American Lung Association to Host Upcoming Expo and Webinar

The American Lung Association (ALA) is hosting two exciting events this spring: the 2018 Greater Philadelphia LUNG FORCE Expo and a webinar for sarcoidosis patients focusing on improving health outcomes and support programs.

The LUNG FORCE Expo event will take place Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the Crown Plaza Philadelphia-Cherry Hill, and cover the latest trends, resources and research surrounding lung health for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Hundreds of lung disease patients and professionals from the Greater Philadelphia area are expected to attend and participate.

“This LUNG FORCE Expo is a terrific opportunity to not only learn about lung disease, but also be part of the change to help end the stigma surrounding lung cancer.” said Deborah P. Brown, Executive Vice President, American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic in a press release. “Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of men and women and anyone can get lung cancer. At LUNG FORCE Expos like this one, you can expand your knowledge, while sharing in the meaningful experience with others who are fighting lung disease.”

Dr. Patrick Ross, MD, PhD, Chairman of Department of Surgery at Main Line Health has been selected as the keynote speaker. Dr. Ross developed many of the robotic thoracic surgical procedures surgeons in use today and is a nationally renowned specialist in utilizing photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-surgical approach that treats lung cancer. He has performed more than 500 robotic thoracic procedures to date and trains physicians in these surgical techniques.

Other speakers at the event include: Deborah Brown, Executive Vice President, American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic; Erin Narewski, DO, Assistant Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Director, Ventilator Rehabilitation Unit, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine; and Dr. Denis McGorry, a family physician and former pulmonary fibrosis patients.

Health care professionals will learn about emerging therapies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, targeted management for asthma and COPD, and lung cancer in disparate populations. For patients, topics discussed at the expo will include: how to advocate for yourself, coping with depression after being diagnosed with lung disease, and understanding medical tests.

The fee for admittance to the LUNG FORCE Expo is $50 for healthcare professionals and free for patients/caregivers.

Another event being hosted by the American Lung Association this spring is a webinar for sarcoidosis patients focusing on treatment options available to control symptoms, preventing complications and improving health outcomes, and finding support and resources.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which tiny lumps of cells called granulomas that grow in clumps on the lung, affecting lung function and structure. Over time, sarcoidosis can lead to the thickening of organ tissue, or fibrosis. Available therapies that control symptoms and prevent complications of this condition include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antimalarial drugs.

Barbara Kaplan, National Director of Lung Health Education at the American Lung Association and pulmonologist specializing in sarcoidosis, will be featured in the free webinar on Wednesday, March 14 at 3 p.m. CT/ 4 p.m. ET.

Those who are unable to watch the live webinar can sign up to receive a recording to watch at their convenience at Lung.org/sarcoidosis.