The Transverse Myelitis Association Strategic Planning Meeting was held on Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 19, 2003 in Seattle, Washington. The participants in this strategic planning workshop were the Officers and Board Members of the TMA, the TMA Medical Advisory Board, physicians in the TM Consortium, the national and international TM Support Group leaders and members who have been intensively involved in activities which further the goals of the TMA.

It was an intensive three-day planning meeting that covered numerous important subjects. We charted a course for the TMA and we developed strategies for achieving our goals. It was a great meeting. In addition to the many administrative discussions, there were exciting presentations made by the physicians about the latest research into TM and various treatment and restorative therapies.

Some of the issues discussed at the meeting included, the development of a strategic plan for the consortium of medical centers involved in the treatment of TM patients; discussion of clinical trials; planning the 2004 Symposium; designing an awareness and education effort for emergency room physicians; international outreach: networking in the international medical community; development of referrals; fundraising and awareness initiatives; establishing a regular children's program; developing a process for the growth of local support groups, nationally and internationally.

See photos of some of those who attended the meetings.