The only positive side of having a mast cell disease is the knowledge that the people who share this rare condition have become close friends or even family. For nobody else but a close friend or family member can understand or experience what we go through on a daily / hourly basis.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Connecting on the Coast” yet the underlying feeling was, ‘we are not alone, we have family’.
Looking around the room at all the faces, I knew that this conference, this gathering was important, vital and the start of something big. The wonderful speakers and informative sessions paved the way for a successful conference but the one key point that truly made this event special was the sharing and fellowship. This brought us all together and emphasised the point that we are not alone and we will fight our battles together.
To all those who attended, congratulations you were at the cornerstone, the start of something important. Let me also congratulate our TAMS foundation members. You have taken a huge step in reaching out for information and fellowship.
I would like to thank so many people for helping to make this year’s conference such a success. Our keynote speakers, Professors Loh, Katelaris and Wei without doubt gave us plenty to think about and showed the understanding and compassion that has eluded so many of us for such a long time. I also must thank all the other session presenters who gave up their time to share with us. I cannot close without thanking all those in the TAMS / Conference committee. Claire Ellis, Kristin Sinclair, Jen Herd, Jodie Holman and Heather Mayne. All who, without doubt made the conference come together and become the success it was. I must also thank David Sinclair who was on hand to help in lots of vital ways, including filming sessions.
If you haven’t already, please join The Australasian Mastocytosis Society (TAMS). Our aim is support, information and advocacy. Be part of the family.
I look forward to seeing you all at next year’s conference
Don’t let the ‘Nastie Masties get you down.
Regards,
David Mayne
Chair
