Connective Issues Fall 2022

HEALTH FAIR Provides Essential Screening for Conference Attendees p Thank you, medical leaders! The health fair and essential screenings spanning over two days would not have been possible without the special time donated by members of the Foundation’s Professional Advisory Board, the incredible medical team at Hoag Hospital, and other top medical professionals. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and passion for our community and our mission. Note not all medical professionals who participated are pictured.

A highlight of conference for many is the health fair, where the Foundation provides attendees with access to medical experts on Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS. More than 40 attendees received critical healthcare screenings from physicians, nurses, technicians, and genetic counselors from across the country. Meet two families who participated in the health fair this year. GABRIELLA EARNHART Gabriella, 17, and her mother, Heather, have participated in several previous conferences. They were excited to be able to attend the health fair this year. Gabriella was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome at age 5, and she applied for the health fair so she could see specialized doctors who understand her condition and can recognize any new or developing issues. “Some of these doctors practice across the country from us, so seeing them at conference is a really great opportunity that can't be found anywhere else!” said Gabriella. Heather believes it is important to check in with doctors who are Marfan experts. They came with the hopes of getting opinions on specific issues and taking advantage of the specialized care they cannot easily access. “This year my daughter was able to see one of the doctors on the Foundation’s Professional Advisory

Board, Dr. Paul Sponseller, who did one of her past surgeries,” said Heather. “Dr. Sponseller was able to help us determine how to address a problem Gabriella is currently having. Attending the health fair allowed us to finally get answers and formulate a plan.”

p Dr. Paul Sponseller, the head of pediatric orthopedics at Johns Hopkins, along with Judy Marshall, APRN-NP from Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, reviews his findings with Gabriella and Heather.

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