Family Conference

Driven by knowledge. Empowered by hope. Family Conference June 26, 2025 Eaglewood Resort & Spa, 1401 Nordic Road, Itasca, IL 60143 graphics: Blue, Red and Light Blue Conference Logo with blue DNA strand.

The ULF Annual Family Conference is a platform for education, collaboration, and advocacy. Families affected by leukodystrophy who attend the conference have access to the world’s most respected and knowledgeable leukodystrophy experts.  The ULF welcomes patient advocacy organizations to present the latest information related to type-specific leukodystrophies. Coupled with the general education sessions, the conference will provide a well-rounded educational experience aimed to empower affected families.

Affected people, parents and caregivers, siblings, extended family, friends, care team members, advocacy representatives of all types are welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

Our Annual Conference, born in 1981 with a handful of Board members who hosted family meetings, now includes the world’s most prominent leukodystrophy scientists, clinicians, and industry partners who come together to discuss their efforts and commitment to innovation, advancing science, and informing, empowering, and treating patients who are affected by leukodystrophies. This will include education sessions related to leukodystrophy science and workshops that empower families and caregivers. 

 

Dr. Geneviève Bernard of McGill University, and Chair of ULF’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, will provide a layperson’s summary of the Scientific Symposium sessions. This is to ensure that families are updated on advances in the field. 

 

The Family Conference will also host our annual Patient Advocacy Group Mini-Symposiums which will be incorporated throughout the two-day Family Conference. This will enable leukodystrophy-specific advocacy groups to benefit from ULF’s research community and industry partnerships to add value to the sessions focusing on their type-specific leukodystrophy.

 

2025 Agenda

Friday, June 27 - Saturday June 28

Our Family Conference promises to be an engaging and meaningful weekend where our focus is on supporting our community with rich educational sessions, opportunities to connect with other families, our research clinicians, industry partners and patient advocacy groups.

 

The ULF is happy to offer again this year, the Kids Room for children ages 5 and up. Parents can drop off their children with our volunteers from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday for games, arts and crafts, bowling, movies, and fun. For questions about whether this is a match for your family member, contact [email protected]

A detailed agenda will be provided soon.

 

Scholarship Information

The ULF is dedicated to ensuring that families who want to join us at the Family Conference are able to regardless of financial hardship. In-person scholarships for attendance are available.

Planning Committee

Margaret McIntyre

Donna Skwirut

Marilyn Schmeidel

Shannon Reed

Marcie Flores

Family Conference Hotel Information

EAGLEWOOD RESORT AND SPA

1401 Nordic Road, Itasca, Illinois 60143

www.eaglewoodresort.com 

Conveniently located to O’Hare International Airport

Room Block Information Coming Soon!



Sponsorship Opportunities

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Diane Fennimore, Executive Director at [email protected]

Current Sponsors

Content Partners