The Official Newsletter of the Florida Hemophilia Association FALL 2014 INSIDE Executively Speaking Page 2 Community Corner Page 6 - 8 NHF News Page 16 FHA Resource Center Page 19 “SAVE THE DATE” Advocacy Training Dinner January 14 Educational Program Fort Lauderdale February 8 NHF Washington Days February 25-27 O HFA Symposium - St. Louis March 26-28 5th Annual Walk in the Jungle May 2 n Monday, November 17, 2014, the Florida Hemophilia Association (FHA) hosted its 25th Annual Swing for the Kids Golf Tournament at Lago Mar Country Club in Plantation. After a rainy and overcast morning, the sun came out and it was a beautiful day for golf ! At the start of the day, golfers checked in and ate lunch, generously donated by Corporate Caterers, in the clubhouse. Then it was off to the driving range where golf pro Perry Parker conducted a free video swing analysis and mini golf clinic. After a welcome and announcements from Executive Director Debbi Adamkin, the golfers hit the course for the afternoon. There were a number of contests that the golfers could participate in during the day. On Hole #14, for a small donation golfers got the chance to challenge golf pro Perry Parker in “Beat the Pro”. The contest raised an additional $660 for the tournament. Thank you to Perry and the CSL Behring team for putting the contest together! Continue... ExecutivelySpeaking MensajeEjecutivo It’s been incredibly busy for us here at FHA and with the year winding down, I want to take a minute to thank all of our supporters, volunteers and donors that were instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and for providing their assistance to make our programs, events and various outings a success. With that said, we’ve already got a head start on 2015 as we have several new things up our sleeve. Please stay connected by checking out the website and our Facebook page for up-to-date information. Este año ha sido increíblemente movido para nosotros aquí en la FHA y como ya va a finalizarse, quiero tomar un momento para agradecerles a todos nuestros partidarios, voluntarios y donantes que fueron instrumentales para ayudarnos a alcanzar nuestros objetivos y por proporcionar su asistencia y hacer que nuestros programas, eventos y diversas salidas fueran un éxito. Dicho esto, ya tenemos una ventaja en 2015 ya que tenemos varias cosas nuevas planeadas. Por favor, manténganse informados de nuestra página web y nuestra página de Facebook para obtener la información mas actualizada. One of our main focuses in 2014 was the launch of the Bleeding Disorder Coalition of Florida (BDCF). The coalition hosted its first State Advocacy Day on March 20, 2014 at our State Capitol, which proved to be very successful with over 20 scheduled visits with Florida legislators and staff. BDCF and its volunteers will continue to develop an important dialogue with the key Florida decision makers. If you have a passion for advocacy and are interested in getting involved, please contact us at [email protected] Finally, we are always looking for volunteers to serve on the following committees: 5th Annual Walk in the Jungle and the 32nd Annual Family Education Symposium. If you are interested or have some ideas that you’d like to share, please contact me directly at [email protected] I look forward to seeing you in 2015! Debbi Adamkin FHA Executive Director En el 2014 el enfoque principal fue el lanzamiento de la Coalición de Enfermedades Sanguíneas de la Florida (Bleeding Disorder Coalition of Florida, BDCF). La coalición organizó su primera Día de Abogacía Estatal el 20 de marzo de 2014 en nuestro Capitolio de la Florida el cual resultó ser un gran éxito con más de 20 citas con los legisladores y el personal de la Florida. BDCF y sus voluntarios continuarán desarrollando un diálogo importante con personas claves al hacer decisiones en la Florida. Si usted es apasionado por la abogacía y está interesado en participar, por favor póngase en contacto con nosotros en [email protected] Por último, siempre estamos buscando voluntarios para servir en los siguientes comité: 5ta Caminata Anual en la Selva y el Simposio 32 Anual de Educación Familiar. Si usted está interesado o tiene algunas ideas que le gustaría compartir, por favor póngase en contacto conmigo directamente en [email protected] Espero verlos en el 2015! Debbi Adamkin Directora Ejecutiva de FHA In Memory of ... Maylen De La Fuente 2 FALL 2014 • LIFELINE In November, we unfortunately lost a member of our “family”. Maylen de la Fuente was an active member of the Florida bleeding disorders community. She was especially involved in the Walk in the Jungle, when she and her beloved husband Johnny lead Team Matrix to raising over $7,000 in the past two years. Maylen and her beautiful smile will be missed. Congratulations to all the winners! 