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 evening 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 on Friday 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!
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
Scleroderma and Nutrition
Amanda Larrea, MPA, RDN, LPN
Nimrod Deiss-Yehiely, MD
Assistant Professor, University of 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
Schedule at a Glance
Friday, April 24, 2026
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1:30 pm - Registration
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2 - 4 pm - Scleroderma 101: An Overview
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5:00 - 6:30 pm - Networking Reception and Panel Discussion
Saturday, April 25, 2026
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8 - 9 am - Registration and Networking Breakfast
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9 - 9:30 am - Opening Remarks
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9:30 am - 12 pm - Presentations
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12 - 1 pm - Networking Luncheon
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1 pm - 4 pm - Presentations
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4 - 4:30 - 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!
Covid-19 Policy
Covid-19 prevention guidelines will continue to be strongly encouraged to protect our scleroderma community. If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, such as a fever or cough, or have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid-19 we ask that you stay home. Surgical masks will be available but remain optional. For those who may be at higher risk or prefer being around others who are wearing masks, we will have tables reserved at the conference where masks will be required.