The Mastocytosis Society, Inc. will hold its first Western Massachusetts support group meeting on Oct 20, 2018 from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on Broad Street in Westfield, MA. This date has been named the International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Disease Awareness Day.

We welcome all patients with both diagnosed and suspected mast cell diseases and multiple allergies, their families, caregivers, friends, as well as interested students and medical personnel from anywhere in MA and beyond. Mast cells run the immune system and are responsible for allergic reactions, headaches, GI issues, and multiple other issues when they are over active. A problem that is growing in recognition, mast cell disease is still unknown or misunderstood by many medical personnel.

Our Speaker will be Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, Medical Director of AIANE, Chief of the Allergy and Immunology Division at Baystate Medical Center, Director of Allergy and Immunology Curriculum at Baystate Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, assistant professor of medicine at Tufts and instructor at Springfield College. A noted expert in the field, Dr. Bayuk is both a patient favorite and an engaging, gifted speaker. There will be time for questions, and to engage with other attendees.

There is no fee to attend. Due to possible patient reactions, we ask that attendees do not use/wear any scented products (including heavily scented hygiene products) or use any hand sanitizers, and refrain from eating or drinking anything but water during the meeting. This meeting is hosted by Patty Wright BSW, LSW and Gail Barbera BA, TMS BOD Secretary & Education Chair. For more information, contact Patty Wright at [email protected] or 413-977-9138. Or visit https://tmsforacure.org/resources/support-group-meeting/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/TMSnortheastsupportgroup.