Conference Coordinators
Ann Schrooten - Phoenix, Arizona
Mom to Jack, congenital muscular dystrophy, ventilator dependent. Also mom to Hilary, Mary and Eric.
Karen Stempfel - St. Charles, Missouri
Mom to Hannah, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, ventilator dependent.
Also mom to Justin.
Our thanks to all those individuals who gave of their time and energy in helping put this conference together, especially, Christy, Deb and Melinda for helping get sponsors and money to make this event happen; Erica for sharing her ideas for our speakers; Cindy for managing all of the money, she gracefully accepted more than she bargained for; and Peggy for helping set things up in St. Louis.
The idea for this conference came about from the desire of a group of "cyberfriends" from all over the country who share a common bond as the parent, caregiver or friend of a child with a trach to meet each other in person. However, with the incredible support from the medical professionals that care for our children, our simple idea has become a much greater reality than we ever imagined. This conference is not only an opportunity to meet individuals who share the same joys and hardships that come with caring for a medically fragile child, but also an opportunity to hear and learn from some of the best medical professionals in the fields of pediatric respiratory and airway management. We hope all who attend will leave with valuable information and memories of a lifetime.
Victory is not won in miles,
but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later win
some more.
-Louis L'amour
