afternoon session for patients and caregivers will focus on "The Future of EGID Research: How CEGIR Will Take Us There." This is an exciting opportunity for attendees to hear from representatives of CEGIR and get a sneak peek at the cutting-edge advances and research that will change the future of EGIDs, and how patients can help accelerate the process.

For those who cannot make it to Indianapolis, APFED is thrilled to introduce a virtual registration option. On Saturday, June 27, virtual attendees may participate online via webcast in the conference's general session and submit questions for conference speakers. This option also allows support groups and clinics to host their own "viewing parties" for the cost of a single registration fee.

Learn more about the conference weekend and ways to register at apfed.org.

Eos Connection 2015 is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Education Partners, including our Presenting Partner EleCare®.