CSF Goes to Washington Again

In a continued effort to establish and grow strongholds in key geographic areas around the US, earlier this month marked another trip to the capital city for CSF. Our relationship with Dr. Fraser Henderson and his wonderful staff at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, MD, continues to flourish.

On Oct 13, approximately 60 people attended our second meeting with doctors, patients and caregivers, all of whom either contributed to the discussion about CM and SM or took some valuable information away.

Mackenzie Mathis, one of Dr. Henderson’s patients, spoke on her life changing journey with Chiari malformation. Mackenzie and her family are starting the first CSF Carolina Chapter and encourage anyone who would like to be involved to contact them. Read Mackenzie's Story

Attendees enjoyed an interesting presentation by keynote speaker, Dr. John Heiss (pictured) of the NIH/NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), who’s talk was entitled “The Revision Surgery for Chiari Malformation”. His prospective findings on the re-operation results of failed Chiari patients underscores the importance of finding a surgeon who has a high level of skill and success rate with their particular style, regardless of the actual technique. In addition to hearing Dr. Heiss, audience members also viewed the latest CSF DVD, Can You Spell That For Me? and their responses to the film were positive.

The next event in DC, again in conjunction with Dr. Henderson, will be held on Jan 19, 2010 and will focus on the topic of genetics, with guest speaker Dr. Clare Francomano, of the Harvey Institute for Human Genetics at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Please spread the word to your contacts in that area and we look forward to seeing you there.

For more information about upcoming events or to register, please visit the CSF Greater Metropolitan Washington Area Chapter page.