The Kansas City VF Support Group met on Saturday, May 13, 2017 in room
125 BEST Conference Center, University of Kansas Edwards Campus. Present were Glenn Kullman, Arlene Kullman,
Jude Devonshire, Nancy Pifer, Dick Pifer, Bill Fenton, Marilyn Fenton, John Rizzo,
Julie Tanner, Mary Tanner, Linda Gibson, Jim Gibson, Jana Sibel, Shannon
Morgan, Joyce Kullman, Denny Hale, and Ruth Hale.
Dr. Jason Springer, Director of the Vasculitis Clinic, University of
Kansas Medical Center, spoke about clinical trials for a new drug, Avacopan,
that could possibly be a substitute for prednisone in ANCA Associated
vasculitis patients. Dr Springer also
announced that the University of Kansas Medical Center has become a part of the
Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium.
He concluded by answering questions from the audience.
Joyce Kullman, Executive Director of the Vasculitis Foundation, provided
information about the next International Vasculitis Patient Symposium which
will be held June 23 - 25th 2017 at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare Hotel in Chicago,
IL.
Denny Hale, support group leader, led a discussion about which months to
hold future support group meetings. The
group decided on April, September, and November to try and avoid summer months,
bad winter weather, holidays and graduation conflicts.
Attendees were asked to introduce themselves and provide a brief update
on their vasculitis status.