Keynote Lineup Announced For PPMD’s 2022 Annual Conference!

We are thrilled to announce our Keynote speaker lineup for PPMD’s 2022 Annual Conference, being held June 23-26 in Scottsdale, AZ (and virtually!).

Alongside our already robust Conference agenda covering the latest updates in research, clinical trials, approved therapies, care initiatives, and quality of life issues, these exciting Keynotes will help us set the stage for another incredible Conference!

P.S. Don’t forget to take advantage of PPMD’s $500 travel reimbursement opportunity available to Duchenne/Becker families attending this year’s Conference. Register and book your hotel reservation before our room block closes on Tuesday, May 31st at 7 PM ET in order to be eligible. One $500 gift card reimbursement eligible per family. Click here to view full terms and details.*

Destigmatizing Disability with Shane & Hannah Burcaw

YouTube stars and authors, Hannah and Shane Burcaw, join us for a Keynote on Saturday, June 25th to share their story. Shane will also help moderate a panel discussion exploring how we foster independence as caregivers and individuals.

Shane and Hannah Burcaw are relationship vloggers on a mission to change the way society understands disability. On their YouTube channel, Squirmy and Grubs, which has gained 900,000+ subscribers and worldwide media attention, the couple shares a hilarious and authentic examination of what it’s like to be in an inter-abled relationship. Shane lives with a form of muscular dystrophy called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Hannah is able-bodied and provides the majority of Shane’s daily care. In addition to their work on YouTube, the couple is co-authoring a nonfiction collection of love stories that involve people with disabilities.

Life, Love, and Awesomeness: The Impact and Implications of Language with Rachel Callander

Patient experience advocate Rachel Callander joins us for a moving and inspirational Keynote on Friday, June 24th to explore how people perceive and respond to difference and diversity.

Rachel Callander is a speaker, TEDx presenter, and the author of the internationally awarded book “Super Power Baby Project.” After losing her daughter to a rare genetic disease at 2 ½ years old, Rachel now teaches how the first words used at diagnosis critically shape how a parent perceives their future. It’s a conversation about empowerment for parents and health professionals alike.

Lessons Learned in Duchenne with Michael Binks, MD

Our Keynote with Michael Binks, MD on Thursday, June 23rd will dive deeper into patient-focused drug development; lessons learned thus far in Duchenne and how we see the future.

Michael Binks, MD joined Pfizer in 2014 to lead Clinical Research within the Rare Diseases Research Unit. Dr. Binks is the author of over 40 peer reviewed publications and 1 patent.

Register Today!

PPMD’s Annual Conference brings together the most important thought leaders in the Duchenne space. But just as importantly, we hope you will find this year’s conference as a chance to connect with this incredibly supportive community. When knowledge, expertise, and passion unite, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.

We look forward to seeing you in Scottsdale or online next month!

Register Today >

*$500 travel reimbursement will be issued upon check-in at PPMD’s 2022 Annual Conference in Scottsdale, AZ in the form of a gift card; Reimbursement is available to Duchenne/Becker family attendees only (patients, parents, siblings, grandparents); One $500 gift card reimbursement eligible per family; In order to be eligible, you must register for PPMD’s 2022 Annual Conference and book your hotel reservation under PPMD’s room block at The Phoenician by Tuesday, May 31st at 7 PM ET; Each family must fill out PPMD’s reimbursement survey by July 8, 2022 (submissions received after the start of the Conference will receive their gift card via email).