Awareness of HLH A Histiocytic Disease

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Awareness of HLHA Histiocytic Disease
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THE HISTIOCYTOSES

• Histiocytic diseases are characterized by
  abnormal multiplication of a certain white blood
  cell, the histiocyte.
• A histiocyte is a type of immune cell that eats
  foreign substances in an effort to protect the
  body from infection.
• Histiocytes are found in many organs and tissues.
  
• An abnormal number of histiocytes leads to a
  disease called Hystiocytosis.
• (Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia)

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HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS (HLH)

• Uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes (white blood
  cells) and macrophages (histiocytes).
• Instead of fighting infection, they destroy
  healthy cells and platelets.

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HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS (HLH)

• 2 main types of HLH are primary and secondary.
• It is estimated that 1.2 in one million people
  will be diagnosed with HLH every year. (primarily
  children under the age of 2)
• The underlying cause of HLH is still unknown.

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My Story

• Bethany McCourt
• Diagnosed at 3 months
• LCH
• Skin and bone
• (Add any personal information you desire here)

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HISTIOCYTOSIS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA RESEARCH ?
EDUCATION ? OUTREACH
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RESEARCH PROGRAM

• Searching for a Cure
• Fund Research Grants
• Work closely with the HS and the NIH

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EDUCATION

• Brochures
• Regional Meetings
• National Conference on Histiocytic Disorders
  (NCHD)
• Medical publications
• Human interest news articles
• Virtual Community/Chat

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OUTREACH

• HAA membership
• Fundraising
• Individual support
• Physician referral

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HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Raise awareness
• Participate in an event in your area
• Hold an event in your area
• Volunteer
• (visit www.histio.org/volunteer or email
  volunteer_at_histio.org)
• Make a donation (www.histio.org/donatenow)