Roadshow: Halifax, Nova Scotia

On Tuesday May 22, 2012 I took an early morning flight to kick off the Maritime Roadshow in Halifax.  It was to be a packed day. I met with Answering TTP Community members for a lunch support meeting, medical staff in the early afternoon, and then I travelled to Kentville for a CBS Honoring Our Lifeblood (HOL) event that evening.

(Left to right) Syd, Teela &Mark

I met Teela, Teela's mom and Mark at Mexicali Rosas around the corner from the local Halifax TTP treatment centre (QEII) for lunch. Over nachos and salad we shared our TTP experiences. Both Teela and Mark have shared their stories at AnsweringTTP.org and they both recognize the value of local TTP support groups. With their help we will be developing a local Halifax TTP support group. 

 

New Patient Brochure

After lunch Mark generously volunteered to accompany me to the TTP treatment room at QEII. We met with a couple of the ever-friendly Apheresis staff and I gave them some of our New Patient Brochures to ensure that they had adequate supply to distribute to newly diagnosed patients. This piece provides new patients and their supporters an easy-to-understand description of TTP and information about accessing Answering TTP Foundation's support programs.

(Left to right) Mark, Syd, Dr. Sue Robinson

After killing some time at a local coffee house, Mark and I headed to my previously arranged meeting with Dr. Sue Robinson who treats some of the Halifax TTP patients. We met in a room in the Bathune building of the hospital  - perfect for the first TTP support group session. Dr. Robinson was enthusiastic about Answering TTP initiatives and agreed to help us organize the first Halifax TTP support group session. She also committed to distributing the brochure for medical professionals to the other hematologists treating or having an interest in TTP research.

Brochure for Medical Professionals

 

Next Mark and I travelled with Paul Doucet, Communications Specialist - Atlantic Region CBS, to Kentville for their annual HOL event. Mark did a fantastic job sharing his story in thanks to blood donors receiving awards for reaching 50, 100 and 150 threshold blood donations. Mark has agreed to work with CBS in the future to help engage new donors and raise awareness for TTP in the Halifax area. Below is a photo of myself, Mark and a blood donating duo who together have donated over 150 units of blood for those in need. Mark and I were honoured to meet and talk to them about why they donate.

Standing with a blood donation duo!

Written by Sydney Kodatsky.