| 3:00 — 3:10 PM | Welcome (Ballroom) |
| 3:10 — 4:15 PM | Parents and Teens Session with Rachael Grace, MD, MMSc, and Michele Lambert, MD, MSTR (Mt. Vernon meeting room – lobby level) |
| 4:15 — 5:00 PM | Break |
| 5:00 — 6:00 PM | Sobi-sponsored Educational Dinner Program and PDSA Trivia (Ballroom) |
| 6:00 — 6:15 PM | Break |
| 6:15 — 7:30 PM | Inquire & Inspire: Teen gathering with Michael Tarantino, MD & staff (Montpelier meeting room – lower level) |
| 8:00 — 9:00 AM | Breakfast together (Stenton meeting room – lobby level) |
| 9:00 — 9:15 AM | Group Picture; Photo booth |
| 9:15 — 10:15 AM | Teens and Advocacy: How you can make a difference with Jim Romano, Care and Cure Partners (Montpelier meeting room – lower level) |
| 10:15 — 10:30 AM | Break |
| 10:30 — 11:30 AM | Inquire & Inspire (breakout rooms – lobby level) |
| 11:30 — 11:45 AM | Break |
| 11:45 AM — 1:00 PM | Group Project (Montpelier meeting room – lower level) |
| 1:00 — 2:00 PM | Lunch (Stenton meeting room – lobby level) |
| 2:00 — 3:00 PM | Scavenger Hunt (Montpelier meeting room – lower level) |
| 3:00 — 3:15 PM | Break |
| 3:15 — 5:30 PM | Free time (pool, courtyard, etc.) |
| 5:30 — 6:30 PM | Break |
| 6:30 — 7:30 PM | Sanofi-Sponsored Educational Dinner Program Know What Counts: An Open Conversation about ITP (Ballroom) |
| 8:00 — 10:00 PM | Saturday Evening Fun Event |
| 9:00 — 10:30 AM | Breakfast together (Stenton meeting room – lobby level) |
| 10:30 — 11:30 AM | Keynote Speaker – Meeting the Challenge of Rare Disease on the Family: 25 Years of lessons learned (Ballroom) |
| 11:30 AM — 12:45 PM | Living with ITP: Patients share their stories (Ballroom) |
| 12:45 — 1:00 PM | Closing Remarks (Ballroom) |
*Agenda and speakers subject to change
**Breakout group session assignments will be listed on the back of name badges
In 2025, PDSA hosted its 25th annual update on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), marking a milestone event for patients, caregivers, and the medical community. Held July 25–27 in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the in-person conference took place at The Logan, Philadelphia, and offered a meaningful weekend of education, connection, and community.
Each year the ITP conference provides opportunities to hear the latest information about ITP, meet others who are coping and living with ITP and receive answers to your medical questions. Attendees also have the opportunity to engage with PDSA’s Medical Advisors, who are among the most experienced ITP doctors in the world. The ITP Conference continues to be a tremendous opportunity to hear and talk with these world-renowned experts.
In addition to the educational program and social events, PDSA’s conference features several small group sessions that give attendees an opportunity to get to know other patients and caregivers in an intimate environment. We also offer Kids Kamp, a fun and engaging program just for kids ages 5-12. Like conferences in the past, this year’s conference provided a separate track for teens and young adults, ensuring that every age group has a space to learn, share, and make meaningful connections.
A narrated double-decker bus tour introduced attendees to the iconic sights, history, and charm of Philadelphia—making it a memorable highlight of the conference.
Couldn’t be with us in Philadelphia? Though the experience of attending PDSA’s ITP Conference in person cannot be replaced, PDSA is pleased to share informational conference highlights for our members virtually in September for ITP Awareness Month, and our quarterly newsletter, The Platelet News.
PDSA’s next annual ITP Conference will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 24-26, 2026. Stay tuned for more details!
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the PDSA office at (440) 746-9003 or via email at pdsa@pdsa.org
James Bussel, MDDr. James Bussel is Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Obstetrics at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. His training was initiated at Yale, continued at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, then he completed a Pediatric Residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the combined Cornell/Memorial Sloan Kettering program. The great majority of Dr. Bussel’s publications are centered around diagnosis and especially management of patients with ITP, including children with ITP, adults with ITP, pregnant women with ITP, HIV infected patients with thrombocytopenia, and fetuses affected by autoimmune and alloimmune thrombocytopenia. He has worked with IVIg, IV anti-D, rituximab, and most recently the thrombopoietic agents. Dr. Bussel also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Douglas Cines, MDDr. Douglas Cines is a hematologist and researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Cines is a central figure in the field of immune thrombocytopenia, and his research focuses on the breakdown of tolerance in ITP including consideration of secondary ITP and the evolution of antiplatelet antibodies and the potential for epitope spreading. He has been published in several notable publications, including New England Journal of Medicine and Blood. Dr. Cines also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Annemarie Fogerty, MDDr. Annemarie Fogerty is a Hematology Specialist in Boston, MA with over 18 years of experience. She graduated from New York University School of Medicine in 2003, then went on to internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She completed her fellowship training at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She currently serves as the Clinical Director for Hematology and Director of Reproductive Hematology at both Massachusetts General Hospital and Newton Wellesley Hospital. Her particular areas of clinical expertise and research focus on thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in the pregnant patient. Dr. Fogerty also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Al Freedman, PhDDr. Al Freedman is a psychologist, educator, and rare disease advocate with more than two decades of experience working with individuals and families affected by rare diseases and disabilities.
Dr. Al is inspired by his personal journey as the father of Jack, who lived with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) for 26 years as well as his professional training and experience as an educator to provide counseling and consultation. He works with families, advocacy organizations, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and schools to create meaningful support systems and impactful change within the rare disease and disability communities.
Terry Gernsheimer, MDDr. Terry Gernsheimer is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Medical Director of the Platelet Antibody Laboratory at the Puget Sound Blood Center, and Director of Transfusion Services at the University of Washington Medical Center and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Dr. Gernsheimer’s major research interests include the diagnosis, treatment and pathophysiology of autoimmune platelet disorders as well as several aspects of transfusion medicine and medical education. Dr. Gernsheimer also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Rachael Grace, MD, MMScDr. Rachael Grace is a Pediatric Hematologist at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the Medical Director of the Hematology Clinical Research Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and is recipient of the Blanche P. Alter Investigatorship in Hematology. Dr. Grace received her MD from Brown University and received her Masters in Medical Science from Harvard Medical School. She completed her pediatrics residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. She is the director of the pediatric ITP Consortium of North America (ICON), a collaboration of more than 50 sites in North America focused on improving ITP care for children. She is a leading investigator for multiple observational and interventional research studies for children with ITP and is involved in national ITP guideline initiatives. Dr. Grace’s clinical and research interests are focused on improving outcomes of children with immune cytopenias and rare congenital hemolytic anemias. Dr. Grace also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Kristin Hunt, MDCM, MSc, FRCP(C)Dr. Kristin Hunt was diagnosed with chronic ITP at the age of 12 years old. She started volunteering and fundraising for PDSA in 2010. She co-founded the ITP Kids Camp and continues to serve on the patient research panel. Determined to continue helping patients, she decided to build her career in medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology (2014) and a Master of Science in Immunology (2016) from McGill University in Montreal, QC. She later obtained her medical degree from McGill University, graduating with the class of 2020. While studying, she also co-founded McGill’s first Rare Disease Interest Group. She then completed her pediatrics residency training at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and recently became a licensed pediatrician in June 2024. She is now completing her second and final year of subspecialty training in Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Hunt hopes to use both her personal and professional experiences to continue helping ITP patients and all those affected by immune-mediated disorders.
Craig Kessler, MDDr. Craig Kessler, Professor of Medicine and Pathology, is the Director of the Hemophilia and Thrombosis Comprehensive Treatment Center and Director of the Division of Coagulation in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC. His research interests include development and analysis of treatment strategies for bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and ITP. Dr. Kessler has also designed and participated in numerous clinical trials to study the pathophysiology and treatment of thrombophilic states, such as venous thromboembolism and cancer. He has written over 250 papers and chapters and is co-editor of a popular authoritative textbook on consultative hemostasis. Dr. Kessler also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
David J. Kuter, MD, DPhilDr. David Kuter is Chief of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. He earned a research doctorate (DPhil) at Magdalen College of Oxford University and a medical degree at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kuter is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. In addition, Dr. Kuter sits on numerous national and international ITP committees and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology. He has dedicated years of effort to researching coagulopathies, anticoagulation, and platelet disorders. In recent years, Dr. Kuter has conducted groundbreaking research into the development of effective thrombopoietic agents. Dr. Kuter also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Michele P. Lambert, MD, MSTRDr. Lambert is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Medical Director of the Special Coagulation Laboratory at CHOP. She graduated from UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (now Rutgers) and completed her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children followed by a year as Chief Resident. She then moved the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she completed her fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology. She received her Masters in Translational Medicine in 2001. Her research efforts have focused on understanding the control of platelet production by megakaryocytes (the cells that make platelets) and the ways in which genetics influence platelet function and number in various clinical scenarios including ITP and inherited platelet disorders. Dr. Lambert also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Howard A. Liebman, MDDr. Howard Liebman is Professor of Medicine and Pathology at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. He serves as Medical Director of the Special Hemostasis Laboratory at USC’s Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and is Director of the fellowship program in hematology. Dr Liebman received his medical degree from USC and completed his postgraduate training including a residency in internal medicine and fellowships in medical oncology and hematology at Los Angeles County – University of Southern California Medical Center. Dr Liebman completed a research fellowship at Tufts University – New England Medical Center, Boston, MA and held faculty positions at Tufts University and Boston University, before returning to USC. Dr Liebman’s research interests include clinical management and characterization of haemostatic and thrombotic disorders, management of autoimmune blood disorders and clinical therapy of HIV and AIDS. He has authored or co-authored 85 peer-reviewed publications and 26 reviews and chapters. Dr. Liebman also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Ishac Nazy, PhDDr. Ishac Nazy is an associate professor of Medicine, Hematology & Thromboembolism at McMaster University. His research interests include the specific interactions between antibodies and their target antigens on platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis. Heparin induced thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenia are great models for identifying key factors involved in the pathogenesis of the immune responses leading to low platelet counts. Dr. Nazy's research focuses on the cellular and humoral immunity and the downstream effects on platelet physiology.
