Immune Deficiency Foundation Teen & Young Adult Update

The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) has developed a program exclusively for teens, ages 13 – 22, diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency diseases.

The program, Teen ESCAPE, was piloted in Houston, Texas on February 20 – 21, 2009. It provided an escape weekend for thirty teens and young adults-- not to escape from primary immunodeficiency diseases, but to escape to a place to meet other teens who also live with these diseases.

The weekend was filled with educational sessions, life management sessions, time to network with other teens and fun activities. A vital part of the weekend was to begin to develop a support network for teens. Getting acquainted did not seem to be a problem as the teens and young adults enthusiastically dived readily into activities together.

IDF has also developed a Teen & Young Adult Council. Ten council members, ages 17 – 22, attended Teen ESCAPE. The council was created to promote the development of teen and young adult leaders in the primary immunodeficiency patient community. The council also assists the Immune Deficiency Foundation build a strong program for children, teens and young adults diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency diseases. Mentors, adults diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency diseases as children, and IDF staff provide support and guidance to the council.

The Teen ESCAPE weekend and the development of the council is just the beginning. The next step is expanding the Teen ESCAPE program at the IDF 2009 National Conference that will be held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on June 18 – 20, 2009. As time goes on, IDF will offer Teen ESCAPE weekends throughout the United States.