Patient and Loved One Summit

Each year, the CDCN hosts an in-person and virtual gathering of patients and loved ones from around the world. Featured during this three-dat event are informational and coping sessions, research updates, a Q&A with the experts, a “fun day” and more.

Registration for the 2025 Patient and Loved One Summit is NOW OPEN!

Thursday, August 7 through Saturday, August 9, 2025

The Study in University City

Philadelphia, PA

The event will be held at The Study at University City, located at 20 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104. To accommodate those traveling to attend, the CDCN has reserved a block of hotel rooms at a special rate of $194 per night. Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your room as soon as possible.

Summit Schedule Overview

Thursday, August 7, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET | Warrior Welcome Reception (Optional)

    • Informal gathering hosted by CDCN Warriors

    • Appetizers provided & cash bar available

    • Great opportunity to mingle with fellow CD community members

Friday, August 8, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Summit Programming

    • 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Check-in & Breakfast
      • Hot breakfast buffet available
      • Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options included
    • 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Blood & Saliva Sample Collection
    • Key sessions include:
      • Welcome & Castleman Disease Overview – Dr. David Fajgenbaum
      • CD Research Progress – Dr. Mike Gonzalez, Dr. Lu Zhang
      • Subtype Breakout Sessions (choose the topic most relevant to you):
          • UCD – Dr. Sunita Nasta, Dr. Luke Chen
          • iMCD – Dr. David Fajgenbaum, Dr. Frits van Rhee
          • HHV-8+ MCD – Dr. Ramya Ramaswami
          • Oligocentric CD – Dr. Josh Brandstadter
      • Physician Q&A Panel – Top CD specialists answer your questions
      • Coping with Castleman Disease Sessions (Patients, Loved Ones, Virtual attendees)
      • Closing Remarks, Warrior Awards & Group Photo

Saturday, August 9, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Community Fun Day (Optional)
📍 Libertee Grounds – 1600 W Girard Ave Suite C5, Philadelphia, PA

    • Shuttle service provided
    • CD-focused programming + social activities
    • Lunch, mini-golf, temporary tattoos, and more!

Please contact Madison Ahearn at madison@castlemannetwork.org with any questions you might have.


Highlights from our 2024 Patient and Loved One Summit

Our 2024 Summit, held at The Study in University City in Philadelphia from July 25 through 27, drew hundreds of in-person and virtual attendees from around the world. Five countries were represented onsite, with patients and loved ones traveling from across the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile and Ireland, and more joining in virtually.

In-person attendees enjoyed a welcome reception hosted by our Warriors on day one, followed by a packed agenda for everyone on day two. On day three, those participating in-person took part in a picnic lunch at Sunset Social on the Cira Green Rooftop, overlooking the City of Philadelphia.

As always, the 2024 Summit offered a multitude of educational information, the latest research updates, and numerous opportunities for attendees to connect with others in our extraordinary CD community.

Congratulations to our 2024 Warrior Award Recipients who were recognized for their exemplary engagement with the CDCN and the support they provide to our patient and loved one community!

Penny DeRemer

Patient of the Year

Joe Carleno

Loved One of the Year

Thank you to Recordati for sponsoring our 2024 Patient and Loved One Summit, and to everyone who joined us in-person and virtually!

2024 Summit Agenda

 


Celebrating Our Previous Castleman Warrior Award Recipients

Each year, the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network presents a series of awards to members of our community in recognition of their impact, whether through research, patient care, support, advocacy, awareness building or fundraising. The following award recipients truly embody the values of patient focus, innovation, collaboration, impact with urgency, diversity and commitment.

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