Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation

Last updated 7/15/10

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center at the University of Minnesota to present Empower 2010 - Myotonic Dystrophy Family Conference, August 13-15, 2010. This conference will bring important research updates, information about diagnosis, treatment, and daily living issues to assist individuals living with myotonic dystrophy, families, health care providers and the community.

The conference will be packed with presentations by leading researchers and clinicians from the field with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The conference will begin with an evening reception on Friday, August 13, 2010 and will end on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 2:00 pm. There will be presentations, workshops, and opportunities to meet and connect with others living with myotonic dystrophy. Experts will offer presentations on many topics that will help you understand the diagnosis and help make informed decisions. Some of the topics being presented this year include: 

• The Brain/Central Nervous System
• Gastrointestinal System
• Management of DM (OP/PT)
• Research, Patient Registries and Clinical Trials
• and much more

Print the Latest Agenda for Empower 2010 (updated on 7/15/10)

We are pleased to announce a great lineup of speakers at the conference including:

• Dr. John Day, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Neurology, University of Minnesota
• Dr. Charles Thornton, M.D., Professor of Neurology, University of Rochester
• Dr. Laura Ranum, Ph.D., Professor of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota
• Dr. Jacinda Sampson, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine
• Dr. Jeff Wozniak, Ph.D., L.P., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota
• Dr. Michel Cramer Bornemann, M.D., Director, Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center
• Dr. Auinash Kalsotra, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Baylor College of Medicine (Funded by MDF)
• and many more

We are please to once again welcome Rick Guidotti with Positive Exposure. Rick joined us at a conference last year and took beautiful pictures of the attendees. Positive Exposure is a non-profit organization that challenges stigma associated with difference by pioneering a new vision of the beauty and richness of genetic diversity. The organization is now at the center of a large network of stakeholders within the genetics, education, and patient advocacy communities. Meeting Rick will be a highlight of your weekend.

Registration and Fees
This year’s conference is being presented at no cost to families. Advance registration is required. Registration will close on August 11, 2010.

Hotel and Travel Information
The conference will be held in Minneapolis Minnesota, at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport - Mall of America. Rooms are available at a special group rate of $89 per night. You must book your hotel room independent of your conference registration. Please contact the hotel directly at 800-637-7453 to make your  hotel reservation or book your room online. Be sure to ask for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) room rate.

This page will be updated regularly so please check back for more information soon.

REGISTER NOW!

Print the Latest Agenda for Empower 2010 (updated on 7/10/10)

Last updated 7/11/10