Notes From The Community

VWD Connect Foundation Holds 9th Annual Severe Von Willebrand Disease Patient Conference in July

VWD Connect Foundation (VCF) will be holding the 9th Annual National Severe Von Willebrand Disease Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida on July 18-21, 2025. The conference provides four-days of education for severe VWD patients, along with a companion. The Foundation will provide all meals, childcare, and a hotel room for attendees, but patients and guests must provide their own travel to and from the West Palm Beach Marriott. Limited funds are available for travel assistance for patients in financial need.

VCF is a non-profit organization established to serve the bleeding disorder community, focusing on severe Von Willebrand Disease. They provide education and connection for patients and families, and support research which will benefit the Von Willebrand Disease community.

The 2025 conference’s faculty will provide educational sessions and small discussion groups. Faculty members include Dr. Christopher Walsh, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, Dr. Ken Friedman, Versiti Blood Center, Milwaukee, WI, Dr. Brooke Sadler, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, and Dr. Robert Sidonio, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. The faculty also includes experienced medical providers and health educators from a diverse group of disciplines such as physical therapy, pediatric gynecology, genetic counseling, HTC social workers and nurses.

Topics will cover diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, genetics, mental wellness, pain, aging, and insurance.

NEW THIS YEAR! The Foundation opened an opportunity for medical and health professionals working with Severe VWD patients to attend the conference under a shadowing program. Hotel, meals, and supplies will be provided for shadowing program attendees. If travel cost is a barrier, they may apply for travel assistance through the program.

For more information about VWD Connect Foundation, the conference or other Foundation activities, please visit our website www.VWDConnect.org or contact Jeanette Cesta, Executive Director, at JCesta@VWDConnect.org or 561-373-3889.