Diane J. Nugent, MDDr. Diane Nugent is a Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She currently serves as Chair, Hematology, CHOC Children’s Hospital of North Orange County, Orange, CA; Medical Director, Hematology and Blood and Donor Services CHOC Children’s; and Division Chief, Hematology, CHOC Children’s Specialists. Dr. Nugent is a nationally-recognized expert in pediatric hematology who specializes in blood disorders, bone marrow failure, bleeding and clotting disorders, anemias, and immune deficiencies. She is involved in clinical trials for rare blood disorders and is a principal investigator for regional hemophilia programs. Dr. Nugent has coauthored more than100 journal articles and book chapters. She chairs review subcommittees at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB) at NIH in hematology. Dr. Nugent also participates in the Pediatric ITP Consortium of North American (ICON), a group of pediatric hematologists dedicated to improving the understanding, treatment and quality of life (QOL) of pediatric ITP patients. Dr. Nugent also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Michael Tarantino, MDDr. Michael Tarantino is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria and Medical Director of the Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute. He received a doctoral degree in medicine from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1987. He completed an internship and residency at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. Dr. Tarantino first became interested in ITP during his residency in 1988. Since that time, he has designed and/or participated in numerous clinical investigations related to ITP and other platelet disorders. He has authored numerous publications relevant to the diagnosis and management of ITP, especially as it occurs in children. He is also active in hemophilia and other bleeding disorders research. Dr. Tarantino also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Deirdra "Dee" Terrell, Ph.D.Dr. Dee Terrell is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Assistant Dean for Sovereignty, Opportunity, Belonging, & Engagement. Her research interests include diseases of platelet disorders and improving life after recovery from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). She has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and is a National Institute of Health K01 awardee. Her K01 grant proposal focuses on improving the lives of patients after they recover from TTP. Her career development training focused on the theory and application of patient-reported outcomes. She is also an active member of the Guideline Oversight Subcommittee for the American Society of Hematology.
Arches National Park
https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm
Bonneville Salt Flats
https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonneville-salt-flats
Bryce Canyon National Park
https://www.brycecanyoncountry.com/
Canyonlands National Park
https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm
Capitol Reef National Park
https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm
Eccles Theatre
https://www.saltlakecountyarts.org/venues/eccles-theater/
Great Salt Lake
https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-great-salt-lake/
Hale Center Theatre
https://hct.org/Online/default.asp
Hogle Zoo
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
https://livingplanetaquarium.org/
Mormon Heritage
Natural History Museum of Utah
Red Butte Garden
Temple Square
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/templesquare?lang=eng
Tracy Aviary
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
Zion National Park
https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
This year, PDSA will host its 26th annual update on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for patients, caregivers and the medical community in Salt Lake City, Utah July 24-26. This year’s patient conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City, in the Center City District. Each year the ITP conference provides opportunities to hear the latest information about ITP, meet others who are coping and living with ITP and receive answers to your medical questions. You will also have the opportunity to ask your questions to PDSA’s medical advisors, who are some of the most experienced ITP doctors in the world. You don’t want to miss out on this tremendous opportunity to hear and talk with these world-renowned experts.
