Connective Issues Fall 2025

Awards At the40 th Conference, the Foundation honored several dedicated community members who have made significant contributions of time and resources and have played a vital role in furthering our mission. We extend our heartfelt congratulations once again and remain grateful for their continued support.

Read about the 40 th Conference

Hosted in association with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare, the conference welcomed 681 registrants, including 130 children and teens who took part in age-based programming. About half of the participants were first-time attendees who came from 44 states and 10 countries, including Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Attendee Condition Connections 42% ................... Marfan HIGHLIGHTS

23% ................... LDS 13% .................... VEDS 22% ................... Other condition or not specified Health Fair at Conference 251 ..................... Multidisciplinary Health Fair Appointments

Ultimate Impact Award Steve Beckholt and Aven McBride

30 ...................... Healthcare Professionals 23 ...................... Healthcare Observers 66 ...................... Health Fair Participants Top Reasons for Attending 1. Connect with other a ff ected individuals 2. Have direct contact with medical professionals

LDS Heart of Gold Award Julie Wilson (center) - presented by Foundation President & CEO Michael Weamer and Gretchen MacCarrick, MS, CGC

3. Learn more about living with a genetic aortic and vascular condition Conference Results: Of those surveyed, 98% of respondents rated the Conference excellent with 99% likely to participate in a future

Foundation program or event. • 98% learned something new

• 91% made new connections/friends • 85% feel empowered to take action • 93% feel better about their or a family member’s situation A Special Thank You to

Cathy Bowen VEDS “Charging Forward” Award Sofia de La Garza – pictured with husband Alvaro and daughter Sofia Maria

And our exhibitors: Aortic Hope CLARITY Registry The Ehlers-Danlos Society The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC) University of Calgary FaceBase Study/Hallgrimsson Lab The Foundation will host a global virtual conference in 2026 followed by an in-person conference in Northern California in 2027.

Making Memories Award Photographer Tim Joyce (right) – presented by the Foundation’s Chief Global and Business Development O ffi cer Eileen Novins and President & CEO Michael Weamer

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