SAVE THE DATE! Becker Education and Engagement Day will return on September 28th, 2024!

Save the Date: October 17-18th 2026 Full Registration Open!

Location Update: The Baltimore, MD event has moved to Washington, DC

2026 Location Information

The Becker Education and Engagement Day will be held at five locations across the country, bringing Becker-specific information, education, and connection opportunities to the community. Below is our general agenda. Detailed site-specific agendas coming soon. In the meantime, you can view our 2025 agendas here.

BEED 2026 FAQ

What is BEED?

BEED is a two-day educational and community event designed for individuals and families living with Becker muscular dystrophy. Programming includes topics relevant to both adults living with Becker and parents/caregivers of children living with Becker. Older children and teens (generally ages 10+) are welcome to attend daytime sessions if they are able to comfortably participate in a full day of programming. Please note that childcare will not be provided during the event.

What will be provided during the event?

Food and drinks will be provided throughout the event including breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. Dietary needs will be collected at registration and accommodations will be provided to the best of our ability.

A Community Dinner will be held on Saturday evening and is designed to provide an opportunity for attendees, families, clinicians, and community members to connect in a relaxed setting. No formal presentations will take place during the dinner.

Is travel assistance available?

Eligible attendees may request travel assistance during registration. Travel assistance is only available for attendance at the BEED location closest to an attendee’s primary residence. Approved travel assistance is provided through a reimbursement process. Attendees are responsible for making their travel arrangements and covering approved expenses upfront. Only attendees who receive prior approval and participate in BEED will be eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement information will be provided to approved recipients prior to the event.

Is hotel lodging available?

Hotel accommodations at the event venue are available for attendees who require lodging support. One hotel room for up to two nights may be provided per party, subject to availability. Requests are collected during registration and room confirmations will be provided closer to the event.

Which BEED can I attend?

To help build local community connections and maximize available support resources, attendees should register for the BEED location closest to their primary residence. If you would like to attend a BEED in a different location, travel assistance will not be available.

Do all attendees need to register?

Yes. All individuals attending BEED must be registered, including family members and caregivers. Additional attendees may be added during registration using the Additional Party Member form.

Location Agendas & Venue Information

BEED 2026 will take place over two days: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Join us for a full day of programming on Saturday, followed by a half-day session on Sunday.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH Agenda

8:00am – 8:00pm Local Time

WELCOME & FOUNDATIONS OF BECKER

8:00-11:15am
8:00-9:00am Registration and Breakfast
9:00-9:15am Welcome Remarks
9:15-10:15am All About Becker Muscular Dystrophy
10:15-11:15am Cardiac Considerations for Becker
Break: 11:15am - 11:30am

BECKER RESEARCH LANDSCAPE

11:30-12:30pm
11:30-12:15pm Updates and What's Ahead
12:15-12:30pm Recap and Audience Q&A
Lunch: 12:30pm - 1:15pm

LIVING WITH BECKER

1:15-2:45pm
1:15-2:00pm Dystrophin and the Brain
2:00-2:45pm Walks of Life: Individuals with Becker Panel
Break: 2:45pm - 3:00pm

AFTERNOON TRACK SESSIONS

3:00-4:40pm

Adult Track (Concurrent to Pediatric Track)

3:00-3:30pm Career and Employment with Becker
3:30-4:00pm How to Talk About Becker with Family, Partners, Kids, and Friends
4:00-4:40pm Intimacy and Relationships

Pediatric Track (Concurrent to Adult Track)

3:00-3:30pm Pediatric Care and Transition Considerations for Becker
3:30-4:00pm Parenting a Child with Becker: Finding a Balance
4:00-4:40pm Parent and Caregiver Point of View Panel

DAY ONE CLOSING REMARKS

4:45-5:00pm
Exhibitor Reception & Informal Break: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Dinner: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH Agenda

7:30am – 1:15pm Local Time

BREAKFAST & CONNECTION

7:30-8:30am
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
7:45-8:30am Breakfast Breakout: Women of Becker

MOVEMENT, THERAPY, AND INDEPENDENCE

8:30-11:00am
8:30-8:45am Welcome & Day One Recap
8:45-9:45am Physical Therapy, Exercise, and Stretching for Becker
9:45-10:45am Occupational Therapy and Maintaining Independence Through Equipment/Technology for Becker
10:45-11:00am PT/OT Panel
Break: 11:00am - 11:15am

