My First ADA Convention, San Francisco – Adam Zwan
Here I am explaining what Wolfram syndrome is and how I handle living with the disease everyday.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) held its annual convention in San Francisco this year at the Moscone Center. Having never been to California, I was thrilled when asked to attend and help work the booth for the Jack & J.T. Snow Foundation. I was told that the purpose of the booth was to increase awareness and funding for Wolfram research; I had no idea the Snow Foundation and I were going to be so successful.
The first day the exhibit hall was open a gentleman named Jose worked the booth while everyone else attended a game at the AT&T Park (Giants vs. Rockies). If ever in San Francisco the AT&T Park is a must see. I felt like a VIP while watching the baseball game from a corner suit overlooking the baseball park as well as the bay where just as much action was occurring. I could view home runs and passing yachts at the same time. During the game I was taken and introduced to the private AT&T country club. I was informed that members had to be season ticket holders and pay annual fees to enjoy their own bar, dining room, movie theatre, and bowling alley. Feeling like a spy, I walked through the AT&T country club like I owned the place.
Food in San Francisco is worth fighting for. The meals I had pleasure enjoying were some of the best things I have ever eaten; steak, seafood, poultry, and various veggies all cooked to perfection. Regardless of preference, vegan, carnivore, or vegetarian, there was something available for any and all taste buds.
Lodging at Hotel Fusion was not a disappointment at all. The hotel was just four blocks away from the Moscone Center so I enjoyed walking for the next two days to work the Wolfram booth. While in San Francisco experiencing the scenic route and walking around is not a bad idea. While walking the streets of San Francisco I was surrounded by diversity; various accents, nationalities, languages, and cultures. The diverse population makes San Francisco seem like a multicultural union. Whether European, Asian, Latin, or Middle Eastern each population category has its own selection of department stores, restaurants, and information centers.
The Jack and J.T. Snow Foundation had an amazing booth and did what it came to do; spread the word about Wolfram and reach out to interested donors. While working the booth I met amazing physicians, researcher, and domestic attendees. I was successful in teaching people what Wolfram is and how to join the research clinic at Washington University. On the other side, other exhibitors were successful in teaching me about new technologies and resources for diabetic patients. For example, there is a new insulin therapy that will hit the market in the near future; an insulin patch that can deliver insulin by absorption daily and or weekly.
One evening was spent at the Hamlin Mansion on Broadway Street. This event was all set for Wolfram research donations and increasing awareness. The attendance for this event was remarkable and would please any Wolfram patient in seeing that so many people are interested in Wolfram and supporting research efforts. The evening was a success in raising money from auction items and generous offerings. Everyone enjoyed great food while listening to a live musician and watching a bar tending competition. Near the end of the event Wolfram was explained by Stephanie Snow Gebel’s video, a speech by Dr. Urano, and myself, which brought both tears and laughter. All in all, if I had the trip to San Francisco to relive I would not change one thing.
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