Join the GFPD September 25th – 27th for our Midwest–Ohio 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, Hope With Lo, will take place in person on the morning of Saturday, September 26th. While not part of the official meetup programming, attendees are welcome and encouraged to participate!  

REGISTER

Location and Hotel Information

Embassy Suites by Hilton 

2700 Corporate Exchange Drive 

Columbus, OH  43231 

The GFPD has secured a discounted room block at $145.00/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, Wi-Fi, and evening reception. 

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 August 31st, 2026 

Travel stipend decisions will be shared promptly, with all applicants notified no later than September 4, 2026 

APPLY FOR STIPEND

What To Expect

Friday 

  • Hotel Check-In 
  • GFPD Midwest-Ohio Regional Meetup Check-In and Community Connection  
  • Welcome Reception 

Saturday 

  • Breakfast (included) 
  • Optional, family-led fundraiser activity nearby (Hope with Lo) 
  • 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