THRIVING WITH BECKER ROUNDTABLE ACTIVITY

11:15-12:45pm
Travel and Accessibility
Stretching and Wheelchair Positioning
Adaptable Living: Home Modifications, Equipment, Vehicles
Hobbies and Life with Becker
Parenting a Child with Becker
School and College Resources
Community Support

BUILDING COMMUNITY & STAYING CONNECTED

12:45-1:00pm
Event Closing & To-Go Lunch: 1:00pm - 1:15pm

BEED 2026 will take place over two days: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Join us for a full day of programming on Saturday, followed by a half-day session on Sunday.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH Agenda

8:00am – 8:00pm Local Time

WELCOME & FOUNDATIONS OF BECKER

8:00-11:15am
8:00-9:00am Registration and Breakfast
9:00-9:15am Welcome Remarks
Erica Goude
9:15-10:15am All About Becker Muscular Dystrophy
John Day
Billur Moghaddam
10:15-11:15am Cardiac Considerations for Becker
Matt Wheeler
Break: 11:15am - 11:30am

BECKER RESEARCH LANDSCAPE

11:30-12:30pm
11:30-12:15pm Updates and What's Ahead
Courtney Grotski
12:15-12:30pm Recap and Audience Q&A
Lunch: 12:30pm - 1:15pm

LIVING WITH BECKER

1:15-2:45pm
1:15-2:00pm Dystrophin and the Brain
Erik Henricson
Van Kim Ma
2:00-2:45pm Walks of Life: Individuals with Becker Panel
Break: 2:45pm - 3:00pm

AFTERNOON TRACK SESSIONS

3:00-4:40pm

Adult Track (Concurrent to Pediatric Track)

3:00-3:30pm Career and Employment with Becker
3:30-4:00pm How to Talk About Becker with Family, Partners, Kids, and Friends
4:00-4:40pm Intimacy and Relationships
Debra Crabtree

Pediatric Track (Concurrent to Adult Track)

3:00-3:30pm Pediatric Care and Transition Considerations for Becker
Carolina Tesi Rocha
Surampudi
3:30-4:00pm Parenting a Child with Becker: Finding a Balance
Van Kim Ma
4:00-4:40pm Parent and Caregiver Point of View Panel

DAY ONE CLOSING REMARKS

4:45-5:00pm
Exhibitor Reception & Informal Break: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Dinner: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH Agenda

7:30am – 1:15pm Local Time

BREAKFAST & CONNECTION

7:30-8:30am
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
7:45-8:30am Breakfast Breakout: Women of Becker
Billur Moghaddam
Matt Wheeler

MOVEMENT, THERAPY, AND INDEPENDENCE

8:30-11:00am
8:30-8:45am Welcome & Day One Recap
8:45-9:45am Physical Therapy, Exercise, and Stretching for Becker
Tina Doung
9:45-10:45am Occupational Therapy and Maintaining Independence Through Equipment/Technology for Becker
10:45-11:00am PT/OT Panel
Tina Doung
Break: 11:00am - 11:15am

THRIVING WITH BECKER ROUNDTABLE ACTIVITY

11:15-12:45pm
Travel and Accessibility
Stretching and Wheelchair Positioning
Adaptable Living: Home Modifications, Equipment, Vehicles
Hobbies and Life with Becker
Parenting a Child with Becker
School and College Resources
Community Support

BUILDING COMMUNITY & STAYING CONNECTED

12:45-1:00pm
Event Closing & To-Go Lunch: 1:00pm - 1:15pm

The Venue

The Westin Sacramento Riverfront Hotel

4800 Riverside Blvd,
Sacramento, CA 95822

BEED 2026 will take place over two days: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Join us for a full day of programming on Saturday, followed by a half-day session on Sunday.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH Agenda

8:00am – 8:00pm Local Time

WELCOME & FOUNDATIONS OF BECKER

8:00-11:15am
8:00-9:00am Registration and Breakfast
9:00-9:15am Welcome Remarks
Bill Rooney
9:15-10:15am All About Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Nassim Rad
10:15-11:15am Cardiac Considerations for Becker
Patrick Evers
Break: 11:15am - 11:30am

