Friday, April 30, 2010

23-Month-Old Succumbs to Niemann-Pick Disease Type A/B


Caileen Harley Harrison (NPA/B)
May 7, 2008 - April 19, 2010

We are very saddened to pass along word of the death of little Caileen Harley Harrison, just short of her second birthday, due to complications of Niemann-Pick Disease Type A/B. Caileen was the daughter of NNPDF member Valerie Montgomery and Collis Harrison of California.

Kelly Puente of the Long Beach California Press-Telegram filed a story earlier this week about Valerie and Caileen. Caileen brought her family great joy despite her struggle with Niemann-Pick Disease. Visit the NNPDF NewsLine for a link to the Press-Telegram story and more photos.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to all Caileen's family and friends in their loss.

[photo credit: Brittany Murray/Press-Telegram]

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Join us in Toronto August 5 - 8, 2010!


Mark your calendar and start planning your trip! The National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation's 18th Annual Family Support and Medical Conference will be held in Toronto, Ontario, August 5th - 8th, and we want YOU to join us there!

We are so excited about this first-ever international conference, co-hosted by our sister chapter, the Canadian Chapter of the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation (CCNNPDF). We have already heard from several families from other countries that they plan to join us for this conference, and we expect an excellent turnout from the NPD scientific community.

We are planning a conference chock-full of information, inspiration and fun for families affected by Niemann-Pick Disease. This is your opportunity to hear the latest in NPD research directly from the eminent doctors, scientists and researchers in the field. You will have ample opportunities to meet and network with other families facing similar challenges, and you will take home friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!

Visit our Web page for all the details about our conference, travel tips, a link for hotel reservations, conference registration forms, and more. Be sure to check back often, as we are updating conference information almost daily.

Complete registration packets will also be mailed to all NNPDF and CCNNPDF member families in May, so be sure to let us know if your mailing address has changed.

Conference attendees from outside Canada, including the U.S., will need passports, so dig yours out and make sure it is still valid, or go apply for one ASAP, and start making your travel arrangements today. There are some great airfares out there, and for some, the train or bus may be even more reasonable options.

Please contact us if you have any questions about this year's Niemann-Pick Disease Family Support and Medical Conference, and we hope to see you in Toronto!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Health Canada Approves Zavesca for Use in Niemann-Pick Type C; First Authorized Treatment in Canada

Health Canada recently announced its approval of the drug Zavesca (miglustat) as the first authorized treatment for neurological symptoms of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC). Zavesca is not a cure for NPC, but it has shown promise in treating symptoms related to NPC and in slowing the progression of the disease for some patients.

For more details, click here.

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