Update Summer 2000

YOUNG ADULTS REPORT

Following the great success of the Young Adults (YA) meeting at the IPOPI conference in Rhodes two years ago, activities for YA's around the world have started in earnest. Here we bring reports of many events, starting with Maria Löfving, the IPOPI YA representative from Sweden, who has this to say:

"In November 1998, seven young Swedish adults with primary immunodeficiencies got together at Ågrenska. A health resort for disabled children and youths, which is surrounded by lovely countryside and is beautifully situated on an small island on the western coast of Sweden. They came to participate in an informative week about primary immunodeficiencies, organised for young adults from the ages of 13 to 25, with the aim to give YA's with this condition a chance to meet. Five boys and two girls from all over Sweden accepted the invitation. Their ages were very spread, the youngest only being 13 years and the oldest 25. What they had in common were primary immunodeficiencies.

Those who were there, said that the reason why they wanted to come, was a chance to learn more about primary immunodeficiencies through the interesting lectures, and also because its fun to meet others with the same condition and exchange experiences. Of course the nice change of environment, to get away from jobs and school and to relax a while, also counted.

For five days, at an intense speed, they learned much about their primary immunodeficiencies through various lectures including on how the immune defence is built and works, treatment with gammaglobulin, and more.

Besides the lectures, there was time for the young adults to get to know each other through different activities, such as water polo at a swimming pool, and a night out at the movies. There were, as well, possibilities for playing table tennis and party games of different kinds. In the evenings they could also relax together with a cup of coffee or tea in front of the TV. They were able to unwind between lectures with many wonderful meals. The opinions about the week were very good. They had a fun and interesting week, with a good unity within the group and nice leaders, who did a good job."

Also, with news of their successful KIDs camp, is our New Zealand representative Emma Carroll:

"So far the highlight for YA's with primary immunodeficiencies in New Zealand has been another KIDS Camp. 21 teenagers, aged between 13 and 19 years old, gathered from across the country (and also from across the Tasman!) in a place called Taupo. Taupo is in the very centre of the North Island of N.Z.

We had six days of great activities such as Bungy Jumping, Jet Skiing and going to the movies! Meticulous planning ensured there were no hospital admissions and everything ran smoothly - it was certainly an enjoyable occasion!"

Things have also been busy here in the UK, with our first YA initiative:

"Easter saw the first adventure holiday to be undertaken as part of the new Youth Initiative in the UK. The holiday took place in the beautiful countryside of the Lake District, near the town of Keswick, in a centre run by the Calvert Trust. These centres run adventure holidays for small groups such as ours.

There was a small sports hall situated at the centre, where we played several games of basketball and football.

It was also possible to have a quick swim or sauna on site, in any free time we had. There was a game room as well, for relaxing in front of the TV, or playing snooker, pool or table tennis. There was even a small shop here for buying various goodies. This meant that in the evening, the older participants could enjoy a quiet beer whilst the younger ones burnt off their last bit of energy.

We were joined by friendly immunologist who was there to ensure everything ran smoothly! The many activities we enjoyed over the week included:

• abseiling a 70ft rock face
• improving our skills in the canoes, sailing in a three-sailed lugger
• horseback riding
• a day sailing a catamaran on Lake Windermere.

I believe that everyone really enjoyed themselves, made new friends and were able discuss any concerns with others of their own age and experience. This was helped in a large way by our resident immunologist, Dr Matthew Helbert, who was on hand to answer many queries put to him. All in all, I felt that this holiday was a great success and benefited everyone who came." Since this was written a second successful UK event has been held.

It is good to see that such activities are starting to occur. It is important however that these initiatives are maintained and more are started in other countries. To this end I invite other young adults to get involved with their national organisations and/or IPOPI - you may find that you are able to do things that you enjoy and may even find it rewarding.

Tom Fanshawe