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.
Program
08:15 – Registration
09:00 – Opening ceremony
09:30 – Opening panel
Michele Celebrin – Parent Project aps
Nevin Steiner – PPMD
Mark Alis – Duchenne Parent Project Spain
10:00 – Scientific Session – State of the art in BMD
Chairs: Ilaria Zito and 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
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 – Beyond the Donation: The Value of Giving
Moderators: L. Ruffolo, G. Relucenti, Parent Project aps
Personal stories by F. Superti, M. Treves, Parent Project aps
13:00 – Lunch – Poster tour
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 young adult’s story – S. Younssy, Parent Project aps
15:30 – (ONLY FOR ITALIAN PATIENTS) Patient Registry
Francesca Mattei and Cristina Bella, 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
Perioperative management – 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
18:45 – Closing of day 1
08:45 – Opening
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, PPMD
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
Chairs: Ilaria Zito and 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. Vandenborne, 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 and 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 – O. Cappellari, Università di Bari
12:30 – Future directions in BMD: priorities, gaps and next steps
Michele Celebrin – Parent Project aps
Nevin Steiner – PPMD
Mark Alis – Duchenne Parent Project Spain
13:00 – Closing ceremony
13:30 – Lunch
15:00 – “Caffè della Becker” dedicated to young adults and adults (ITALIAN ONLY)
Accessible Taxi Information – Milan
Accessible taxis are available in Milan and are specially equipped to accommodate people with mobility disabilities. These vehicles are fitted with automated systems or ramps/lifts to allow wheelchair access, including electric or non-foldable wheelchairs. Standard taxi fares apply to these vehicles.
To request an accessible vehicle, please contact one of the city’s main Radio Taxi services and clearly specify your requirements to the operator.
Useful numbers:
- Taxiblu: 02 4040 (App: appTaxi)
- Radio Taxi Milano: 02 8585 (App: inTaxi)
- Radiotaxi: 02 6969 (App: inTaxi)
When speaking to the operator or using the app, please specify:
- Whether the passenger uses a foldable wheelchair or a non-foldable/electric wheelchair.
- Whether a vehicle equipped with a wheelchair lift/ramp is required, or simply a larger and more spacious vehicle.
Alternatives – Private Assisted Transport Services
- Consorzio GTP Trasporti Alternativi: Professional transport service specialized in assisting elderly people and people with disabilities. Tel.: 02 6620 1090.
- Alatha ETS: Offers wheelchair-accessible vans and trained drivers providing assistance. Tel.: 02 4225 71 (bookings available during office hours).
- PrivatAssistenza Milano: Transport service with low-floor vehicles and an electric lift/ramp for maximum comfort.
Sign up
Organized by:
In collaboration with:
Sponsor
Main Sponsor
Gold
Exhibiting Companies and Technical Partners
Under the patronage of:
