Thalassaemia Society of South Australia

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2006

Hi All,
It’s half way through the year and there are just a few quick things to let you know so let’s jump straight into it! But firstly well done to Stella and Giorgio for an outstanding article in the Sunday Mail on pg 5 no less – and a gorgeous photo J and lastly thanks for the survey responses and your support of SA’s involvement in Blood Fusion Australia.

Cheers
Irene (Ponias) Giakoumis
PresidentThalassaemia Society of SA Inc

GET TOGETHER DINNER

We’ve organised a MID YEAR get-together and we’d love to see you there. It’s a great opportunity to catch up and to also farewell one of our favourite nurses at the
Royal Adelaide – Cathy. Cathy is going to work overseas and we wish her all the best!

WHERE: Watermark ‘all you can eat’ restaurant, 631 Anzac Hwy (across from the Buffalo ship), Glenelg.

WHEN: Friday 16 June, 7pm

COST: Meals: Adults $25, there are also kids prices and children under 5 free. Drinks are on us.

We can also help out anyone who needs it, just let us know, that’s no problem.

RSVP: ASAP – sms Irene 0402 358 006

THALASSAEMIA SYMPOSIUM WEEKEND

As part of the International Genetics Conference in Brisbane this year, there will be a 1 day Thalassaemia Symposium on Sunday, 6 August. A fun weekend is planned. At this stage, Bill is confirmed to attend and we hope there will be more from SA to hear the latest on Thalassaemia and also to support the launch of Blood Fusion Australia.

Come along to find out more about new developments and support a group that is for ALL blood transfusion dependant people - not just Thals. We need your support, even if you are too busy! Bill has all the details of flights and accommodation. A package for 2 nights accomodation at Ibis Hotel in Brisbane INCLUDING return airfares to Brisbane from $308.00. *** BUT WE MUST BOOK NOW! Airfare Specials won't last long!***
We really hope you can make it for a fun and rewarding getaway weekend.
Contact Bill on 0419 858 046 to find out more.

The symposium highlights include:

An Overview of Thalassaemia in Asia Pacific,
Prof. Sir David Weatherall (UK)/ Thalassaemia overview / Management paradigm / pre-natal diagnosis,
Dr. Donald Bowden (Aust)/ Compliance to chelation: A key to life,
Sr Libby Reid (Aust) / Government program for Thalassaemia screening,
Dr. Lin Kai-Hsin (Taiwan) / Advances of iron level monitoring,
Dr Tim St Pierre (Aust) / QoL/ Health Economics perspective re: iron chelators Compliance /complication/Cost,
Dr. Thomas Delea (USA) / Management of iron overload - introduction of a
new agent (Exjade),
Dr. John Porter (UK) / Recent advances in BMT for Thalassaemia patients,
Dr. Mammen Chandy (India) / Genetic research into Thalassaemia /
Dr. Suthat Fuchareon (Thailand) /
Expert panel Q&A session.
The conference website is: http://www.ichg2006.com/