Peggy Lillis Foundation Announces “See C. Diff Diagnosed” Campaign, Events During National C. Diff Awareness Month

NEW YORK, NY (November 1, 2024)—The Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF) for C diff Education & Advocacy has announced its schedule of events for National C difficile Awareness Month, which takes place every November. This year's awareness campaign theme is “See C diff Diagnosed.”

Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF) held its 14th Annual Changing the Odds Gala in 2023 and raised over $110,000 to support PLF’s programs. Image Credit: PLF

In the past year, PLF has continued to make strides in creating more awareness of C difficile. Among the highlights, PLF helped champion legislation requiring that C difficile infections be added to the list of conditions monitored in the Nationally Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, a program led by the CDC. The organization also hosted its 9th Annual National C diff Summit in Washington, D.C. and in the fall, held an educational briefing with lawmakers and infectious disease experts on Capitol Hill. 

This year, through its “See C difficile” campaign, PLF aims to reach 30 million people during November.

“We look forward to our 6th Annual ‘See C difficile’ campaign. We’re focusing this year’s efforts on the theme of ‘diagnosis.’ Many C difficile patients struggle to get an initial diagnosis, particularly those who become ill outside of the healthcare setting. We’re excited about all the events and educational opportunities we have planned throughout November,” said PLF CEO, Christian John Lillis.

The campaign will begin with the 2024 Changing the Odds Gala on November 8. The annual event raises critical funds for the work being done to fight the infection and celebrates the progress PLF has made in that fight during the past year. The gala will include a cocktail reception, dinner, casino games, raffles and dancing. Tickets are available at the link provided.

Several awards will be presented at the gala to honor individuals making strides in the fight against the infection. Dr. Denise Cardo, an internationally recognized expert in public health, will receive the Leadership Award. Maryann Webb, a C difficile survivor and member of the PLF Board of Directors, will receive the advocacy award. Dr. Jessica Allegretti, a researcher and professor at Harvard University, will receive the Innovator Award.

On November 15, PLF will host its inaugural Virtual Scientific Symposium. The event will offer a space for discussion on the status of C difficile. Experts in treatment, prevention, and epidemiology will speak on developments in their field related to the infection. Patients and survivors will also share their experiences with C difficile.

“I am delighted that the Peggy Lillis Foundation is continuing this vital educational event for clinicians. The Symposium is an excellent opportunity for healthcare providers to learn the latest on diagnostics, treatment and clinical guidelines for C difficile. This opportunity is crucial given how underappreciated C difficile is as a cause of morbidity and mortality,” said Dr. Paul Feuerstadt, a gastroenterologist and member of PLF’s Board of Directors. 

On November 20, PLF will present its annual State of C difficile town hall. The virtual event, hosted by Nestle Health Sciences, will feature presentations on the challenges of accurate C difficile diagnosis and an update on the role of standard fecal microbiota transplants in patient care, clinical trials, and patient advocacy.

About Peggy Lillis Foundation for C difficile Education & Advocacy

Founded in response to the April 2010 death of a 56-year-old kindergarten teacher, Peggy Lillis Foundation for C difficile Education & Advocacy (PLF) is the leading national organization dedicated to combating C. difficile infections through educating the public, empowering advocates, and shaping policy. PLF is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. For more information visit www.cdiff.org

Gala/tickets: https://cdiff.org/event/2024-plf-gala/

Symposium registration: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/2024-scientific-symposium

Town hall registration: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/state-of-c-diff-town-hall

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