Neutropenia is a serious health risk. Those who are neutropenic have an increased likelihood of developing life-threatening and potentially fatal sepsis. Chronic neutropenia is a life-long condition that one does not outgrow. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks of neutropenia while trying to maintain a balance in living a normal life. The key to this is to be educated about the risks and aware of treatment options for neutropenia. In so doing the individual who has neutropenia and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed healthcare decisions.

The concerns a caregiver and the individual who has a health condition where neutropenia is a symptom changes a bit over time. The primary concerns a parent would have for an infant child with neutropenia changes as the child grows older. Eventually the child needs to become an advocate for their own health. Therefore, it is important to pave the way through this transition process so that the young adult is prepared to make informed healthcare decisions about their own health.

The National Neutropenia Network and the Barth Syndrome Foundation will be hosting a neutropenia educational series for the next four months. We invite you to join us as we learn about neutropenia from experts who will focus on the specific concerns patients and parents have expressed about living with or raising a child who suffers with this lifelong condition.

Panelists
Jennifer Blase, M.D., PhD., Third Year Fellow, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI

Heidie Rothschild, DHSc, MHA, BS FACCP, Neutropenia Patient and Patient Advocate, Baltimore, MD

Eric Scott, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor, Pediatric Psychology, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI

Kelly Jo Walkovich, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI