Scleroderma Patient
Education Conference
April 24 - 25, 2026
Oak Brook, IL
Get The Support You Deserve
About the Conference
Join us for an inspirational weekend!
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with scleroderma you may have a lot of questions about what to expect and what your treatment options are. This is an opportunity for you to hear directly from scleroderma experts, get answers to your questions and learn about resources available to you.
You'll also have the opportunity to connect with others who have shared experiences and gain support from a community that understands. There's an exchange of ideas and information that can help you become your own best advocate and take charge of your health. Knowledge is power!
Registration is free and meals are included. Please register by April 17.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Plan to join us Friday for additional programming and networking opportunities! This is your chance to make connections and get support from peers. We're also offering a Scleroderma 101 session to kick off the conference for those who would like an overview or may be newly diagnosed.
A limited number of discounted rooms will be available at the Hyatt Lodge. Use the link on this page and book early! Oak Brook is easily accessible from both O'Hare and Midway airports.
See what our Patient Education Conferences are all about!
Scleroderma 101: an Overview
Friday April 24, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
New this year!
Join us for a special Scleroderma 101 session Friday afternoon with Dr. Carrie Richardson, the Co-Director of the Northwestern Scleroderma Program. She will provide an overview of how scleroderma affects the body and how it is treated.
We will also discuss ways to move forward after diagnosis, how to be your best advocate, as well as how to learn from other patient's experiences.
Networking Reception
Friday April 24, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Friday evening, join us for a networking reception from 4:30 - 6:30pm where you can socialize with other attendees.
There will also be an engaging and inspirational panel discussion "Finding Strength & Resilience in the Face of Adversity."
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with people who truly get it and can provide the support you deserve! This discussion will be led by Monika Hilton, Amy Gietzen, and Jim Stempel who are strong patient advocates that will share their lived experiences and how they’ve overcome adversity.
Topics & Speakers
Scleroderma 101: An Overview (Friday, April 24 only)
Carrie Richardson, MD
Co-Director, Northwestern Scleroderma Program
Surgical Approaches to Raynaud's
Scleroderma and Oral Health
Cristin Coquillard, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago
Martin Hogan, DDS
Associate Professor, Loyola University
Interstitial Lung Disease and Scleroderma
Car-T Cell Therapy
Cathryn Lee, MD
Associate Professor, University of Chicago
Michael Macklin, MD
Assistant Professor, University of Chicago
Director, Systemic Sclerosis program at the University of Chicago
Esophageal Symptoms and Treatment in Scleroderma
Achieving Wellness through Art Therapy
Nimrod Deiss-Yehiely, MD
Assistant Professor, University of Chicago
Jennifer La Civita, Psy.D., ATR
Associate Professor, Psychologist, Art Therapist,
Department Chair Adler University, Chicago
Relax & Move: Chair Yoga for Scleroderma
Pulmonary Hypertension
Brooke Hornbaker
Just Be Yoga
Stanley Swat, MD, MSCS
Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago
Associate Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Scleroderma and Nutrition: Panel Discussion
Susannah Baldock, MS, MPH, RD, LDN
Amanda Larrea, MPA, RDN, LDN
Schedule at a Glance
Friday, April 24, 2026
-
1:30 pm - Registration
-
2 - 4 pm - Scleroderma 101: An Overview and Becoming your Own Best Advocate
-
4:30 - 6:30 pm - Networking Reception and Panel Discussion "Finding Strength & Resilience in the Face of Adversity"
Saturday, April 25, 2026
-
8 - 9 am - Registration and Networking Breakfast
-
9 - 9:30 am - Opening Remarks
-
9:30 am - 12 pm - Presentations
-
12 - 1 pm - Networking Luncheon
-
1 pm - 4 pm - Breakout Sessions
-
4 - 4:15 - Closing Remarks and Raffle
Caring for Kids with Scleroderma
Join us for a unique event designed just for parents of kids and teens with scleroderma. We're bringing you a day that is equally engaging for kids and adults. You'll get your questions answered by experts in the field and there will be various opportunities throughout the day for kids to interact with their peers. Registration is free and meals are included.
Jaclyn R.
“The conference has made a meaningful difference in my life because I am able to get educated by doctors, hear from fellow scleroderma warriors and get answers. The Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago has made a positive impact in my life.”
Mark G.
“When I first learned about having the disease, just coming to education conferences was really beneficial to see the doctors in person and understand the research that is going on.”
Karen B.
"I want to inform you that I thought the conference was terrific. The topics, speakers, and breakouts were engaging.I know this was quite a lot of work for you and the team. I am grateful. Bravo!"
Getting there
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook
Conference Center
2715 Jorie Blvd
Oakbrook, IL 60523
Hotel Accommodations
For those interested in hotel accommodations, there is a room block with a limited number of rooms at a special rate of $179, available for Friday, April 24 only. Register early to take advantage of this deal!
Book by March 26!
Community Health Policy
To help protect our scleroderma community, we strongly encourage all attendees to follow illness prevention guidelines. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, a cold, or any contagious illness, such as fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, or feeling unwell, or if you have recently been exposed to someone who is ill, we kindly ask that you stay home.
Surgical masks will be available onsite and remain optional. For those who may be at higher risk or who prefer to be around others wearing masks, designated seating areas will be available where masks are required.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, inclusive, and caring environment for everyone.