Global Rare Disease Organization to Host 2024 Family and Scientific Conference to Include Fellowship Program for the Next Generation of Rare Disease Professionals
The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders (GFPD) has announced dates
for the 2024 GFPD Family and Scientific Conference to be held in Washington D.C. The
conference will be held May 26 – 29 with registration opening November 14, 2023. This is the
ninth major conference for the foundation that addresses issues for education, scientific research,
advocacy, and support for peroxisomal disorders, a rare group of genetic disorders affecting
approximately 2,000 births each year around the globe.
GFPD Warriors – children and adults affected by peroxisomal disorders – are at the center of the
conference, and training the next generation of professionals is a strategic priority for the
foundation explains Abby Pelster, MS-CCC-SLP, GFPD community engagement coordinator.
“I have been working with GFPD Warriors since the first GFPD conference in Omaha, Nebraska
in 2011. Our Warrior Camp Fellowship program takes the collective experience from the last
thirteen years of conferences and creates a groundbreaking pre-professional training program. It
has been an incredible experience to work with our fellows and see them go out into the world
excited about rare diseases, and ready to make an impact in their communities.”
The GFPD Warrior Camp Fellowship is an intensive training and practice program where more
than three dozen volunteer fellows oversee four days of hands-on, experiential learning and
activities for GFPD Warriors, their siblings and other children attending the conference. Fellows
will be trained by GFPD team members and a variety of professionals. Prior to the conference,
self-study modules and remote meetings will be required educational courses for fellows.
Additionally, fellows will participate in a deaf-blind simulation and learn to set up environments
for deaf-blind learners as part of on-site training.
The application portal for the Fellowship Program is open and can be found on the GFPD
website at https://thegfpd.org/2024-family-and-scientific-conference Registration for the 2024
GFPD Family and Scientific Conference is also open for all attendees. Information about
registration can also be found on the GFPD’s website.
The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders supports families worldwide with education
and support services. Additionally, the foundation advocates for better treatment options, funds
research, and advocates for broad implementation of newborn screening around the United
States.
For more information about the GFPD, its programs and support, visit www.thegfpd.org