Two powerful gatherings. One shared mission: connection, education, and hope.
Our Annual International Patient and Loved One Summit in Philadelphia, PA PLUS a Satellite Summit in Phoenix, AZ
Join us in 2026 for not one, but two opportunities to connect with patients, loved ones, physicians, and advocates from around the world. Whether you attend our premier international event in Philadelphia or our satellite Summit in Phoenix, you’ll leave with the knowledge, support, and a stronger sense of community to help you battle Castleman disease.
The CDCN Patient & Loved One Summit is designed to connect, educate, and empower the Castleman disease community. In 2026, you can join us at one of two events: our International Patient and Loved One Summit in Philadelphia, PA or our Satellite Summit in Phoenix, AZ. Both gatherings offer meaningful opportunities to learn from experts, share experiences, and connect with others who understand your journey.
Registration is free for Castleman disease patients and their loved ones. For the Philadelphia Summit, the deadline to register for in-person attendance is Friday, July 3, 2026. For the Phoenix Summit, the registration deadline is Friday, September 11, 2026.
To attend, simply complete the registration form and select your preferred location. We look forward to welcoming you.
The CDCN offers travel grants to help Castleman disease patients and their loved ones attend the Patient & Loved One Summit at either location. These grants are designed to ease the financial burden of travel and lodging for those who might not otherwise be able to participate.
Since funds are limited, priority will be given to patients to ensure those most in need can attend.
Travel grant awards may be applied to two nights of hotel stays under the CDCN room block and transportation costs to and from the Summit for eligible recipients.
Please be sure to complete the registration form before applying for a travel grant. If you are not registered to attend, your application will not be valid.
Application deadline:
- Philadelphia: Friday, May 16, 2026 –CLOSED
- Phoenix: Friday, July 3, 2026 – CLOSED
Event Overview
Two Summits. One Community.
In 2026, we are expanding access and impact by hosting two Patient & Loved One Summits:
International Patient & Loved One Summit
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Dates: July 30 – August 1, 2026
Our premier global gathering brings together patients, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals from around the world. This multi-day event features expert-led sessions, community discussions, and opportunities to connect in person.
Satellite Patient and Loved One Summit
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Dates: October 11 & 12, 2026
Designed to increase accessibility, our Satellite Summit offers a more regional experience while maintaining the same high-quality programming, resources, and community engagement.
What to Expect at Both Summits:
-
- Educational sessions led by experts
- Patient and caregiver panels
- Community-building opportunities
- Resource sharing and support
Agenda
| TIME | SESSION | SPEAKER(S) | ROOM |
| 8:30 am | Registration & Breakfast | ||
| 9:30 – 9:35 am | Welcome & Opening Remarks | Dr. David Fajgenbaum | Main Salon |
| 9:35– 10:15 am | Overview of Castleman Disease Learn about Castleman Disease, how the CDCN was founded and resources available for newly diagnosed patients |
Dr. David Fajgenbaum | Main Salon |
| Test your CD Knowledge
Interactive game to test how well you know the CDCN and Castleman disease |
Dr. Luke Chen | Drafting Room | |
| BREAKOUT SESSIONS — Treatments, Research and Symptom Management | |||
| 10:15 – 11:15 am | Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease | Dr. Sunita Nasta | Main Salon |
| Unicentric & Oligocentric Castleman Disease | Dr. Josh Brandstadter | Drafting Room | |
| 11:15 am | Break | ||
| 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Castleman Disease Research Progress Discuss the current research landscape with members of the Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment and Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania |
Melanie Mumau
Mike Gonzalez Josh Brandstadter |
Main Salon |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch | ||
| 1:30 – 2:45 pm | Ask the Experts CD expert facilitated panel to answer pre-submitted, virtual and live questions from patients and loved ones; moderated by Madison Ahearn |
Dr. Josh Brandstadter
Dr. Luke Chen |
Main Salon |
| BREAKOUT SESSIONS — Coping with a Castleman Disease Diagnosis | |||
| 2:45 – 3:45 pm | Patients An open, facilitated discussion for patients to share their experiences with others who get it |
Mary Zuccato Facilitator |
Main Salon |
| Loved Ones A dedicated space for caregivers, family members, and loved ones to speak openly about their own experience supporting a patient with CD |
Mileva Repasky Facilitator |
Drafting Room | |
| CLOSING | |||
| 3:45 – 4:00 pm | Closing Remarks | Dr. David Fajgenbaum | Main Salon |
Travel & Lodging
Getting There
Philadelphia Summit:
-
- Closest Airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Closest Train Station: William H. Gray III 30th Street
- Easy access via public transportation and rideshare
Phoenix Summit:
-
- Closest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Convenient access to hotels and venue
Lodging
Philadelphia Summit:
We have secured a discounted room block at The Study at University City for attendees of the Philadelphia Summit.
Address:
20 S 33rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone:
(215) 387-1400
Cut-Off Date for Booking:
July 4, 2026
Phoenix Summit:
We have secured a discounted room block at Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Glendale Sports & Entertainment District for attendees of the Phoenix Summit.
Address:
7350 N. Zanjero Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85305
Phone:
(623) 772-8900
Cut-Off Date for Booking:
September 14, 2026
We recommend booking early, as rooms in the block are limited and may fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Summit?
Patients, loved ones, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates are all welcome.
Do I need to attend both Summits?
No. Each Summit is a standalone event. You may attend one or both.
Will sessions be recorded?
Select sessions may be recorded and shared after the event.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes—travel grants are available for eligible attendees.
How do I choose between Philadelphia and Phoenix?
Choose the location that is most convenient for you—both events offer valuable programming and community.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help. Contact us at events@castlemannetwork.org.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
We’re deeply grateful to our sponsor for their generous support of the annual Patient and Loved One Summits.
Past Meetings
Didn’t make it to the last meeting and looking to catch up on what you missed? Scroll through all of our past sessions on our youtube channel.
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.