May 2017 Meeting Minutes


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.