NYOH News

Caregivers, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Focus of May 20th Conference

May 03, 2017


NYOH Hosts Cancer Experts, Patients, and Families at Local Blood Cancer Conference on May 20th

New York Oncology Hematology, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Center for Emergency Medical Education (CEME) invite health care professionals, caregivers, patients, and survivors

ALBANY, N.Y., May 2, 2017 — Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) are a family of related blood cancers in which the individuals bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.  The most common forms of MPNs are polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Local cancer organizations have come together to help healthcare providers, patients, and families dealing with MPNs. The fourth annual Spring to Life Conference on Hematologic Malignancies, sponsored by New York Oncology Hematology, will be held at the Albany Marriott Hotel, Albany, NY on Saturday, May 20, 2017, from 7:30 am – 3:15 pm.

This one-day CME-certified conference will bring together healthcare professionals and members of the community—including patients, survivors, family members, and caregivers—to gain an up-to-date understanding of blood cancers, including the state-of-the-art science behind treatment, clinical management, ongoing translational research, and emerging therapies.

“Our Spring to Life conference each year highlights a different focus in the broad spectrum of hematologic malignancies or blood cancers and brings regional expertise to our community,” explains Ira Zackon, MD, New York Oncology Hematology and Conference Chair and Moderator. “Continued education at the local community level is critical to maintaining the highest quality and leading edge of health care. This year’s conference highlights this in particular, in focusing on less common diseases that do not get as much attention. Similarly, our afternoon session this year for patients, families, and community, is focused on the Caregiver, the partner in health and life who also can receive less attention. These afternoon sessions continue to gain in reputation as meaningful and impactful engagements on living through the cancer experience”.    

The 2017 conference will focus on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including presentations from those touched by cancer; as well as experts from New York Oncology Hematology, PC (NYOH) Albany Medical College, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard Medical School.

“At Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families, “said Jennifer McGarry, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Director, Patient Access Volunteer Development. “The Spring To Life Conference on Hematologic Malignancies provides a wonderful opportunity for patients and caregivers to come together, share their experiences, and work together to improve care.”

The event is divided into two, half-day sessions:

  • Professional program (7:30 am ‒ 12:30 pm): The morning program focuses on the most recent research, clinical management, and emerging therapies for MPNs. These sessions are designed to meet the educational needs of primary care practitioners, hematologists, oncologists, pediatricians, allied health professionals (including nurses, pharmacists, and social workers), and basic scientists.
  • Community session: (12:30 pm ‒ 3:15 pm): The afternoon session is designed to benefit patients with MPNs, as well as their families, companions, and caregivers. Patients and their loved ones will join health care experts, community oncologist/hematologists, and social workers to share stories and improve understanding in a supportive environment.

The symposium is hosted by New York Oncology Hematology, the region’s largest provider of community cancer care. It is accredited by Center for Emergency Medical Education (CEME) for 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.™  The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) will award 3.75 contact hours (based on a 60-minute contact hour) to registered nurses who complete the educational activity. 

Conference attendees will enjoy complimentary breakfast, light lunch, and snacks, as well as opportunities to view exhibitor displays.

There is no fee for this educational activity. For more information or to register, visit: www.spring2lifeheme.org.

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About New York Oncology Hematology

New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH) is the region’s leading provider of community-based cancer care and services. With seven convenient locations, a team of 36 physicians, and more than 300 oncology professionals, NYOH has been delivering world-class cancer care to the Capital Region and surrounding communities for more than 30 years. Through its affiliation with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest cancer treatment and research networks, NYOH offers the latest breakthroughs, treatments, and technologies – right here at home.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. The Upstate NY/VT Chapter is located in Albany, NY.

BLURB:

Patients, health care professionals, caregivers and survivors are invited to the “Spring to Life” conference, on Saturday, May 20th at the Albany Marriott. Hosted by New York Oncology Hematology, this free program includes an afternoon session focused on the important role of the caregiver in a patient’s cancer journey. As more people are ‘living with cancer,’ this caregiver role also evolves. To register or learn more, visit: Spring2LifeHeme.org.