North Carolina Chapter

Programs & Events

The LFA conducts educational, fund-raising and advocacy activities in communities throughout the nation.

11th Annual NC Lupus Summit

TICKETS: $15/person
Tickets include lunch & special summit gift.

 REGISTRATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED; However, limited tickets still remain,
must call LFAPC Office to reserve a remaining ticket: 877-849-8271, ext. 2.

Ticket Scholarships available by request
at (877-849-8271 or patientservices@lupuslinks.org)

Sing a New Song: 11th Annual NC Lupus Summit is the largest educational conference on lupus in the state of North Carolina.  The summit brings together hundreds of people living with lupus, their families, friends, interested health professionals and a panel of experts to share the latest information to help individuals Sing a New Song! 

EVENT SCHEDULE   

9:00-9:45 am                   CHECK-IN & EXHIBIT BROWSING

10:00 -11:00 am               KEYNOTE ADDRESS

11:15 am – 12:15 pm        SESSION 1 WORKSHOPS

12:30 – 1:30 pm               CELEBRATION LUNCH (meal provided)

1:45 – 2:45 pm                 SESSION 2 WORKSHOPS

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The Singing Patient: Carla Ulbrich
Author of How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This? singer-songwriter and lupus thriver Carla Ulbrich says that having a sense of humor is essential to health. Carla has found laughter to be a lifesaver during tough times. Under the stress of multiple illnesses and constant health ''care,'' Ulbrich one day snapped and became the Singing Patient. She channeled her hard won victories and set about to reclaim her health.

Carla will be sharing some of her tales and songs as she lampoons common fears and prejudices about illness and lovingly lambastes the foibles of the medical industry. She will be offering heartfelt and humorous advice for navigating mainstream and alternative therapies, communicating with partners, families and friends through her candid insights, wisecracking commentrary and hilarious song lyrics. This keynote will be a fun and humorous look at the lives of those with lupus. 

SESSION WORKSHOP TOPICS  

MORNING SESSIONS

  • Lupus 101
    • This session is designed for both the newly diagnosed patient and anyone needing a refresher in the basics on lupus. This session offers current, medically accurate information on lupus, its symptoms, treatments and coping techniques
    • PRESENTER: Joseph Shanahan, MD, Shanahan Rheumatology & Immunology
  • Is it Foggy in Here? Cognitive Dysfunction & Lupus
    • You are not alone, as many as half of all people with lupus report experiencing some type of cognitive complication, commonly referred to as “lupus fog”. Learn more about central nervous system, cognitive dysfunction related to lupus, and what you can do to cope with these symptoms
    • PRESENTER: Dr. Sarah Cook, Clinical Neuropsychology Service, Duke University Medical Center
    • SESSION WILL BE FILMED & AVAILABLE ONLINE/BY DVD.
  • What you need to know about SSDI & Lupus
    • Lupus thrivers face difficult decisions when contemplating what programs they should apply for to help them move forward after not being able to return work, but there are options. This workshop will cover one of those options, SSDI. Learn about SSDI, who is eligible, how it works and some of the benefits you receive when awarded SSDI.
  • Working with your Pharmacist
    • More often than not, as a lupus thriver you will be prescribed a myriad of different medications to help you manage your lupus. During this workshop you will learn how to manage those different medications and communicate with an important member of your health care team- your pharmacist- about all the different medications you need to manage day to day and learn tips on avoiding side affects and drug interactions.
    • AUDIO RECORDING OF SESSION WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE/BY CD.

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

  • It Takes a Village - Effective Communication Strategies for Patients & their Family and Friends
    • Lupus can be a significantly life-altering disease. Learning to cope with the challenges of lupus can often take a toll on relationships with family and friends. In this session, we’ll explore strategies for communication between the lupus patient and loved ones that make thriving with lupus a possibility.
    • PRESENTERS: Dr. Keith Clarke, Kathleen Clarke, MSW, LICSW, & Amanda Clarke, MSW, PLCSW
  • From Teen to Adult: Transitioning the Responsibility of Care
    • The transition from childhood to adulthood is a stressful time in anyone’s life, but especially for those living with a chronic illness like lupus. In this workshop teens & their caretakers will discuss the changes they may experience, and what adjustments may need to be made to care and management of their lupus as they transition into adulthood.
    • PRESENTER: Wanda Baker, MSN-IH, RN, CHPN, Complementary Kids
  • Clinical Trials- Are they for you?
    • Ninety four percent of people recognize the importance of participating in clinical research in order to assist in the advancement of medical science. Yet seventy five percent of the general public state that they have little to no knowledge about the clinical research and the participation process.  This session will explore why clinical trials are beneficial to people with lupus and provide information to help you decide if participating in a trial is right for you.
    • PRESENTER: Mary Anne Dooley, MD, MPH, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, UNC at Chapel Hill
    • AUDIO RECORDING OF SESSION WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE/BY CD.
  • A Gut Feeling- Lupus & the Gastrointestinal System
    • The GI system is your body’s pathway for taking in, processing, and disposing of everything you eat and drink. People with lupus may be affected by problems in any area of the GI system, including the surrounding organs such as the liver, the pancreas, the bile ducts, and the gallbladder. Learn about common gastrointestinal complications in people with lupus, including those caused by the disease and medications, and information on how to treat these symptoms.
    • PRESENTER: Joseph Shanahan, MD, Shanahan Rheumatology & Immunology
    • SESSION WILL BE FILMED & AVAILABLE ONLINE/BY DVD.

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262

  • Special Room Rate: $89.95 (single or double occupancy)
  • Rate good for: Fri, Oct. 7 - Sun, Oct. 9, 2011
  • Room Block is listed under: Lupus Foundation of America
  • Must be booked by: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO: Monday, September 26, 2011
  • To Book Hotel Reservations: Click here or call (704) 547-7444  

If you have any difficulties making your reservation with the hotel under this room block, please contact Elise Neilson at (877-849-8271 or elise.neilson@lupuslinks.org).

The 2011 Annual NC Lupus Summit proudly sponsored by:

 

Juice Plus+ by April Sparks

Mecklenburg County Medical Society, Smith Arthritis Fund

SunGuard Laundry Aid

Dr. Sarah Cook

Kerr Health

Purple Ribbon Jewelry

Don Taylor, Johnson & Wales University

Walgreens

 The Lupus Foundation of America, Piedmont Chapter is proud to be a source of information about lupus.  Our comments are based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion, but do not represent individual therapeutic recommendation or prescription.  For specific information and advice, please consult your physician.

For more information or questions regarding news on the Annual NC Lupus Summit and other Piedmont Chapter programs, fill out the online contact us form, email us at info@lupuslinks.org, or call our office at 704-716-5640 or toll-free at 877-849-8271.