Juvenile-onset Adult (JOA) Program with Barry Cohen, PhD and Diane Bade, RN, CAVS
A program designed specifically for juvenile-onset DM adults, facilitated by MDF community members.

First Timers' Tea
A welcome session for first-time attendees. Learn tips for having a successful conference experience and get a personal mentor to help you navigate the two-day event. MDF Board members, support group facilitators and experienced attendees will present, and we’ll have a session cheat sheet to help you plan your experience. Beverages will be served.

Mindfulness as a Disease Management Strategy with Mary Holt, MSRN
Explore ways to become more mindful in your life and how mindfulness can affect your quality of life and overall mood. The speaker is a nurse who has worked in the areas of mental health and provided care for myotonic dystrophy patients.

DM2: Updates on Research and Symptom Management with Johanna Hamel, MD and Allison Formal, MBA
Come hear about the latest updates in research for DM2 from a top DM2 clinician and researcher in the field.

DM and Sleep: What's New, What Works with John Day, MD, PhD
Learn about current research and management strategies regarding myotonic dystrophy sleep issues, including disregulated sleep patterns and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Palliative Care: Improving Quality of Life at Every Stage
Learn more about the importance of palliative care in managing myotonic dystrophy, including symptom management strategies that will help those living with DM improve their quality of life now.

Pain & DM2: Updated Information on Symptoms & Coping Strategies with Doris Leung, MD, PhD
Come to this session to understand the science of pain in DM2 and learn strategies to successfully manage it. This session is recommended specifically for anyone diagnosed with DM2 and their caregivers.

Creating Your Clinical Care Team with Jacinda Sampson, MD, PhD
Learn about the importance of, and strategies for, creating the right medical team for your or a family members’ optimal myotonic dystrophy care.

Exercise, Nutrition & Speech with Katy Eichinger, PhD, DPT, Leslie Vnenchak, MA, CCC-SLP, and Robin Meyers, RD, MPH, LDN
This rehabilitation panel will review current research and strategies for managing DM symptoms through exercise, speech and nutrition.

Cardiac Considerations for DM2 with Saman Nazarian, MD, PhD
A cardiologist with expertise in myotonic dystrophy will explain how DM2 can impact cardiac function, including an overview of the cardiac electrical system, common symptoms associated with conduction problems, and preventative measures.

Male Caregivers Roundtable
Facilitated support group discussion for male caregivers of myotonic dystrophy patients.

Adaptive Chair Yoga with Ellen Shapiro
Come stretch and relax in a yoga session specifically designed for people living with myotonic dystrophy.

DM Genetics & Family Planning with Darren Monckton, PhD and Tanya Bardakjian, MS
Experts in DM genetics will discuss family planning and myotonic dystrophy, including the specifics of the genetic mutation, and practical considerations for affected community members considering starting a family.

Congenital Caregivers Roundtable
Facilitated support group discussion for caregivers of congenital and childhood-onset myotonic dystrophy patients.

Myotonic Dystrophy & the World of Work with Michele Boardman, MA, CPWIC, CESP, LPC
An employment expert will review strategies, tips and information on how to navigate the employment process while living with myotonic dystrophy, including job searching, resume building, interviewing and more.

Grassroots Advocacy-MDF Needs You! with Jenn M. Dale, MA
Join MDF’s public policy consultant and advocacy expert to learn how you can educate your members of Congress about myotonic dystrophy and advocate for important research and care legislation.

Female Caregivers Roundtable
Facilitated support group discussion for female caregivers of myotonic dystrophy patients.

Going to School with Myotonic Dystrophy: Understanding Special Education & I.D.E.A., with Kathy Boundy, JD & Sarah Stoney, MSW, LSW
Listen to a panel of parents and an expert discuss I.D.E.A., U.S. legislation directing special education programs, and how to navigate transitions through school for children with myotonic dystrophy.

Emergency Preparedness with Darlene Shelton
Learn how you can successfully manage medical emergencies. The speaker is the founder of an alliance focused on emergency preparedness for rare diseases and will share great information about emergency protocols for those with special needs.

DM101: Understanding the Disease Basics with Lauren Elman, MD
A session for first-time attendees and those interested in a refresher on DM genetics, symptom burden and disease management strategies.

Adaptive Chair Yoga with Ellen Shapiro
Come stretch and relax in a yoga session specifically designed for people living with myotonic dystrophy.