BECKER RESEARCH LANDSCAPE

11:30-12:30pm
11:30-12:15pm Updates and What's Ahead
Erika Finanger
12:15-12:30pm Recap and Audience Q&A
Lunch: 12:30pm - 1:15pm

LIVING WITH BECKER

1:15-2:45pm
1:15-2:00pm Dystrophin and the Brain
James Poysky
Bill Rooney
2:00-2:45pm Walks of Life: Individuals with Becker Panel
Break: 2:45pm - 3:00pm

AFTERNOON TRACK SESSIONS

3:00-4:40pm

Adult Track (Concurrent to Pediatric Track)

3:00-3:30pm Career and Employment with Becker
3:30-4:00pm How to Talk About Becker with Family, Partners, Kids, and Friends
WenPei Ridenour
4:00-4:40pm Intimacy and Relationships
Amanda Appel

Pediatric Track (Concurrent to Adult Track)

3:00-3:30pm Pediatric Care and Transition Considerations for Becker
3:30-4:00pm Parenting a Child with Becker: Finding a Balance
Christina Rattigan
4:00-4:40pm Parent and Caregiver Point of View Panel

DAY ONE CLOSING REMARKS

4:45-5:00pm
Exhibitor Reception & Informal Break: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Dinner: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH Agenda

7:30am – 1:15pm Local Time

BREAKFAST & CONNECTION

7:30-8:30am
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
7:45-8:30am Breakfast Breakout: Women of Becker
Nassim Rad
WenPei Ridenour

MOVEMENT, THERAPY, AND INDEPENDENCE

8:30-11:00am
8:30-8:45am Welcome & Day One Recap
8:45-9:45am Physical Therapy, Exercise, and Stretching for Becker
Claudia Senesac
9:45-10:45am Occupational Therapy and Maintaining Independence Through Equipment/Technology for Becker
10:45-11:00am PT/OT Panel
Claudia Senesac
Break: 11:00am - 11:15am

THRIVING WITH BECKER ROUNDTABLE ACTIVITY

11:15-12:45pm
Travel and Accessibility
Stretching and Wheelchair Positioning
Adaptable Living: Home Modifications, Equipment, Vehicles
Hobbies and Life with Becker
Parenting a Child with Becker
School and College Resources
Community Support

BUILDING COMMUNITY & STAYING CONNECTED

12:45-1:00pm
Event Closing & To-Go Lunch: 1:00pm - 1:15pm

The Venue

Hilton Portland Downtown

921 SW Sixth Ave.,
Portland, OR 97204

BEED 2026 will take place over two days: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Join us for a full day of programming on Saturday, followed by a half-day session on Sunday.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH Agenda

8:00am – 8:00pm Local Time

WELCOME & FOUNDATIONS OF BECKER

8:00-11:15am
8:00-9:00am Registration and Breakfast
9:00-9:15am Welcome Remarks
Gina Killian
Kristy Lewandowski
9:15-10:15am All About Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Omer Abdul Hamid
Sub Subramony
10:15-11:15am Cardiac Considerations for Becker
Barry Byrne
Break: 11:15am - 11:30am

BECKER RESEARCH LANDSCAPE

11:30-12:30pm
11:30-12:15pm Updates and What's Ahead
Julie Berthy
Kelly Rock
12:15-12:30pm Recap and Audience Q&A
Lunch: 12:30pm - 1:15pm

LIVING WITH BECKER

1:15-2:45pm
1:15-2:00pm Dystrophin and the Brain
Christina Ortega
2:00-2:45pm Walks of Life: Individuals with Becker Panel
Break: 2:45pm - 3:00pm

AFTERNOON TRACK SESSIONS

3:00-4:40pm

Adult Track (Concurrent to Pediatric Track)

3:00-3:30pm Career and Employment with Becker
Brenda Lampon
3:30-4:00pm How to Talk About Becker with Family, Partners, Kids, and Friends
Diedre Devier
4:00-4:40pm Intimacy and Relationships
Kristy Lewandowski

Pediatric Track (Concurrent to Adult Track)

3:00-3:30pm Pediatric Care and Transition Considerations for Becker
Omer Abdul Hamid
3:30-4:00pm Parenting a Child with Becker: Finding a Balance
Alicia Alcide
4:00-4:40pm Parent and Caregiver Point of View Panel