1st PLACE Left to right: Jim Sherratt, Joe D'Amico, Greg Rapplean, Gerry Rapplean 2nd PLACE and Crystal Cup Sponsor Left to right: Ron Hoffman, Greg Thomas, Ricky Thomas, Marty Martinez (Continued...) Following an exciting round of golf, everyone gathered in the clubhouse for the dinner program, where University of Miami and Florida Panthers announcer Jay Rokeach served as the emcee and auctioneer for the evening. During dinner, everyone watched a presentation and video that showed the daily life of a person with hemophilia. A special thank you goes out to the families who contributed photos and videos to the presentation. It was a wonderful way to show why we do what we do at FHA. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s golf tournament another success! Special thanks to our golf committee and all the volunteers who helped us on the day of the tournament. It truly takes a team to put on an event of this caliber and it wouldn’t have happened without your commitment and dedication. Finally, we’d like to thank our participants and our sponsors for their generous donations. FHA is so grateful for all that you do to support our organization! 3rd PLACE Left to right: Pablo Mejia, Joey Robinson, Robert Fernandez, Chuck Mercer Continue... FALL 2014 • LIFELINE 3 (Continued...) THANK YOU SPONSORS! TITLE SPONSOR Baxter International Inc. MAJOR SPONSORS Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals CSL Behring Corporate Sponsors Novo Nordisk Octapharma Pfizer Crystal Cup Sponsor Emergent BioSolutions Walgreen’s Infusion Services The Wingmen Foundation Par Sponsor Community Bank of Broward Zuni Transportation Hole Sponsors Alma Foundation Biogen Idec BioRx Grifols Masters Title, Inc. Morgan-Weiss LLC The Cesta Family The Ziccardi Family Hole In One Sponsor Massey Yardley Lunch Sponsor Corporate Caterers In-Kind Sponsors Costco Lago Mar Country Club Perry Ellis International Embroidery Sponsor Levy Advertising 4 FALL 2014 • LIFELINE Auction/Raffle Sponsors and Other Donations Alf’s Golf Shop Best Buy Boomers Bradford Portraits Cantina Laredo Cheesecake Factory Dr. Tory R. Lindh Dolphins Plus Downtown Bicycles Edwin Watts Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa Florida Panthers Funky Buddha Brewery Gallery One Fort Lauderdale GG’s Waterfront Bar and Grill Golf Galaxy Home Depot Humberto Capelo Hyatt Regency Jacksonville International Links Miami Italio Kitchen J. Alexander’s Jaguar Hospitality Group Jay and Joan Eichel Johanna E. La Rosa Kerry’s By The Sea Latif’s Jewelry Lifestream Wellness Spa Lilac and Lilies Maggiano’s Little Italy Mama Mia Italian Ristorante Marriott Boca Raton Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa Miami Seaquarium Mr. M’s Subs Novecento Oceans 234 Ocean Properties Ltd. Olive Garden P.F. Chang’s Padrino’s Cuban Cuisine Phllyis Lazarow Salon Plantation Preserve Golf Course Presidente Supermarket Ramada Downtown Hollywood Red Bull Red Door Spa Renaissance Tampa International Plaza ROK:BRGR Specialty Restaurants Corporation Tel Aviv Texaco The Club at Emerald Hills The Fresh Market The Tower Club Trattoria Romana Tropical Sailing Catamaran Charters Truluck’s Fort Lauderdale Umberto’s Pizzeria Thank You To Our Golf Committee Volunteers Debbi Adamkin — Event Chair Jon Salk — Committee Chair Barbie Arrebola, Valerie Barnhart, Jesus Benitez-Soto, Mary Bosco, Jeanette Cesta, Ken Crandall, Jan Espinosa, Robin Potter, Lily Gomez, Myriam Lagomasino, Ginny Leibick, Lisa Leventhal, Ivan Sada, Justin Lindhorst, Barbara Matias, Laura Robbins, Heather Stewart, Jeanine Schmidt, Linda Thomas Elise Boston, Sheila Brooks, Chad Brown, Yamida Garcia, Lily Gomez, Jim Harrison, Justin Lindhorst, Kathy Naughton, Chris Ricci Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s golf tournament another success ! Guy’s DAY OUT O n Sunday, November 16, men, dads and their sons gathered at Lago Mar Country Club for an awesome afternoon! After introductions, the guys went out to the driving range and putting green for some a mini golf clinic and some friendly competition. When they came back to the clubhouse, the guys broke out into groups for rap sessions. Thank you to Perry Parker, Jeff Salantai and Ivan Sada for facilitating the program and CSL Behring for sponsoring the program. 6 FALL 2014 • LIFELINE Women’s RETREAT O n Saturday, November 8, we hosted a program for Women with Bleeding Disorders at the Sheraton Ft Lauderdale. The featured speaker was Dr. Diane Dimon of Matters of the Mind. Immediately after the introductions and an icebreaker, Diane had the group of ladies grab a beach towel and then escorted them all out to the beach where they all gathered in a circle. While basking in the beautiful Florida sunshine, they all participated in Diane’s very interactive presentation “Sharing and Exploring the Power of Gratitude”. Afterwards the ladies went back inside and had a delicious brunch while listening to the second half of Diane’s presentation “Mediation for Anxiety and Stress Reduction”. Everyone took away something from her talks and maybe even learned some relaxation exercises to deal with everyday stress. Special Thanks to Diane for providing the incredible presentations and CSL Behring for sponsoring the program. FALL 2014 • LIFELINE 7 JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Submitted by Edward Submitted by Aron, Age 9 to play I would first like to say thank you for picking me met I cool. was it g golfin the golf at JNC. I really liked I hope I can go someone there that played with Tiger Woods. again next year. It's really neat that we have this opportunity. First of all, thank you for choosing me to represent the Florida Hemophilia Association in Phoe nix. I had a great time just to let you know! I learned a lot about playing golf from the best Perry Parker, and now I love it. Of course, I made some friends. At first I was kind of shy because I didn’t know who everybody was. Then, I starte d to talk to them and wasn’t that shy anymore because I was getting to know them. My best NEW friend was Percy . He was so much fun! We always played in the game room and I have got to say, he does excellent at playing golf. He was one of the best golfers that I've ever seen. I also had another friend, Omar. I have known him for 3 years now! I have seen him at other activities like the Symposium. Also, the volunteers were excellent with helping us get better. Janell Badami was my caddy on Saturday and she was great . P.S I ABSOLUTEY LOVE GOLF! IT’S THE MOST EXCIT ING SPORT EVER. Thank you! e t a D e h Save t Lace Up Your Sneakers for the 5th ANNUAL WALK IN THE JUNGLE Saturday, May 2, 2015 Jungle Island It’s time to start thinking about forming your team and some creative ways to fundraise for the Walk! The 2015 website will be up and running shortly! 8 FALL 2014 • LIFELINE My NHF Annual Meeting Experience By: Sara Workman I n September I had the fortunate experience of attending the National Hemophilia Foundation’s (NHF) Annual Meeting in Washington D.C. As the chair of the Bleeding Disorder Coalition of Florida, I am not only passionate about learning effective ways to advocate on behalf of the community, but also about meeting others in the community and hearing about their struggles and successes. Attending an annual meeting allows not only adult patients and caregivers to learn and make connections, but also provides a way for children - whether they have a bleeding disorder or have a family member affected by a bleeding disorder - to learn and make connections with others their age in the community. Development for Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, von Willebrand Disease, and other heritable bleeding disorders such as other factor deficiencies (including I, V, VII, X, XI), and platelet disorders that I was able to attend. The focus of this meeting was to get input on symptoms and other impacts of life with a bleeding disorder, as well as patient perspectives on current and future therapies to treat these disorders. There were several brave men and women that sat on two panels to address the FDA about their lives and their hopes for the future, and I am honored to have been able to watch and listen to them educate government officials on what having a bleeding disorder really means. The annual meeting is three days long and offers multiple sessions to attend. It is such a wonderful opportunity for patients and families to learn how to effectively advocate for themselves and for their community. Whether you choose to attend a session on how to communicate with your healthcare providers, participate in one of their multiple roundtable discussions, or learn how to address your insurance claims and the importance of advocacy, you are sure to leave the meeting feeling empowered and educated. With each session, you are made aware of the tools available to ensure that you and your family are able to deal with the multiple challenges that living with a bleeding disorder - some of which we aren’t always aware of. If you haven’t had the chance to attend an NHF Annual Meeting, I would encourage you to consider attending. NHF offers scholarships for first-time attendees and announced that they are increasing the amount of total scholarships to $100,000/year, allowing more families to attend. I would encourage you to get your applications in early if you are interested in applying, as many families are hoping to go. Please check the NHF website for more information and details regarding deadlines for submission. In addition to the annual meeting this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a public meeting on Patient-Focused Drug If you are interested in becoming involved with the Bleeding Disorder Coalition of Florida, please contact Debbi Adamkin at [email protected] or 305.235.0717. We are excited to announce that we are once again accepting applications for the Daniel L. Carlin Memorial Scholarship! SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FHA will be awarding a total of three (3) $1,000 scholarships for the 2015-2016 academic year. Two (2) of these scholarships are designated for people who are diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. One (1) of these scholarships is designated for a parent of a child diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. Awards will be dispersed directly to the institution. For more information, please contact Debbi at [email protected] for the application packet. Feast in the Park aka Holiday Duo S U N D AY, N O V E M B E R 2 3 AT M A R K H A M PA R K THANK YOU SPONSORS! 12 FALL 2014 • LIFELINE NHF News • FALL 2014 Gene Therapy Study Still Succeeding Three Years Later I t has now been three years since a group of patients with severe hemophilia B, or factor IX (FIX) deficiency, in London received a single dose of gene therapy as part of a new clinical trial. Early results of the trial were positive as these patients began to generate FIX levels ranging from 1%-6%. Prior to the study, they produced little to none of the crucial clotting factor protein. The gene therapy trial employed an adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8), a small virus that does not cause disease and produces mild immune responses, as a vector (delivery vehicles) to introduce a functioning FIX gene into the liver cells of subjects with severe hemophilia B. The goal of the trial was to trigger viable, long-term FIX protein production through a single administration of the therapy. This seemingly modest boost in FIX “expression” is important. The increase in FIX essentially transforms a patient symptomatically, from severe to mild, with the end result a significant, even dramatic, reduction in bleeds. Results described in a new article indicate that the initial breakthrough results have been sustained during the three years since the study began in 2011. Overall, 10 subjects with severe hemophilia B participated in the study, six of whom received high doses of AAV8 and reached average FIX levels of 5.1%. According to investigators, this “resulted in a reduction of more than 90% in both bleeding episodes and the use of prophylactic factor IX concentrate.” Also, no toxic effects were reported. The report, “Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Factor IX Gene Therapy in Hemophilia B,” was published in the November 20, 2014, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. The lead author of the update was Andrew Davidoff, MD, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Davidoff has collaborated for more than a decade with a strong team of researchers, including coauthor Amit Nathwani, MD, PhD, at the University College London. “I believe that, scientifically, this is ready for prime time,” said Davidoff. “I think it’s going to have a big impact. The study showed both safety and efficacy, and the side effects were minimal,” said Timothy Nichols, MD, who heads the Francis Owen Blood Research Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was not involved in the study. “This is a single shot of medicine given to patients who are treating themselves two or three times a week,” he told Reuters Health over the phone. “Suddenly, they don't have to take the medicine anymore.” Source: Reuters, November 19, 2014 Estudio de genoterapia continúa con éxito tres años más tarde Y a han pasado tres años desde que un grupo de pacientes con hemofilia B grave, o deficiencia del factor IX (FIX), recibieron una sola dosis de genoterapia como parte de un nuevo ensayo clínico en Londres. Los primeros resultados del ensayo fueron positivos ya que estos pacientes comenzaron a producir concentraciones del FIX que oscilaban entre un 1% y un 6%. Antes del estudio, estas personas producían muy poco o nada de este importantísimo factor de la coagulación. Este aparentemente modesto incremento en la “expresión” del FIX es importante. El aumento en la cantidad del FIX básicamente transforma los síntomas de un paciente de graves a leves, y el resultado final de esto es una reducción importante, e incluso impresionante, de las hemorragias. Los resultados que se describen en este nuevo artículo indican que las extraordinarias respuestas iniciales se han mantenido durante los tres años transcurridos desde que inició el estudio en el 2011. El informe, titulado “Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Factor IX Gene Therapy in Hemophilia B” (Seguridad y eficacia a largo plazo de la genoterapia para el factor IX en la hemofilia B), se publicó en la edición del 20 de noviembre de 2014 de The New England Journal of Medicine. El autor principal de la actualización fue el Dr. Andrew Davidoff del St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital en Memphis, TN. El Dr. Davidoff ha colaborado durante más de una década con un sólido equipo de investigadores, entre los que se encuentra el coautor Dr. Amit Nathwani, PhD, de University College London. “Creo que, a nivel científico, esto está listo para salir a la luz”, expresó Davidoff. El ensayo de genoterapia utilizó un virus adenoasociado de serotipo 8 (AAV8) —un pequeño virus que no produce ninguna enfermedad y provoca respuestas inmunitarias leves— como vector (vehículo transportador) con el fin de introducir un gen activo del FIX en los hepatocitos de personas con hemofilia B grave. El objetivo del ensayo fue estimular una producción viable y a largo plazo de la proteína del FIX por medio de una sola administración de la genoterapia. En total, en el estudio participaron 10 pacientes con