This is a volunteer-led group trip. For travel planning purposes, the group will depart 10:15 AM from the hotel lobby, with an estimated return at 2 PM. Reserve a spot by Monday, June 22.

Have you ever wanted to see how a research lab is set up? Here’s your chance! Children’s Hospital Colorado is offering lab tours for APFED conference registrants. There is no cost. We will meet in the Hyatt lobby at 3:45 PM and travel together to the hospital on the hotel shuttle. The group is expected to return around 5 PM. Closed toe shoes and long pants must be worn during the tour. Food and drink are NOT permitted in the lab. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone in order to enter the lab. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Registrations are first-come first-serve.

Reserve a spot

Welcome + Opening Remarks

Patient Voice: Impact of EGID

How EGIDs Differ Biologically and Clinically

Laura A. Quinn, MD

Assistant Professor, Pediatrics–Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine

What Genetics Can—and Can’t—Tell Us About EGIDs Today

Tetsuo Shoda, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

EGID Diagnostics and Monitoring: Current and Future Directions

Nathalie Nguyen, MD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics–Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition University of Colorado

Clinical Director of  Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program, Children’s Hospital Colorado

Panel Q&A

Laura Quinn
Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine

Laura Quinn

X

Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine

Nathalie Nguyen
University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado

Nathalie Nguyen

X

University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado

Tetsuo Shoda
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Tetsuo Shoda

X

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Emerging Research in Non-EoE EGID

Calies Menard-Katcher, MD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics–Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

University of Colorado School of Medicine

Digestive Health Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado

Where Is EGID Research Headed? Updates and New Directions from CEGIR

Glenn Furuta, MD

Director, Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Panel Q&A

Calies Menard-Katcher
Children's Hospital Colorado

Calies Menard-Katcher

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Dan Atkins
Children's Hospital Colorado

Dan Atkins

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Glenn Furuta
Children's Hospital Colorado

Glenn Furuta

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Reevaluating Your Care Plan: When Something Isn’t Working—and What to Do Next

Session Sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron

Nathalie Nguyen, MD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics–Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

University of Colorado

Clinical Director of Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Am I Eliminating Too Much? New Paradigm Shifts in Dietary Treatment

Allison Hicks, MD

Assistant Professor, Pediatric Allergy & Immunology

Associate Medical Director, Colorado Springs Allergy & Immunology

Children's Hospital Colorado

Nutrition and Dietary Therapy in EGIDs: Practical Considerations

Taryn Van Brennan, RDN

Pediatric Clinical Dietitian

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Feeding Challenges in EGIDs: The Role of Feeding Therapy and Nutrition Specialists

Rebecca Doidge, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist and Feeding Specialist

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Panel Q&A

Allison Hicks
Children's Hospital Colorado

Allison Hicks

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Nathalie Nguyen
University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado

Nathalie Nguyen

X

University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado

Rebecca Doidge
Children's Hospital Colorado

Rebecca Doidge

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Taryn Van Brennan
Children's Hospital Colorado

Taryn Van Brennan

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

How Gut Bacteria and Immune Cells Influence EGID

Lisa Spencer, PhD

Associate Professor, Pediatrics-Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

University of Colorado Anschutz

EoE Treatments and Breakthroughs

Maureen Bauer, MD

Associate Professor

Pediatrics- Allergy & Immunology

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Fireside Chat: Looking Back, Looking Forward, 25 Years of Progress, People, and Purpose 

Wendy Book, MD 
Glenn Furuta, MD
Beth Camacho

Beth Camacho
APFED

Beth Camacho

X

APFED

Lisa Spencer
University of Colorado Anschutz

Lisa Spencer

X

University of Colorado Anschutz

Maureen Bauer
Children's Hospital Colorado

Maureen Bauer

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Pia Hauk, MD
Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Anschutz

