Join the GFPD May 22nd through May 24th for our Midwest–Illinois Regional Meetup, an in-person gathering designed to connect families, caregivers, researchers, and medical experts impacted by peroxisomal disorders. 

These meetups help reduce isolation, provide education, and create meaningful opportunities to build community—because no family should navigate a rare disease alone. 

In addition to the meetup, a family-led fundraising event, Tee It Up! For the GFPD, will take place in person on the evening of Thursday, May 21st and throughout the day on Friday, May 22nd. While not part of the official meetup programming, attendees are welcome and encouraged to participate!  

REGISTER FOR THE ILLINOIS MEETUP

Location and Hotel Information

Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, 1621 Jumer Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704  

The GFPD has secured a discounted room block at $119.00/night for attendees. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive this rate, you will receive a specific hotel reservation link after registering for the meetup via the GFPD registration link. 

Guests booking within the GFPD block receive the discounted rate, complimentary parking, free breakfast and Wi-Fi. 

Travel Stipends & Accessibility Support

To help reduce financial barriers, the GFPD offers limited travel stipends for families, including bereaved families, who need assistance attending. Stipends may be used toward travel-related expenses, including mileage/gas, lodging, or other associated costs with attending this meetup. 

Apply by April 30th, 2026 

APPLY FOR A TRAVEL STIPEND

What To Expect

Thursday

  • Tee It Up Happy Hour and Reception  

*Optional, family-led fundraiser activity happening nearby 

Friday

  • Tee It Up! For the GFPD (Optional, family-led fundraiser activity happening nearby)
  • GFPD Midwest Regional Meetup Check-In and Connection Time 

Saturday

  • Breakfast (included)
  • Welcome and Sessions for families, caregivers, patients, and professionals 
  • Community Lunch & Connect (provided by GFPD)  
  • Sessions for families, caregivers, patients, and professionals to share experiences, learn from one another, and build community  
  • Evening: informal, laid-back time to connect with attendees and continue conversations 

Sunday

  • Breakfast (included)
  • Morning connection and closing reflections 
  • Meetup concludes by lunchtime, allowing families time to travel home 

Detailed agenda coming soon!

Who Should Attend?

  • GFPD Warriors
  • Families and Caregivers
  • GFPD Medical & Scientific Advisors
  • Advocates and Professionals

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a longtime community member, this event is designed to support connection, education, and shared experience.

Questions?

For any questions about the meetup, registration, or travel stipends, please reach out to:

Katie Sacra, Director of Family and Community Engagement at katie@thegfpd.org

Ryan Maple, Executive Director at ryan@thegfpd.org

Sponsorship or donation inquiries to support meetups should be directed to:

Kevin Johnson, Partnership Advisor kevin@thegfpd.org