Had the great fortune of having lunch last week with one of my most favorite people in the whole world. Dr Wenzel was in town for the annual AAAAI convention in San Francisco and managed to squeeze in some private time with me in between her busy presentation schedule.
Although we keep in close contact via email, this is only the 3rd time we’ve had a face to face. It was so good to see her again. I love her to pieces (and I think the feeling is mutual). Ive never met a person, especially a physician, who has such a passion for severe asthma and the people who live with the disease everyday. She works tirelessly traveling all over the world trying to change peoples perception about severe asthma and to find better treatments for the most severe forms of the disease.
Among a million other things, we discussed the need for forming a grass roots national asthma advocacy and/or support organization geared for patients, as none currently exists. She can’t get involved directly herself because of her research interests, but she would be there to support such an effort in other ways. She also asked me if I would be interested in becoming a patient spokesperson for theNIH’s asthma research programs. I think I told her yes. The topic also came up about conducting a quarterly tele/cyber asthma support group which would be organized through the University of Pittsburgh’s asthma institute. I think it’s a wonderful idea.
The next time we meet up, will be in Pittsburgh. I’m scheduled to return there this summer for a SARP follow up ( and maybe a half marathon…..hehe)
Did I mention how much I love this women?
Oh yes, and word has it that SARP 3 is going to be funded!!! …YAH the research continues!
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"I think I told her yes". Oh Steve hahaha. Best spokesperson EVER :).
Dr. Wenzel is awesome — you two are a good team, I think! I'm really excited about these sorts of upcoming things (as you've probably gathered).
Yeah, she’s great. She has so much energy….kinda like you!
If I’m able to get down there for SARP at some point, you’re gonna have to be around with a camera 😉 lol
I think it would be excellent if you two could or did set up some sort of cyber asthma society thing! I'd make a vlog for it and I know a certain Miss K would!!
We are so lucky in the UK to have AsthmaUK-they are an excellent asthma advocate/charity/Source of info. Plus my Asthma Team at the Royal Brompton Hospital-who I believe Dr Wenzel knows-have set up a national data base for severe/difficult asthmatics, and yep, I'm on it! I think the idea is Consultants across the country can access it for cross referencing of treatment plans/options etc.
Excellent ideas-keep up the good work.
Hi Sus. The first meeting is going to take place on May 9th. I\’ll see if I can get you an invite to participate via Skype. I\’ll be making a formal announcement as soon as I get more details.
Thanks yes, I saw the notice on the FB page. I'll have to work out the time difference-it'll be around 11pm here, I think (T+5hrs from EST).
Stephen, sad to hear you are sick but I am happy to hear about your meeting with Dr. Wentzel. I think a national forum would be excellent. We just finished our 10th annual Asthma Family day and will be hosting the Florida State Asthma coalion meeting in August. I amm sure they would be interested in helping, I know the our coaliton would 🙂 Check out our brand new website kidsbreathefree.com. Just rolled out this weekend and still working on it but we are very excited.