FACES 2 - Second Annual International Encephalitis Conference, September 19-21, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada

There are many causes of encephalitis, including the West Nile virus. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, usually triggered by a viral infection. Those who survive the illness may suffer permanent physical and mental disabilities, such as paralysis and memory loss. The first meeting was held in Ottawa, Canada in 2002, and welcomed people from the United States, Canada, Europe and India,' says Sherry Drescher, survivor/organizer from Worcester, Massachusetts.

This year the Conference will be held in Las Vegas. "Following the extensive turnout from around the world, we felt it is crucial to relocate the Conference each year. We want to reach as many survivors and caregivers as possible, in North America and internationally,' says survivor/organizer Ches Bevan, from Hollywood, California.

"The logistics of arranging this gathering are complicated in view of the fact that the organizers are located across North America,' says Debra Laino, a caregiver/organizer from New York, New York.

Organizers say it's hard to determine the number of people affected by the illness, as it is often misdiagnosed. "The illness has largely been ignored, but now receives more attention since arising worries about the impact of the West Nile virus,' says Wendy Station, a survivor/organizer from Vancouver, British Columbia.

This year's FACES 2 Conference promises to make major strides by addressing important issues associated with surviving illnesses like West Nile Virus (WNV). "It's time to spread the word,' says Kevin Hatt, survivor/organizer from Ottawa, Ontario.

A great deal of focus will be placed on the young children attending, who have survived this misunderstood virus called Encephalitis. "I look forward to having this Conference in my own home town,' says Kathy Richards of Las Vegas, Nevada, organizer and parent of a child touched by encephalitis.

For information please contact:

Ches Bevan: (323) 953-5174
Hollywood California USA
Email: chesbev@yahoo.com

Wendy Station: (604) 980-2236
Vancouver British Columbia CANADA
Email: wendystation@shaw.ca