The First Annual Long QT Family and Friends Outing held on August 5, 2001 at the Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield, Mass., was truly inspirational! It brought together more than 50 Long QT family members who share the same fears, concerns, worries and medical dilemmas. We gave each other the emotional support that is essential for living with any illness or disease. What started as a way for members of our online support group to meet, ended with friendships being formed that will last a lifetime. The effects were revitalizing and we hope to have a gathering of Long QT families each year.

Despite an unanticipated last minute change of location for the picnic, we had a wonderful turnout and could not have asked for a more perfect day -- full of warmth and sunshine.

As you can see from the photo (above), both young and old attended. There were families from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New York. Some were very new to this diagnosis; others have been living with it for several years now.

Special thanks to Jennifer McKenna and her boyfriend, Shawn, and to Linda Kirchgessner for their tireless efforts in helping to plan and organize this wonderful event!! Also a special thanks to my daughter Jessica and her friend Gina who spent the day making tons of cupcakes for this gathering!!!

Claire A. Doyle, North Andover, MA