September
13, 2001
Dear
2001 SCDAA Convention
Participants and
Registrants:
Due
to the impact that the
current crisis is
having on the Nation’s
transportation system,
the very real concerns
regarding public
safety and the
feedback received
through a survey of
registrants and
presenters, the Sickle
Cell Disease
Association of
America, Inc. (SCDAA)
has decided not to
proceed with its 29th
Annual Convention,
scheduled for
September 19-22, 2001
in Phoenix, Arizona.
The
National Staff and
Convention committee
will meet and
determine future plans
for the convention
within the next thirty
(30) days and notify
you.
In
order to alleviate
any inconvenience
that this decision
may cause you, the
National office has
initiated the following:
- Convention Registration
Refund Checks are
being processed
and will be
received, by those
who are due
refunds, within
the next thirty
(30) days
- The Hyatt Regency
Phoenix at Civic
Plaza has been
notified. The
hotel has canceled
all reservations
in our convention
group block.
If you have
reservations
outside of the
group block or at
an alternate hotel
please contact
them and cancel.
Each
registrant and/or
participant should
contact their airline
to resolve individual
travel arrangements.
Most airlines
that we have polled
have in place either a
reuse or refund
program that is
applicable to these
circumstances.
Thank
you for your
cooperation and
understanding of SCDAA’s
commitment to not only
provide the best
possible educational
forum but to do so in
an environment that
ensures the safety and
well-being of all who
attend.
We
move forward as a
Nation and as a Sickle
Cell Community with
plans for a return to
the freedoms that we
have earned the right
to enjoy and would
encourage you to mark
your calendars for next
year’s meeting,
jointly held with NIH,
September 17-22, 2002
at the Hilton Towers
Hotel in Washington,
DC.
Sincerely,
Lynda
K. Anderson,
President/COO
