5th GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference
Thank you to our Sponsors: |
Dr. Donald Chambers & Dr. Rhonna Cohen
Donovan & Tammy Ruh Jimmy & Victoria Myers |
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Helping Hands for GAND hosted the 5th GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference July 16-18, 2026, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois just outside of Chicago. To learn about sponsoring future events, please contact us.
Helping Hands for GAND proudly hosted the 5th GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference from July 16-18, 2026, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois, bringing together more than 165 family members, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, therapists, volunteers, and advocates from around the world.
Over three incredible days, our global GAND community came together to learn, connect, and inspire one another through scientific presentations, family-led discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful opportunities to build lifelong friendships. Attendees explored the latest research, shared practical strategies for navigating life with GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND), and celebrated the remarkable progress our community has made together.
The conference featured presentations from leading researchers and clinicians, parent panels, sessions on communication, behavior, education, adolescence and adulthood, caregiver wellness, and dedicated programming for siblings, teens, young adults, and children. Every session reinforced the power of collaboration between families, healthcare professionals, and researchers as we work toward improving the lives of individuals living with GAND.
Perhaps the most memorable moments came outside the meeting rooms. Watching families reconnect, meeting those attending for the first time, and seeing our incredible GAND children, teens, and adults together. For many, it was the first time being surrounded by others who truly understood their journey, creating friendships and support networks that will last long after the conference ended.
As we celebrated our growing international community, one message echoed throughout the weekend: rare disease can feel isolating, but no family has to walk this journey alone.
Thank you to our speakers, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and every family who traveled near and far to make this Gathering such an incredible success. Together, we continue to advance research, strengthen our community, and build hope for every individual and family affected by GAND.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are the GAND community. 💜💚
Over three incredible days, our global GAND community came together to learn, connect, and inspire one another through scientific presentations, family-led discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful opportunities to build lifelong friendships. Attendees explored the latest research, shared practical strategies for navigating life with GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND), and celebrated the remarkable progress our community has made together.
The conference featured presentations from leading researchers and clinicians, parent panels, sessions on communication, behavior, education, adolescence and adulthood, caregiver wellness, and dedicated programming for siblings, teens, young adults, and children. Every session reinforced the power of collaboration between families, healthcare professionals, and researchers as we work toward improving the lives of individuals living with GAND.
Perhaps the most memorable moments came outside the meeting rooms. Watching families reconnect, meeting those attending for the first time, and seeing our incredible GAND children, teens, and adults together. For many, it was the first time being surrounded by others who truly understood their journey, creating friendships and support networks that will last long after the conference ended.
As we celebrated our growing international community, one message echoed throughout the weekend: rare disease can feel isolating, but no family has to walk this journey alone.
Thank you to our speakers, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and every family who traveled near and far to make this Gathering such an incredible success. Together, we continue to advance research, strengthen our community, and build hope for every individual and family affected by GAND.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are the GAND community. 💜💚
The heart of our mission: Children, teens, and adults living with GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND) who inspire our work every day. To help us continue advancing research, supporting families, and building our global GAND community, please consider making a donation today.
4th GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference
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Helping Hands for GAND hosted the 4th GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference July 18–20, 2024, at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites in historic Williamsburg, Virginia.
To learn about sponsoring future events, please contact us.
3rd GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference
Hosted by Helping Hands for GAND in partnership with Global Genes
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Platinum Sponsor
Helping Hands for GAND, in partnership with Global Genes, hosted the 3rd GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference at Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio, July 14–16, 2022.
To learn about sponsoring future events, please contact us.
To learn about sponsoring future events, please contact us.
2nd GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference
sponsored by
Presenting Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Helping Hands for GAND hosted the 2nd GAND Gathering & Scientific Conference June 21-23, 2018, in Orlando, Florida. Once again, families had the opportunity to meet fellow members of this rare community in a family-friendly event. In attendance were 145 people from 29 families representing 31 of the 93 (at the time) known cases in the world as well as 2 researchers, an AAC practitioner, and a team of ABA therapists. Some of the topics presented and discussed included flourishing in a GAND family, understanding GAND, mice models of GAND, the past and future of Helping Hands for GAND, how applied behavior analysis (ABA) can help children with GAND, and benefits of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). A parent panel discussed observations on medical and therapeutic approaches, and a special group discussion was held for siblings of children with GAND. Families also enjoyed the resort's pool and waterpark, group meals, and cocktail hours.
Being members of such a rare community means that families do not have access to local support groups for GAND. For most families, GAND Gatherings may the the only opportunity they have to meet others facing the same challenges. Please consider making a difference in the lives of these families by donating to Helping Hands for GAND so that we can adequately fund future gathering events.
Being members of such a rare community means that families do not have access to local support groups for GAND. For most families, GAND Gatherings may the the only opportunity they have to meet others facing the same challenges. Please consider making a difference in the lives of these families by donating to Helping Hands for GAND so that we can adequately fund future gathering events.
1st GAND Family Gathering
Helping Hands for GAND hosted our 1st GAND Family Gathering June 23-25, 2016, in St. Louis, Missouri. This event was made possible through a generous grant from Global Genes. In attendance were 73 people (and 1 assistance dog) from 18 families representing 19 of the 42 (at the time) known cases in the world. Families were able to learn more about this incredibly rare disorder by connecting with researcher/clinician Dr. Tyler Pierson from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, by meeting and hearing from other affected families, and by participating in group discussions. Some of the topics presented and discussed included understanding GAND, advocating for your child in the special education setting, communication, resources for GAND families, and self-help skills. Families also enjoyed local outings and meals together. It was a wonderful time of building relationships with a community of people facing many of the same challenges. Thank you to Global Genes, our donors, and all of the families for making this event possible! We'd love to do this again!
If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to our mission to support families affected by GAND, please visit our Donation page.
If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to our mission to support families affected by GAND, please visit our Donation page.
