We are pleased to invite you to the first International Conference on Becker Muscular Dystrophy, organized by Parent Project and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) in collaboration with TREAT-NMD, which will take place October 10 and 11, 2026 in Assago (Milan) at the NH Milano Congress Center.
The title of this first major international event is “Painting the Community Together”, chosen to highlight the tremendous growth and dedication of the people with Becker muscular dystrophy who make up our community.
This inaugural conference aims to be a pivotal moment for the national and international community, offering opportunities for professional development and in-depth exploration dedicated exclusively to Becker muscular dystrophy.
We look forward to meeting you and experiencing this extraordinary event together!
Companies interested in attending the Conference that are not sponsors, technical partners, or exhibitors may contact Gaia Relucenti, Corporate Fundraising Manager, to receive information on how to register and participate.
Please fill out the form below in its entirety. Registration for the conference will remain open until September 20, 2026.
Program
08:30 – Registration
09:00 – Opening ceremony
09:30 – Opening panel
10:00 – SCIENTIFIC SESSION – State of the art in BMD
Chairs: Ilaria Zito e Fernanda De Angelis, Parent Project aps
Where we stand: guidelines and patient perspective – I. Zito, Parent Project aps
Towards the definition of standards of care – M. Guglieri, Newcastle University
Insights from the US – P. Furlong, PPMD
Q&A
11:00 – Coffee break
11:15 – Round table – Childhood in BMD: the early years
Chairs: Gerardo Laurenzana and Carmenrocca SIleo, Parent Project aps
Psychological aspects in the child and in his family – F. Corbetta, Psychologist-psychotherapist
Psychological aspects in the siblings – A. Petruzza, Parent Project aps
Social/administrative aspects – M. Cescato, Parent Project aps
A parent’s story – N. Bystrova, Parent Project aps
Rehabilitation aspects – C. Bella, Parent Project aps
11:15 – (ITALIAN ONLY) Workshop: “The right to pleasure: desire without barriers” (16+ participants)
Marica Pugliese, Parent Project aps
12:30 – Presentation of PP activities
13:00 – Lunch
14:00 – Scientific session – Diagnosis and genetics
Chairs: Ilaria Zito and Fernanda De Angelis, Parent Project aps
Introduction: Lucilla Patrizi, Parent Project aps
Diagnosis across different ages – F. Magri, Policlinico di Milano
Genetics, inheritance, and female carriers – A. Ferlini, Università di Ferrara
Clinical variability and genotype–phenotype correlation – P. Riguzzi, Newcastle University
Communicating the diagnosis and psychological support – G. Perinel, Parent Project aps
Q&A
15:20 – Round table – Adolescence and young adulthood in BMD: growth trajectories
Chairs: Bojana Vujinovic and Sara Billai, Parent Project aps
Psychological aspects in adolescence and young adulthood – S. Pozzi, NeMO Milano
Social/administrative aspects and independent living planning – V. Montixi, Il viaggio di Enea
Physiotherapy and sports – R. Zuccarino, NeMO Pergine
Inclusion and sport: A field experience – D. Drascek, Fondazione Solo per Te
A parent’s story – I. Leonardi, Parent Project aps
A young adult’s story – S. Younssy, Parent Project aps
16:35 – Coffee break
17:00 – Scientific session – Clinical care
Chairs: Ilaria Zito and Fernanda De Angelis, Parent Project aps
Multidisciplinary management – G. Comi, Policlinico di Milano
Management of psychopathological conditions – M. D’Angelo, IRCCS E Medea, Lecco
Anesthetic risk – F. Racca, Ospedale Mauriziano, Torino
A patient’s story – E. Grillo, Parent Project aps
Cardiac management – A. Barth, Johns Hopkins University
Heart failure management – R. Adorisio, OPBG Roma
Q&A
18:30 – Closing of day 1
09:00 – Round table “Life pathways: adulthood with BMD”
Chairs: Antonio Bellon and Anna Petruzza, Parent Project aps
Social/administrative aspects, employment inclusion – C. Giacobini, Parent Project aps
Accessible travel – J. Logue
Exercises in BMD – M. Stammerick, University of Copenhagen
Personal stories from two young adults – F. Superti, Parent Project aps, and E. Bracamonte
Psychological aspects in the adult – G. Perinel, Parent Project aps
09:00 – (ITALIAN ONLY) Workshop: Recalling the diagnosis experience (for parents)
Sara Billai and Valeria Schiesaro, Parent Project aps
10:15 – Scientific session – Experimental therapies
Moderano: Ilaria Zito e Fernanda De Angelis, Parent Project aps
Introduction: Alessandro Orlandini, Parent Project aps
Natural history studies in BMD in Italy – E. Pegoraro, Università di Padova
Natural history studies in BMD in US – K. Vanderborne, ImagingNMD
Clinical trials in BMD – L. Bello, Università di Padova
Q&A
11:30 – Coffee break
11:45 – Round Table – Integrated approach to patient care
Chairs: Tiziana D’Auria e Fernanda De Angelis, Parent Project aps
Management of pain and muscle stiffness – C. Bella, Parent Project aps
Stress management – G. Perinel, Parent Project aps
Dietary supplements – A. De Luca, Università di Bari
12:30 – Future directions in BMD: priorities, gaps and next steps
13:00 – Closing ceremony
13:30 – Lunch
15:00 – “Caffè della Becker” dedicated to young adults and adults (ITALIAN ONLY)