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
Morning
| 8:00am – 9:00am | Registration & Breakfast |
| 9:00am – 9:15am | Welcome Shana McCormack, MD, MTR, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Amy Wood, Raymond A. Wood Foundation |
| 9:15am – 10:15am Session 1 – Keynote | Costs and Coverage: Navigating Financial Hardships in Today’s Chaotic Climate Fran Castellow, MSEd, President, Operations, Patient Advocate Foundation |
| 10:15am – 10:30am | Brain Break |
| 10:30am – 11:10am Session 2 | Latest Findings in Clinical Trials and Research Shana McCormack, MD, MTR Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia |
| 11:10am – 11:20am | Sponsor Spotlight Kristina Shields Rhythm Pharmaceuticals |
| 11:30am – 12:00pm Session 3 | Tumor Treatment Approaches Cassie Kline, MD Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Lunch & Networking Stress Dosing Demonstrations Ryan LaBella, LPN Amanda Reyneuse Jennifer Jerusik |
Afternoon
| 1:00pm – 1:50pm Session 5 | Breakout Sessions Male Sex Hormone Replacement Christopher Gibson, MD Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Female Sex Hormone Replacement Jacquelyn Hatch-Stein, MD Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Adult Endocrine Issues Sanjay Jumani, MD Thomas Jefferson University |
| 1:50pm – 2:00pm | Brain Break |
| 2:00pm – 3:00pm Session 6 | Hypothalamic Obesity: Clinical Management & Nutritional Approaches Jennifer Miller, MD Michael Tan, MS, RD, LDN University of Florida |
| 3:00pm – 3:15pm | Group Photo |
| 3:15pm – 4:00pm Session 7 | Managing AI, AVP-D, and GH Deficiencies Craig Alter, MD Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | General Q & A Panel & Closing Remarks |
Sunday, November 16 | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, The Study at University City
8:00am | Breakfast |
| 8:30am – 9:30am | Navigating Grief: A Fireside Chat Holly Gainsboro, Grief Support Specialist Moderated by Malikah Kelly, Outreach Coordinator, RAWF |
| 9:30am-10:00am | Driving Discovery: Strategic Research Updates from RAWF Nathalie Kayadjanian, Ph.D., Scientific Director, RAWF |
| 10:00am – 11:15am | Survivor & Caregiver Roundtable Discussions Moderated by Eugenie Hsu, Ph.D., Board Chair, RAWF |
| 11:15am – 11:30am | Closing Remarks and Conference Wrap-Up Amy Wood, Executive Director, RAWF |
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