hemofilia B grave, 6 de los cuales recibieron altas dosis del AAV8 y lograron concentraciones promedio del FIX del 5.1%. Según los investigadores, esto “dio lugar a una reducción de más del 90% tanto en los episodios hemorrágicos como en el uso del concentrado del factor profiláctico”. Además, no se informaron efectos adversos. “Creo que esto va a tener un gran impacto. El estudio demostró tanto la seguridad como la eficacia, y los efectos secundarios fueron mínimos”, dijo el Dr. Timothy Nichols, quien dirige el Francis Owen Blood Research Laboratory en la Universidad de Carolina del Norte en Chapel Hill. El Dr. Nichols no estuvo involucrado en el estudio. “Esto es una sola inyección de medicamento que se aplica a pacientes que normalmente se inyectan dos o tres veces a la semana”, le explicó a Reuters Health por vía telefónica. “Y de pronto, ya no tienen que seguir utilizando más el medicamento”. Fuente: Reuters, 19 de noviembre de 2014 16 FALL 2014 • LIFELINE FHA ResourceCenter MISSION STATEMENT CONTACT NUMBERS The Florida Hemophilia Association, Inc (FHA) is a Not-for-Profit organization that is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the bleeding disorders community by creating programs and services that provide education, emotional support and advocacy. We are contributing toward research to ultimately find a cure. HEMOPHILIA CLINICS All Children’s Outpatient Care Clinic Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center 601 5th Street South, Third Floor St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: (727) 767-4931 www.allkids.org Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children 92 West Miller St., MP 318 Orlando, FL 32806 Phone: (321) 841-8588 www.orlandohealth.com Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center 1150 N. 35th Ave. Suite 520 Hollywood, FL 33021 Phone: (954) 986-2234 Lee Memorial Hospital Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology 9981 So. Healthpark Dr. Suite 156 Ft. Myers, FL 33908 Phone: (239) 332-1111 Nemours Children’s Clinic, Jacksonville Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 807 Children’s Way Jacksonville, FL 32207 Phone: (904) 697-3789 (904) 697-3600 www.nemours.com University of Florida Department of Medicine Adult Hemophilia P.O. Box 100277 Gainesville, FL 32610 Phone: (352) 265-0725 University of Florida Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology P.O. Box 100296 Gainesville, FL 32610 Phone: (352) 273-9120 www.peds.ufl.edu/ divisions/hemonc/ Nemours Children’s Clinic, Orlando Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 13535 Nemours Parkway Orlando, FL 32827 Phone: (904) 697-3789, (904) 697-3600 Sacred Heart Pediatric Hemophilia Program, Pensacola Phone: (850) 416-7712 St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Pediatric Hematology Oncology Out-patient Clinic 3001 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: (813) 554-8294 or (813) 321-6820 The University of Miami Hemophilia Treatment Center Pediatric Clinic Location Alex’s Place at Sylvester 1475 NW 12th Avenue Suite C103 Miami, FL 33136 Phone: (305) 689-7210 Adult Clinic Location ACCW-3A 1611 NW 12th Avenue Miami, FL 33136 Phone: (305) 243-6925 www.htcextras.org USF Adult Hemophilia Center Department of Internal Medicine 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 19 Tampa, FL 33612 Phone: (813) 974-1325 Do the 5 1 Get an annual comprehensive check-up at a hemophilia treatment center. 2 Get vaccinated – Hepatitis A and B are preventable. 3 Treat bleeds early and adequately. 4 Exercise to protect your joints. 5 Get tested regularly for blood-borne infections Florida Hemophilia Association Office (888) 880-8330 President Jon Salk Executive Director Debbi Adamkin (305) 235-0717 [email protected] National Hemophilia Foundation (800) 424-2634 Hemophilia Federation (800) 230-9797 LA Kelley Communications, Inc. Free resource material on Hemophilia (978) 352-7657 ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION LIFE LINE is the official Newsletter of the Florida Hemophilia Association. It is produced quarterly and distributed free of charge to requesting members of the bleeding disorder community. Florida Hemophilia Association Headquarters 915 Middle River Drive, Suite 421 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 Toll Free: (888) 880-8330 www.floridahemophilia.org Newsletter Committee: Debbi Adamkin, Maria Rubin, Denise Schacher, Linda Thomas Translation: Roxana Ambrosini, Roxanna Delgado Design and Production: Group M, Advertising & Design 305-235-2538 FALL 2014 • LIFELINE 19 Florida Hemophilia Association (Formerly known as Florida Chapter, NHF) 915 Middle River Drive, Suite 421 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 If you would like to contribute to Community Corner, please submit your stories to Debbi at [email protected] FHA is online! Visit www.floridahemophilia.org for upcoming programs, event photos and more! www.facebook.com/FloridaHemophilia @FLHemoAssoc www.youtube.com/user/FloridaHemophilia
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