Estamos haciendo algo in Latin America!
I have always been motivated by my son Jeffrey’s request to “Do Something!” and the Jeffrey Modell Foundation was created with that intention.
One of the many ways we help honor his request is to stay involved and informed on all things Primary Immunodeficiency and Immunology. This includes meeting with physicians and advocates from all over the world who share our commitment to help cure PI worldwide.
On November 15, Fred and I, along with JMF Executive Director, Vanessa flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina for the 2015 LASID (Latin American Society for Immunodeficiencies) meeting.
The biennial LASID meeting is the largest Primary Immunodeficiency scientific event in Latin America! This amazing and beautiful event brings together physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates, for one common goal – to share the advancements in our understanding of the Immune System, specifically Primary Immunodeficiencies and treatment options.
To our heartfelt surprise, the conference opened in a very different but very special way, a video tribute honoring Fred, myself, and Jeffrey’s Foundation. There are no words to adequately express the appreciation and gratitude for this beautiful honor. We were completely surprised when the lights dimmed and the video came on. Both Fred and I were holding on to each other tight for fear we would be too emotional… which we were, anyway.
What we did know before the meetings is that both Fred and I were personally asked to Chair sessions at the YOUNG PHYSICIANS EDUCATION DAY. Attending these meetings and learning so much about what these young physicians are achieving is so rewarding, but to participate as a Chair alongside brilliant Expert Immunologists is an experience I am truly grateful for.
These young physicians, many of whom have studied or done research fellowships internationally, have returned to their home country to initiate programs in clinical care, diagnostic laboratories, and research. We have encouraged many of these young physicians by providing travel grants, fellowships, financial awards, and research funds. We are constantly impressed with their courage!
The people of Latin America, who have great passion for their food, wine, language, music, arts, and dance, have the same passion for medicine!
The conference was attended by some of the most brilliant minds and dedicated souls in Immunology and filled with wonderful and insightful meeting sessions covering many different aspects of Immunology. To be recognized in such amazing ways, among such an exquisite, distinguished and passionate group of people is an honor I will never forget and will cherish forever.
Since its inception, Jeffrey’s Foundation, in collaboration with many of the LASID attendees have advanced the way people with Primary Immunodeficiency are diagnosed and treated. We have dedicated our lives to helping patients with Primary Immunodeficiency receive the earliest possible diagnosis, and access to meaningful and adequate treatments, which will lead to a better quality of life and even life itself. To experience and see firsthand how LASID is driven by our same mission is truly moving.
We are so proud of everything our community has achieved and how far we’ve come, and I know Jeffrey would be proud of how we are fulfilling his request to “do something.”
From the bottom of my heart, I want to say “muchas gracias” to LASID and all its attendees for making this a most wonderful and memorable event for myself, Fred, and the Jeffrey Modell Foundation.