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Elizabeth Edwards to Deliver Keynote Address at Patient Advocate Foundation's 10th Annual Patient Congress

Posted on: Wednesday, 24 June 2009, 07:00 CDT

Address Will Provide a Perspective on 'An Inspired Life'

WASHINGTON, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) - a national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability relative to their diagnosis of life threatening or debilitating diseases - is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Edwards, an accomplished attorney, successful author and passionate advocate for children's education and healthcare access issues, will deliver the keynote dinner address at PAF's 10th Annual Patient Congress in Washington, D.C. on June 25th. The address will provide a perspective on "An Inspired Life."

"We are excited to announce Elizabeth Edwards as the featured guest and keynote speaker for the 10th annual Patient Congress," said Nancy Davenport-Ennis, Founder and CEO of PAF. "It is a sad and little known fact that more than 93 percent of the patients we serve are insured and are still unable to receive the medical care they need. We hope that having Mrs. Edwards - a nationally admired, fearless advocate with an impressive commitment to addressing our country's healthcare needs - join us in this discussion will help more people take notice of the importance of improving America's healthcare access challenges."

PAF's two-day Patient Congress allows patients, caregivers and other advocates to explore the healthcare system and participate in the legislative process by meeting with their leaders in Washington and advocating for patient-centric legislation. Participants will attend Capitol Hill and White House briefings, educational workshops and meet with members of Congress to help advance the national dialogue and drive solutions on improving patient access to care. While meeting with legislators this year, Patient Congress participants will be asking their elected officials to support programs that improve access to health care services and eliminate barriers to health insurance coverage for all patients, particularly those suffering from the current economic crisis.

In addition to advocating for progressive policies to improve our nation's healthcare, Elizabeth Edwards has inspired countless individuals by sharing her personal experiences battling with breast cancer in her book "Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers," a memoir of her trials, tragedies, and triumphs, and of how various communities celebrated her joys and lent her steady strength and quiet hope in darker times. In her newest book, "Resilience," Elizabeth Edwards discusses the adversities she has faced - and her efforts to move on. Before her keynote address, Mrs. Edwards will be signing copies of "Resilience."

"Through her participation on the frontlines of improving Americans' healthcare and through her own battles with cancer, Elizabeth Edwards has a truly unique and invaluable perspective on how we are to improve the way we address and treat life-threatening disease in this country," added Davenport-Ennis. "We are thankful to have Mrs. Edwards join us as we strive to advance healthcare access solutions and look forward to her viewpoint on this important matter that affects so many Americans."

For more information about the 10th Annual Patient Congress, please visit www.pc.patientadvocate.org or call toll free (800) 532-5274.

Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.

SOURCE Patient Advocate Foundation

Source: PR Newswire

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