About the Platelet Disorder Support Association

Welcome to the Platelet Disorder Support Association Web site!

Whether you are newly diagnosed or caring for a child, spouse or loved one with ITP or another platelet disorder, you've come to the right place. PDSA is your number one resource for education, advocacy, research, and support.

When I was diagnosed with ITP in 2000, I felt scared, anxious and very much alone. In those first few months, I was unaware of PDSA. Had I known about this wonderful organization, I might have made different decisions about managing my illness. At the very least, I would have had the peace of mind of knowing that there was someone I could talk to who understood what I was going through, emotionally as well as physically.

PDSA is here for you 24/7. Whether it is on the Internet or through our many publications, annual and regional meetings, local support groups, name exchange program or personal counseling, it is our goal to be able to offer patients suffering with ITP and other platelet disorders answers to questions with the most up-to-date information, a personal connection to others, and a reassuring voice.

Thank you for visiting our Web site -- we are here for you. We hope that you will visit often and consider joining our group.

Caroline Kruse
Executive Director

The Platelet Disorder Support Association is a non-profit corporation founded in August, 1998 to provide information, support, and encourage research about ITP and other platelet disorders.

It all began as a simple idea in the spring of 1997, construct a web site that provided a place to share our ITP stories. Since www.itppeople.com was initiated it has grown exponentially and has become the site of choice for many with ITP and other platelet disorders.

PDSA Programs

Patient Education - We provide on-line and printed information that enhances the knowledge of the disease, treatments, and wellness practices. We investigate and report the most recent research findings and treatment recommendations.

Support Services - Our services promote patient-to-patient, patient-to-physician, and patient-to-medical provider communication. We encourage patient involvement in treatment and life-style decisions.

Public Education - Through contacts with the media and the publication of educational materials, we strive to increase the amount of information presented and available about ITP and other platelet disorders.

Platelet Disorder Research and Advocacy - We assist and encourage research in the treatment of ITP and other platelet disorders through surveys and collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, physicians, and researchers.

PDSA is a 501(c) 3 corporation. All contributions are tax deductible.

Board of Directors	Medical Advisors	Emeritus
Susan Stromholm Anderson Karen Avrick Deborah Couture Jamie Canfield Harwell Diane Joseph Dirk Leasure Peter Pruitt John B. Schwartzman Beth Siegelbaum	James Bussel, MD Douglas Cines, MD Amy Geddis, MD Terry Gernsheimer, MD Andra James, MD Craig Kessler, MD David Kuter, MD Howard Liebman, MD Michael Nissenblatt, MD Drew Provan, MD John Semple, PhD Michael Tarantino, MD	Robert McMillan, MD
Contact Us
PDSA 133 Rollins Avenue, Suite 5 Rockville, MD 20852	87-PLATELET (877) 528-3538 (301) 770-6636 ----- Fax: (301) 770-6638	Email: pdsa@pdsa.org