Day 1: Friday, 27 September 2024 – A Strong Start to CLL Horizons 2024
October 1, 2024
The first day of CLL Horizons 2024 began at noon with a warm Opening Lunch on the Evolution Terrace, where participants were welcomed by the event team. Over lunch, attendees were introduced to the structure of the conference and received guidance on navigating the sessions ahead.
Don’t miss the highlights! View our 2-minute video recap below.
After lunch, the conference moved into three workshops, designed to provide essential skills for advocacy and clinical trial navigation. The workshops were held concurrently and repeated, allowing participants to attend multiple sessions:
1. Evidence Generation to Inform Advocacy Initiatives
Facilitators: Sarah Gunn & AJ Poots (Picker UK), Kathryn Huntley (AU), Felice Bombaci (IT)
Participants gained practical skills in collecting qualitative and quantitative data to support advocacy efforts. They also explored survey design and learned how to interpret and report data for evidence-based patient advocacy.
2. Optimising CLL Clinical Trials Information & Directories
Facilitators: Johannes Förner (DE), Mirna Tomasevic (HR)
This session introduced the new CLLAN clinical trials search facility and provided strategies to better understand and navigate clinical trials data to meet patient needs.
3. Blood Cancer Patient Advocates Academy – Turning Theory into Practice
Facilitators: Denis Costello (ES), Jan Rynne (IE), Peter Haggert (CA), Vandana Gupta (IN)
Participants discussed the current curriculum and platform for advocate education, as well as additional tools that could enhance capacity-building in CLL patient advocacy.
CLL 101: A Dynamic Landscape
One of the key highlights of Day 1 was the CLL 101 Session, which provided participants with a foundational understanding of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Topics included epidemiology, diagnosis, disease progression, and treatment options. Speakers Lorna Warwick (CA), Pierre Aumont (FR), and Michael Rynne (IE), supported by clinical expert Professor Anna Schuh (UK), led an engaging presentation. The session included a discussion to prepare participants for more advanced topics over the weekend.
CLL Horizons 2024 Grand Opening: A 10-Year Celebration
The afternoon saw the official Grand Opening of CLL Horizons 2024, where Nick York (UK) and the CLL Advocates Network (CLLAN) Steering Committee and project leads reflected on the network’s 10-year journey. Milestones and successes were shared, along with updates on CLLAN’s strategic plan and upcoming initiatives, setting the stage for the next few days of learning and collaboration.
Medical and Advocacy Joint Session: Dilemmas in CLL Diagnosis and Active Monitoring
Later in the day, attendees gathered for a Medical and Advocacy Joint Session, chaired by Deborah Henderson (AU) and Peter Haggert (CA). Professor Anna Schuh (UK) presented on the complexities of CLL diagnosis, active monitoring, and prognostic tools, followed by a discussion on the potential for personalised approaches in CLL care.
Next, Helen Knight and Lianne Palmer (UK) delivered a virtual session on supportive and holistic care, which covered key topics such as immunisation and health strategies for improving patient well-being. The session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Professor Schuh, featuring Brian Koffman (US), Pierre Aumont (FR), and Peter Haggert (CA), where they tackled the emotional impact of the “watch and wait” period in CLL care.
Poster Presentation and Networking
The day closed with a Poster Presentation Session and networking in the Evolution Foyer. Attendees explored the latest advocacy projects while engaging in discussions and building connections.
Dinner and Discussions
The evening wrapped up with a group dinner at Restaurante Merkado, where participants continued their conversations in a relaxed setting, strengthening the relationships formed throughout the day.
WhatsApp Group
Everyone’s been fantastic sharing photo’s and networking, THANK YOU, keep it going.
Day 1 of CLL Horizons 2024 left us inspired and energised by the wealth of knowledge shared, the robust discussions that took place, and the connections forged among participants.
We would like to thank the following for their event grant support:
