The Second Annual Annie Appleseed Project Conference on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. AAP, CAM and Sunshine in West Palm Beach, FL, 2009 It was an amazing feat that the second annual Annie Appleseed Project conference took place given the plight of the economy and its impact worldwide. It was even more amazing that along with the significant political changes that were about to take place, that the conference had more than doubled in size in attendance bringing together scientists, experts in complementary and alternative health, practioners, exhibitors and advocates. Sessions were always filled to capacity given the topics of interest and caliber of expertise. Topics ranged from alternative approaches to cancer treatment that included dietary enhancements, efficacy of various supplements and energy manipulation. Of interest to many were the links between diet and cancer with Susan Silberstein and the use of Bach Flower Remedies in treating emotional ailments with Alicia Sirkin. Attendees were also fascinated by Keith Block and Ralph Moss. The connection with iodine and disease also drew a crowd. It had left many attendees with much to consider in the ingestion of iodine. Susan Luck was quite popular with her down to earth style of addressing alternative approaches in the treatment of illness. Having a panel with experts from different backgrounds gave the audience an opportunity to have their questions answered. If it were not for the swift and confident moderation skills of Ann Fonfa – founder of the Annie Appleseed Project, many would still be hanging out in that conference hall. The reception, meals and snacks was a royal organic treat with fresh food, beverages and even healthy dessert! (There never seemed to be any chickpea dip left). In between the sessions, attendees had the opportunity to mingle and network amongst each other and with exhibitors that included Ave by American BioSciences, Life Extension Foundation, academic exhibitors and even magnetic therapy. Friends were made and the exchange and sharing of CAM experiences filled the breaks in between. It seemed that even practioners found that they too had something to learn. I felt really privileged to be able to attend as an international survivor and advocate of color. I am always encouraged and filled with hope to see the work of the AAPr continue to thrive and humbled by the broad depth and capacity of Ann Fonfa to make this conference yet another success. Much thanks to her, Steve and the Fonfa family for their support of the conference and of Ann’s mission. Warm thanks also to the many volunteers, who stuffed bags, sat at tables and kept a loyal and steadfast Steve (at the registration desk) company. My deep gratitude goes out to Ann for her efforts to be inclusive and draw in marginalized groups. A conference of this kind promises to be deserving of all support to enable future conferences through the AAPr to be even bigger and better. I am certainly looking forward to being there! LD Canada Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.