Our Time is Now—there has never been a more promising time for research for treatments for Stargardt, more breathtaking advances in assistive technology, more connection between our community and helpful resources, and more excitement about the first ever fictional film in the making about Stargardt, SEEING STARS, sure to be an awareness explosion. Join us at the second annual Stargardt Summit to celebrate these advances and experience an incredible lineup of speakers and panelists, each bringing unique personalities, valuable lived experiences, and a wealth of knowledge to share. Below, you will find detailed panel descriptions and background information on our expert speakers.

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m EST (Virtual attendance ends at 1:00 p.m.)
Location: Virtual OR In-Person at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, 785 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458
Cost: Free

• Keynote speaker, Kenyetta McCurdy-Byrd, is a passionate advocate and leader with a deep commitment to empowering individuals impacted by vision loss. Drawing from her own lived experiences, she will share an inspiring perspective on resilience, navigating challenges, and building a supportive community. Her insights are sure to leave the audience feeling motivated and equipped with practical tools for thriving with Stargardt disease.
• The Pairs Panel will feature a diverse group of dynamic duos – spouses and parents – who have firsthand experience navigating the journey of vision loss alongside those with Stargardt disease. Each pair will share their unique perspectives, shedding light on the challenges, successes, and lessons learned as they work together to overcome obstacles and embrace new ways of thriving. This session will offer a heartfelt and relatable look into the power of partnership, support, and mutual understanding in the face of vision loss.
  
• The Research Panel will bring together leading medical professionals who are actively advancing the field of Stargardt disease research and care. Panelists will share insights into the latest breakthroughs, ongoing clinical trials, and emerging treatments, providing a glimpse into the future of care and hope for those living with Stargardt. This session offers attendees a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of what’s on the horizon in the world of vision research.
• The Advocacy Panel will feature an inspiring group of individuals with extensive experience navigating accommodations, accessibility, and the art of self-advocacy. Panelists will candidly share their personal journeys, highlighting both triumphs and challenges they’ve faced while standing up for their needs and rights. Attendees will gain valuable guidance and practical strategies for overcoming similar obstacles, empowering them to confidently advocate for themselves in any setting – education, employment, social, and more. This session promises to be both enlightening and empowering for any member of the community.

• Lunch: Guests will break for a 1-hour lunch, providing an opportunity to network and explore exhibit tables featuring resources and innovations from our event supporters.
• Breakout sessions: For the remainder of the day, attendees will participate in breakout sessions tailored to foster networking, meaningful discussions, and social connections. These sessions will encourage attendees to engage with peers, share their own experiences, and learn from others in a supportive and dynamic environment!

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the Stargardt Summit, please contact the Development Team via email or call (617) 969-6200 x 236.