Pia Hauk, MD

X

Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Anschutz

Dr. Pia J. Hauk is a Professor of Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology, at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (UCSM) and Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO). After her medical training in Germany, she moved to the US in 1994 to work as a research fellow at National Jewish Health (NJH) in Denver. She then completed a pediatric residency at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a pediatric allergy/immunology fellowship at NJH/UCSM. As faculty at NJH, she pursued studies on pathogenic mechanisms of asthma and allergic diseases and took care of patients, from 2014 until 2020 as the director of pediatric clinical services. Shen then joined the faculty at CHCO where she is providing care for patients with immune dysregulation, mast cell disorders, and allergic diseases. She enjoys working with complex patients using a multidisciplinary approach as in the gastrointestinal eosinophilic diseases gastrointestinal (GEDP) multidisciplinary clinic.

Join us as we celebrate APFED's 25th Anniversary with an evening of fun, connection, and impact! Enjoy an allergy-friendly buffet, play a lively game of BINGO — one complimentary card included for our celebratory round, plus 5 complimentary cards for rounds that follow — and explore our Silent Auction featuring exciting items. Auction items will be showcased during the event, with bidding opening on Thursday and winners announced on Friday evening. Proceeds from the Silent Auction will support APFED's Hope on the Horizon Research Grant Program.

Welcome + Opening Remarks

Supporting Mental Health While Managing Medical Care

Jane Robinson, PhD

Clinical Pediatric Psychologist

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Multidisciplinary EGID Care: Benefits and Challenges 

Dan Atkins

Advocacy, Communication, and Self-Care in Complex Medical Care

Panel Q&A

Dan Atkins
Children's Hospital Colorado

Dan Atkins

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Jane Robinson
Children's Hospital Colorado

Jane Robinson

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Welcome + Opening Remarks

Managing EGID Day to Day: Medications, Diets, and Appointments

Jordan Koplon, RN

Digestive Health Institute

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Stephanie Skirka, RN

Digestive Health Institute

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Transitions That Matter: Changing Providers, Insurance Considerations, and Life Stages

Jordan Koplon, RN

Digestive Health Institute

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado 

Stephanie Skirka, RN

Digestive Health Institute

Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program

Children’s Hospital Colorado

Panel Q&A

Jordon Koplon
Children's Hospital Colorado

Jordon Koplon

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

Stephanie Skirka
Children's Hospital Colorado

Stephanie Skirka

X

Children's Hospital Colorado

School Advocacy: When Communication Breaks Down and What You Can Do About It + Q&A

Jim DeLano

EGIDs and Family Life: Striking a Balance + Q&A

Dawn McCoy

Dawn McCoy
Patient Advocate, -

Dawn McCoy

X

Patient Advocate, -

Dawn McCoy is a patient-parent advocate and executive leader with more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and public policy. 

As the mother of a teenager thriving with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and other complex medical conditions, she is committed to advancing awareness, research, and support for individuals and families affected by eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs). 

As a member of the APFED Board of Directors, Dawn served on the 2023 CEGIR Diversity Committee, helping advance patient engagement and inclusion in eosinophilic disease research. Her advocacy efforts supported the passage of Virginia's 2015 food allergy awareness legislation, which improved restaurant training on food allergy safety and allergen awareness. She partnered with the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to host educational programs and community events for patients, families, and healthcare providers and co-founded an informal regional network connecting Central Virginia families affected by eosinophilic diseases. Her leadership has been recognized with APFED's Elizabeth Allen Community Service Award and as a finalist for the VCU Parent Engagement Award.

Patient Panel

Fireside Chat: Looking Back, Looking Forward, 25 Years of Progress, People, and Purpose

APFED Mission Update

Mary Jo Strobel
Executive Director, APFED

Mary Jo Strobel

X

Executive Director, APFED

For Sunday, July 12, attendees who wish to view the virtual program will have access to a live stream in a designated meeting room. The virtual sessions will run from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM MT.

