Empowering Survivors, Families & Caregivers
November 15–16, 2025 • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Join us for a transformative weekend of expert-led education, community connection, and emotional support. This event is designed for patients, families and caregivers navigating life after hypothalamic‑pituitary brain tumors.
What to Expect
- Comprehensive sessions on research, tumor treatment, endocrine care, and survivorship
- Workshops dedicated to managing hormone deficiencies in both children and adults
- Interactive panels exploring emotional well-being, grief, and caregiver advocacy
- Networking opportunities with clinicians and families
Who Should Attend?
This conference is for anyone whose life has been touched by a hypothalamic-pituitary brain tumor—patients, parents, caregivers, and clinicians alike.
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, managing long-term effects, or supporting someone you love, this event offers a rare chance to connect with experts and families who truly understand. Learn the latest in treatment and endocrine care, explore real-world tools for daily life, and leave feeling more informed, empowered, and supported than ever before.
If you’ve been searching for answers, resources, or community—you’ll find them here.
Register NowConference Agenda
Saturday, November 15 | The Hub for Clinical Collaboration, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Welcome and Opening Remarks
Craig Alter, MD / Director of CHOP Neuroendocrine Center
9:15am Navigating the Healthcare System
Fran Castellow, MSEd/ President, Operations Patient Advocate Foundation
10:00am Tumor Treatment Approaches
Cassie Kline, MD, MAS / Director of Clinical Research, CHOP Department of Neuro-Oncology
10:45am – Break
11:00am Updates in Hypothalamic-Pituitary Brain Tumor Research
Shana McCormack, MD, MTR / Scientific Director of CHOP Neuroendocrine Center
11:30am Sponsor Presentation
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
11:45am Managing AI, DI (AVP-D), and GH Deficiencies
Craig Alter, MD / Director of CHOP Neuroendocrine Center
12:30 pm Lunch & Stress Dosing Demonstration
1:30pm Adult Endocrine Health
Lewis Blevins, MD / Medical Director of California Center of Pituitary Disorders, UCSF Medical Center
2:20 pm Hypothalamic Obesity: Clinical Management & Nutritional Approaches
Jennifer Miller, MD & Michael Tan, MS, RD, LDN / Division of Endocrinology, University of Florida
3:15pm Sponsor Presentation
Aardvark Therapeutics
3:25pm Group Photo/Break
3:45pm Male and Female Sex Hormone Replacement
Christopher Gibson, MD / CHOP Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes
4:30 pm Clinician Question and Answer Session
Open discussion / all presenters
Sunday, November 16 | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, The Study at University City
8:00 am Breakfast
8:30 AM RAWF Research Updates
Nathalie Kayadjanian, Ph.D. / Scientific Director, Raymond A. Wood Foundation
9:00am Caregiver & Survivor Roundtable Discussion
Moderated by Eugenie Hsu, Ph.D. / Board Chair, Raymond A. Wood Foundation
10:15am Grief Support Fireside Chat
Holly Gainsboro / Grief Support Specialist
11:30am Closing Remarks and Conference Wrap-Up
Amy Wood / Executive Director, Raymond A. Wood Foundation
Location & Logistics
Conference Venue
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia / Hub for Clinical Collaboration
3500 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Sessions will take place in a dedicated conference space within CHOP’s main campus.
Accommodations
We have a room block at The Study at University City, located just a short walk from the hospital. It offers modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for families. Details provided upon registering. Room block expires September 30, 2025.
Meals Provided
- Saturday: Breakfast and lunch (HO friendly)
- Sunday: Breakfast (HO friendly)
Have Questions?
Email us at outreach@rawoodfoundation.org for help with logistics, travel support, or accessibility needs.
Please Note:
This is an in-person only event. We look forward to welcoming you to Philadelphia!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSOR
