This year we had many new families attend with a few repeat families that helped them better understand how the Foundation helps those affected by the disease. Our basic meeting outline was the same: Thursday evening, meet and greet, relax with some light food choices, and then “Share your Story” as to why you chose to participate and attend the meeting. We had a “Candlelight Vigil” where everyone shared who they were lighting their candle for, their honor or their memory.
On Friday we showed the video that was made by Candace Moose on “How the Myocarditis Foundation was Started”, a little basic review on Myocarditis and Pericarditis, and the importance of Journalling (writing down your thoughts to help you better understand your feelings and help you better deal with what you are going through and cope). We also had some medical speakers on the topics of “Covid Vaccines and Myocarditis”, “Returning to Play after the Diagnosis”, “Genetics and Myocarditis” as well as a Talk on “Are Pediatric Patients Just Little Adults?”. Of course, there was scheduled time with Dr. Leslie Cooper, for those who had personal questions about the disease.
Friday evening brought some lighthearted fun to the “Family Conference / Retreat”, and we went to have an evening of “Fun and Fajitas” at Top Golf. There was a lot of laughter throughout the evening.
Saturday started with a session of Chair Yoga, and more speakers on “Sex Differences and Environmental Triggers in Myocarditis”, “Using Artificial Intelligence to Identify Mechanisms and Biomarkers in Myocarditis”, updates on the Clinical Trials that are occurring in Myocarditis and Pericarditis, and a speaker on “When Life Shifts: Grief, Uncertainty, and Coping with Myocarditis.”
We’d like to thank our supporters of the event, Kiniksa and Cardiol Therapeutics for their continuing help in allowing us to carry out our mission!