In addition to the educational program and social events, our conference will feature several small group sessions to give you an opportunity to get to know other patients and caregivers in an intimate environment. We will also offer programs for children at our Kids Kamp for children ages 5-12. Like conferences in the past, this year’s conference will provide a separate track for teens and young adults.
All meeting activities will be held at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City. From the Hyatt Regency: Discover one of the fastest-growing and most exciting urban hubs in the country. Plan your stay to indulge in natural beauty, from hiking and biking trails just a short drive away from our hotel. Boasting spacious guest rooms and suites with views of the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains, our new hotel, in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, offers an outdoor pool, charming fire pits and exceptional dining options, including our Spanish restaurant, Mar | Muntanya, which features a cozy rooftop terrace.
If you plan to stay at the Hyatt Regency, Salt Lake City, please reserve your room as soon as possible to receive our special conference rate of $199 a night (king or double/double), plus tax. This rate is for 2 adults or a family of 4 with children under age 18. This special PDSA rate is also available for conference attendees three days before and three days after the conference. This special rate applies to reservations that are made by July 7, 2026, as long as rooms at the hotel are available. We encourage you to make your hotel reservation early to ensure room availability.
Hotel reservations cannot be made until you have completed your conference registration. Upon completion, you will be sent instructions for making your room reservations.
Patient/Caregiver Registration
Partial scholarships to attend the ITP Conference are available. Please send a completed conference registration form, along with a letter describing your diagnosis, financial need, and the benefit you hope to derive from attending the conference to Brenda Foster at bfoster@pdsa.org, or by mail to PDSA, 8751 Brecksville Road, Suite 150, Cleveland, OH 44141. Deadline to apply for a scholarship is July 1, 2026. Applicants must be PDSA members.
If you need to cancel your registration for the Conference, you must submit your request to cancel in writing prior to July 7, 2026. All fees less a $50 administrative charge will be refunded if a written request is received before the July 7th deadline. After July 7, 2026, no refunds will be issued.
Casino Night Extravaganza
All Ages Welcome | Free Event
Saturday, July 25 from 8–10 PM on the Sundance Terrace (Level 6), Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
Join us for an unforgettable Monte Carlo night filled with excitement, fun, and a dash of luck! Experience the thrill of casino games in a welcoming atmosphere, where our friendly dealers will guide you every step of the way.
♦ Complimentary play money ♦ Cash bar ♦ Live entertainment 8–9 PM
Download Flyer
If you have any questions or require assistance while completing the registration form, please contact Jody Shy at the PDSA office at (440) 746-9003 or via email at jshy@pdsa.org. You can also visit our FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.
If you are not a patient or caregiver of a patient, please use this link to register:
Medical Professionals & Industry Registration
Photography and Video Disclaimer:
Photographers and video technicians will be present throughout the event space. We encourage you, if you desire, to wear purple clothing, which represents platelets and is PSDA’s signature color.
By virtue of your registration confirmation to the event, you irrevocably consent to and authorize the use of your image on video or in photographs by the Platelet Disorder Support Association. This includes any reproduction of the image(s) in any media whatsoever, in connection with PDSA’s promotion of programs, materials, and services.
If you are interested in applying for a partial conference scholarship which is applied toward conference registration for two and your hotel room for three nights (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), please follow these instructions:
The deadline for scholarship applications is July 1, 2026.
Please note: Travel costs are NOT included in the partial scholarship. Due to the limited number of scholarships available, they will be awarded on a first come, first served basis and preference will be given to first-time attendees.
You MUST be a paid PDSA member to be eligible for a conference scholarship.
Photography and Video Disclaimer:
Photographers and video technicians will be present throughout the event space. We encourage you, if you desire, to wear purple clothing, which represents platelets and is PSDA’s signature color.
By virtue of your registration confirmation to the event, you irrevocably consent to and authorize the use of your image on video or in photographs by the Platelet Disorder Support Association. This includes any reproduction of the image(s) in any media whatsoever, in connection with PDSA’s promotion of programs, materials, and services.
Photography and Video Disclaimer:
Photographers and video technicians will be present throughout the event space. We encourage you, if you desire, to wear purple clothing, which represents platelets and is PSDA’s signature color.
By virtue of your registration confirmation to the event, you irrevocably consent to and authorize the use of your image on video or in photographs by the Platelet Disorder Support Association. This includes any reproduction of the image(s) in any media whatsoever, in connection with PDSA’s promotion of programs, materials, and services.
Platelet Disorder Support Association
8751 Brecksville Road Suite 150
Cleveland, OH 44141
440.746.9003 | pdsa@pdsa.org
The Platelet Disorder Support Association is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
© Copyright 1997 - 2026, Platelet Disorder Support Association. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT!
The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.