**EULAR Annual Congress of Rheumatology 2009 in Copenhagen

[epasen]

Hi you all,

 

how have you been doing? I've just come back from Copenhagen and I gotta tell you I had great time.

 

It was a little scary to walk to the stage in front of hundreds of people, rheumatologist, scientists etc. to receive the Stene Prize Award. I didn't fall with my heels and I was told that I looked really nice up there so I guess it went really well. :)

 

I met a lot of people with scleroderma, individual patients as well as chairperson from FESCA and from other sclero organizations. I made really good friends with many people and they took good care of me and made my congress perfect.

 

I also gave that speech of almost 20 minutes in a session on Friday afternoon. The whole room was so still and quite while they were listening. After the speech I noticed that half of the audience was crying. It was pretty hard to confront that, but people made me realize it wasn't because of sadness. I think they all loved me then. ;)

 

The congress was huge and there were a lot to see. I'm still totally confused with all of that, and really tired since it was a hard trip, despite the fact that enjoyed every minute. Even Copenhagen was a nice city thou it was raining all the time.

 

There's more about the congress in my blog (or well.. there will be) as well as some pics uploaded (later :D) including my speech, for anyone who wants to know more. :)

 

Hope you all are well,

Emmi

[Jeannie McClelland]

Hi Epasen,

 

You are such an a wonderful example and a great spokesperson for all of us! I don't wonder that they all loved you - we certainly do. If we had a prize to award, you'd get it.

 

I definitely want to follow your blog and read your speech. Could you email me the link?

 

Big hugs!

[jefa]

I'll bet you were terrific. I almost cried just imagining you up there in front of that crowd. I'd love to hear a recording.

 

Emmi's blog is listed on our Personal Stories page under the Scleroderma Story Collection link:

 

Living with Sclero. My life with juvenile scleroderma, in Finland. Epasen (Emmi).

 

And now down to the important question: What did you wear? :D

[Shelley Ensz]

Emmi, I'm thrilled for you! We all just knew you'd do super. I am so proud of you getting the Stene Prize Award!!!

[Sheryl]

Emmi, what exactly is the Stene Prize Award?

I am so happy all went well with your speech. Let us know how we get to your blog please. Thanks for keeping us informed on what you are doing and some of your travels.

[Sweet]

Wow, that is so great! I'm proud of you. :)

[epasen]

Thank you all! I'm so happy to hear that you were all there spiritually supporting me. That's probably the reason why everything went so well.

 

Jefa totally knows how to ask the right questions! I was wearing a pretty short skirt from my tights up to shoulders, a white blouse and black tights. I could probably update a photograph somewhere for you to see. :)

 

Sheryl, Stene Prize is a writing competition organized by European League Against Rheumatism. It is for all European countries that are members of EULAR.

 

Pictures later!

Take care,

Emmi

[Amanda Thorpe]

Well done Emmi! I was actually going to enter the competition at one stage and heard about you today from another member of the Scleroderma Society! Of course I never made 1 and 1 make 2 and realise it was you!

 

There will shortly be a link on the Scleroderma Society to the EULAR website where I believe your story is so all can have a read of it.

 

I'm off to look at your blog.

 

Take care.