"Pituitary In The Tropics"

Cairns Base Hospital, 8th May. This was a great success. People traveled in from all areas and existing members visited from Adelaide, Brisbane, Port Macquarie. Originally 76 people replied, but due to “no shows” we had around 60 or so attend, so we were certainly welcomed in Cairns by the great turnout. Thank you to Desley Eaton (nurse) who I believe wears many hats there at the Hospital for all her hard work.

The Foundation and Cairns Base Hospital were able to demonstrate the pituitary gland and what can go wrong to the wider community due to the efforts of Loye (pictured below in support news) a long term member. Loye had a wonderful patient experience and photo on living with Acromegaly published in the Cairns Post which then interviewed Dr. Anna McLean with a great photo of her holding up a model of the brain showing where the pituitary is situated. Loye also arranged for Anna and Sue to be interviewed on local ABC Radio with presenter Ginger.  Please listen here

To conclude the day Ashim hosted an informal chat session where a couple of patients were able to tell their stories. We must thank Frank, pictured below, who we hope will be trialing a new medication for his condition soon. Although we managed to get a photo of most of the presenters, we weren’t quite quick enough to catch Yogesh Raje, also Eric Guazzo and Michael Collins who traveled especially all the way up from Townsville to present.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Emershia Suthiharan, Dr. Jenny Yarker, Dr. Dyanne Wilson, Dr. Anna McLean & Ass. Prof. Ashim Sinha.

 

 

14th March, 2010

Tracey from the Australian Addisons Disease Association Inc.  joined us for morning tea at a private residence in Mt. Ommaney, Brisbane.   Both groups have similarities where some people with pituitary insifficiency need replacement cortisol which is usually manufactured by our adrenal glands.  Please go to www.addisons.org.au  to see their website.

The turnout was pretty good with us all gathering around the dining table for active conversation.  It was interesting to hear Tracey's experiences leading up to her diagnosis of Addison's.  In turn Tracey said our stories and information were fascinating. 
 

We were pleased to welcome Loye from Cairns who is very excited about attending our educational day up there.

The day concluded with the last guest leaving at 4pm! 

 

Morning tea and sharing resources - everyone, even little Elizabeth, agreed it twas "thumbs up"!

 

Wendy from Noosa, Loye from Cairns and Tracey from AADA

Paediatric Gathering 27th February

Thank you to Richard & Carolyn, parents of Siobhan for hosting a wonderful BBQ at their home.

We all had a delightful day with two guests, Helen Kearny, who is the Endocrine Nurse from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, and a Mum who was visiting Brisbane due to her son’s medical appointment through the week.

Helen was just great, discussing schooling issues and hydrocortisone concerns with families and joining in on the fun. We would like to thank Helen so much for attending.

Another highlight of the day was having member, Alyse also join us (far right in photo below).  It was great to hear her share her story of loosing her hormonal function at a very early age, growing up with panhypopituitarism and looking wonderfully healthy and bright, encouraging parents that all will be well when their kids get older.

Yum!   Dessert!  Here we all are!

Helen Kearney with Carolyn and Richard             Little Elizabeth with Siobhan