Welcome

Type 2 Inflammation Explained: What It Is and Why Eosinophils Matter 

Julia Dunn, PhD 

Exploring Type 1 Inflammation: New APFED-funded Research

Judith Woodfolk, MD

Eosinophilic Asthma

Anita Wasan, MD 

CRSwNP: Upper Airway Disease as a Window Into Systemic Inflammation

William Busse, MD

Julie Dunn, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz

Julie Dunn, PhD

X

University of Colorado Anschutz

Those attending onsite in Denver who prefer not to participate in the virtual sessions are invited to meet in the hotel lobby at 10:15 AM for a group outing to Meow Wolf, a kid-friendly, immersive art experience in Denver. If we have a group of 15 or more, we can apply for discounted tickets. Complete this form to indicate interest.

Eosinophilic Fasciitis: A Rare Diagnosis With Systemic Impact 

Chris Derk, MD 

Hypereosinophilic Syndromes: Recent Advances in Approaches to Care 

Gregory Constantine, MD

Unlocking Clues Inside Immune Cells to Improve EGPA and Asthma Care: Updates on APFED Funded Research 

Nicholas Hogan, MD 

APFED 2026 HOPE Grant Award Announcement 

Impact of HOPE Grant

Chris Derk, MD, MS
Penn Medicine

Chris Derk, MD, MS

X

Penn Medicine

Chris T. Derk, MD, MS, is Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He specializes in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and other fibrotic autoimmune connective tissue disorders, including eosinophilic fasciitis, as well as Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic lupus erythematosus. Dr. Derk's research focuses on the clinical outcomes, treatment, and disease mechanisms of scleroderma and related connective tissue diseases. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and has contributed to advancing the understanding and management of eosinophilic fasciitis through both clinical care and research.

Gregory Constantine, MD
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Gregory Constantine, MD

X

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Dr. Gregory Constantine is an Assistant Research Physician at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases where he is an investigator on multiple protocols addressing eosinophilic disorders including hypereosinophilic syndromes and eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases and serves as a site-investigator for the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Researchers (CEGIR). His research primarily centers on eosinophil development, the interactions between eosinophils and sensory nerves in the gastrointestinal tract, and understanding how environmental factors, including those linked to immigration, impact the risk of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.

Nicholas Hogan, MD
University of California at San Diego

Nicholas Hogan, MD

X

University of California at San Diego

How Patient Needs and Evidence Shape Health Care Policy 

Terry Wilcox, Patients Rising 

When Insurance Says No: Navigating Denials, Appeals, and Your Rights Lea Fowler, ERSIA Advocacy 

Closing Remarks

Lea Fowler
ERSIA Advocacy

Lea Fowler

X

ERSIA Advocacy

Terry Wilcox
Co-Founder and Chief Patient Advocate, Patients Rising

Terry Wilcox

X

Co-Founder and Chief Patient Advocate, Patients Rising

Terry Wilcox is the co-founder and Chief Mission Officer of Patients Rising, a national organization advancing patient-centered healthcare policy through education, advocacy, and accountability. She leads policy strategy, public engagement, and thought leadership focused on access, affordability, transparency, and innovation. Terry is a widely published healthcare commentator and a frequent moderator of policy discussions bringing together patients, policymakers, and healthcare leaders.

Join us for an insightful pre-conference webinar with Kathy Peterson, MD, MS, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She will explore how common coping strategies for EoE can both relieve symptoms and unintentionally mask disease, delaying proper care. This session will help patients recognize when it’s time to move beyond adapting and toward effective, evidence-based management. A Q&A will follow the presentation.

Kathy Peterson
Gastroenterologist, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida

Kathy Peterson

X

Gastroenterologist, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida

Kathryn Peterson, MD, MS, is a Senior Associate Consultant and gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Peterson specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system including Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Barrett’s Esophagus, and inflammatory bowel disease. She completed her medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern, followed by residency and a fellowship at the University of Utah and a master's program in Epidemiology at Harvard University.