3rd GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference

Sponsorship Opportunities

Helping Hands for GAND, Inc. (HHFG), is excited to announce that the GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND) community will once again come together on July 14-16, 2022, in Mason, Ohio, for the 3rd GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference.  This year’s Conference is at the Great Wolf Lodge.

WHAT IS GAND?

GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND) is a syndrome characterized, in part, by intellectual disability, low muscle tone, and childhood apraxia of speech. Global developmental delay is seen in the first year of life, and many patients experience feeding difficulties, particularly in infancy. As of Spring 2022, there are approximately 240 known cases worldwide of affected individuals with GAND.  

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE CONFERENCE?

The 2022 GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference will be a unique opportunity for individuals with GAND, most of whom are children, and their families to connect with others affected by GAND, meet scientific researchers studying this rare disorder, enjoy a group interaction to build relationships and raise awareness, and tangibly participate in a community not found in their local areas. For most families, the GAND Conference may be the only opportunity they have to meet others facing the same challenges and learn more from scientific researchers. Attendees will go home better energized and equipped to live their lives, support their rare loved ones, and raise awareness.

WHAT WILL FAMILIES LEARN FROM SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHERS?

The largest case series clinical study of GAND to date was recently published, and one of the paper’s main authors will be speaking at our conference. Stem-cell and mice model research projects are currently underway, and these researchers will be updating the GAND community on their progress. Such research advancements in recent years have been made possible in large part due to the efforts of HHFG bringing together scientific researchers and GAND families from around the world. GAND families will have the opportunity to meet with scientific researchers to gain a better understanding of GAND and learn more about research and treatment opportunities.  And through this endeavor, all GAND families could potentially feel the impact from the knowledge gained from such research studies.

WHAT TYPE OF SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE?

Attendees will participate in presentations from scientific researchers who are working closely on research activities with GAND families. These presentations will give families a better understanding of their loved one’s condition and provide them an opportunity to ask questions of researchers with the most up-to-date knowledge of GAND. In addition, attendees will participate in parent panel discussions covering topics such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), building self-help skills, transitions in care and life, patient advocacy, as well as support sessions for siblings of GAND children. Families will also be provided with an opportunity for fun group activities at a popular resort where other guests will be present, providing an excellent opportunity to build relationships and raise awareness about GAND.

Please partner with us by becoming a sponsor of the 3rd GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference to benefit HHFG and GAND families.  We look forward to partnering with you to further our mission by increasing awareness and bringing together researchers and GAND families from around the world.