A Summer of Events: Building A Community for a Better Tomorrow

Over the past few months, our team has been actively participating in various conferences and events. These opportunities have allowed us to raise awareness about autoimmune diseases and our initiatives, learn from patients, industry experts, and partners, and build valuable relationships. By actively engaging in these gatherings, we can learn about the latest scientific advancements, emerging trends, and innovative ideas in the field, while building an engaged community of supporters and partners – all of which helps to strengthen our reach and impact.

Digestive Disease Week (DDW)

In May, we attended Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in Washington, D.C. to connect with professionals in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, GI endoscopy, gastrointestinal surgery, and related fields. This premier conference is known for presenting cutting-edge research and advancements in digestive health. We took advantage of the many opportunities to learn about the latest research, network with colleagues, and participate in educational sessions that expanded our understanding and fueled our passion for innovation in this vital field.

Women 4 Wellness

Later in May, we participated in the Women 4 Wellness event for the second year! This community-focused event aims to increase health awareness and promote healthy behaviors among women of the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County, Montana. The event features a range of activities and educational booths, providing valuable information on various health topics. Our team was proud to be part of this initiative, contributing to the well-being of the community and empowering local residents with knowledge about autoimmune diseases.

BIO International Convention

In June, we attended the BIO International Convention in San Diego, a global event that brings together the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to drive innovation and forge new partnerships. We explored the latest advancements in the field and connected with industry leaders. Our meetings were successful, allowing us to collaborate, brainstorm, and strengthen our relationships for the betterment of the autoimmune community. A highlight of our participation was the showcase of several pieces of art from our Autoimmune Expressions gallery, illustrating the unique experiences of people living with autoimmune diseases and adding a poignant, human touch to the scientific discussions.

Washington Representatives Summer Meeting

In June we also attended the National Health Council’s Washington Representatives Summer Meeting. This event brings together leading government relations and policy professionals from the NHC’s member patient advocacy and other health nonprofit organizations to dialogue with Congressional staff who are leading on timely issues that are most important to the patient advocacy community. The meeting provides opportunities to network and discuss best practices, challenges, and opportunities in advocacy in the 118th Congress.

Annual Meeting of the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS)

Also in June, we participated in the Annual Meeting of the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS). This event convenes experts in immunology, fosters research, and promotes new approaches to understanding and treating immune-mediated diseases. To support our commitment to research and promoting fresh perspectives, we awarded travel grants to two young investigators, co-sponsored a course in basic immunology, and hosted a networking event for early career researchers. The event included a poster session that highlighted significant breakthroughs in immunological research, showcasing the exciting progress being made in this field.

Engaging and Collaborating for Change

Engaging with the broader autoimmune community is at the heart of our mission. Our participation in these events underscores our commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases. By connecting with people living with or affected by autoimmune disease, we can better understand their lived experiences and identify their greatest needs. Furthermore, building strong relationships with researchers, healthcare providers, and other patient groups allows for collaboration and resource-sharing, which ultimately advances our mission to improve the lives of people living with autoimmune disease.