DAY ONE CLOSING REMARKS

4:45-5:00pm
Exhibitor Reception & Informal Break: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Dinner: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH Agenda

7:30am – 1:15pm Local Time

BREAKFAST & CONNECTION

7:30-8:30am
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
7:45-8:30am Breakfast Breakout: Women of Becker
Mindy Cameron
Kansas Sampson

MOVEMENT, THERAPY, AND INDEPENDENCE

8:30-11:00am
8:30-8:45am Welcome & Day One Recap
8:45-9:45am Physical Therapy, Exercise, and Stretching for Becker
Donovan Lott
9:45-10:45am Occupational Therapy and Maintaining Independence Through Equipment/Technology for Becker
Joyce Severance
10:45-11:00am PT/OT Panel
Donovan Lott
Joyce Severance
Break: 11:00am - 11:15am

THRIVING WITH BECKER ROUNDTABLE ACTIVITY

11:15-12:45pm
Travel and Accessibility
Stretching and Wheelchair Positioning
Adaptable Living: Home Modifications, Equipment, Vehicles
Hobbies and Life with Becker
Parenting a Child with Becker
School and College Resources
Community Support

BUILDING COMMUNITY & STAYING CONNECTED

12:45-1:00pm
Event Closing & To-Go Lunch: 1:00pm - 1:15pm

The Venue

Orlando World Central Marriott

8701 World Center Drive,
Orlando, FL 32881-6358

BEED 2026 will take place over two days: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Join us for a full day of programming on Saturday, followed by a half-day session on Sunday.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH Agenda

8:00am – 8:00pm Local Time

WELCOME & FOUNDATIONS OF BECKER

8:00-11:15am
8:00-9:00am Registration and Breakfast
9:00-9:15am Welcome Remarks
Arun Varadhachary
9:15-10:15am All About Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Erin Langton
10:15-11:15am Cardiac Considerations for Becker
Forum Kamdar
Break: 11:15am - 11:30am

BECKER RESEARCH LANDSCAPE

11:30-12:30pm
11:30-12:15pm Updates and What's Ahead
Arun Varadhachary
12:15-12:30pm Recap and Audience Q&A
Lunch: 12:30pm - 1:15pm

LIVING WITH BECKER

1:15-2:45pm
1:15-2:00pm Dystrophin and the Brain
Natalie Truba
2:00-2:45pm Walks of Life: Individuals with Becker Panel
Break: 2:45pm - 3:00pm

AFTERNOON TRACK SESSIONS

3:00-4:40pm

Adult Track (Concurrent to Pediatric Track)

3:00-3:30pm Career and Employment with Becker
Natasha Baebler
3:30-4:00pm How to Talk About Becker with Family, Partners, Kids, and Friends
Melissa Grove
4:00-4:40pm Intimacy and Relationships
Pat Moeschen

Pediatric Track (Concurrent to Adult Track)

3:00-3:30pm Pediatric Care and Transition Considerations for Becker
Aravindhan Veerapandiyan
3:30-4:00pm Parenting a Child with Becker: Finding a Balance
Daria Floyd
4:00-4:40pm Parent and Caregiver Point of View Panel

DAY ONE CLOSING REMARKS

4:45-5:00pm
Exhibitor Reception & Informal Break: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Dinner: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH Agenda

7:30am – 1:15pm Local Time

BREAKFAST & CONNECTION

7:30-8:30am
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
7:45-8:30am Breakfast Breakout: Women of Becker
Forum Kamdar

MOVEMENT, THERAPY, AND INDEPENDENCE

8:30-11:00am
8:30-8:45am Welcome & Day One Recap
8:45-9:45am Physical Therapy, Exercise, and Stretching for Becker
Abby Dierker
9:45-10:45am Occupational Therapy and Maintaining Independence Through Equipment/Technology for Becker
10:45-11:00am PT/OT Panel
Abby Dierker
Break: 11:00am - 11:15am

THRIVING WITH BECKER ROUNDTABLE ACTIVITY

11:15-12:45pm
Travel and Accessibility
Stretching and Wheelchair Positioning
Adaptable Living: Home Modifications, Equipment, Vehicles
Hobbies and Life with Becker
Parenting a Child with Becker
School and College Resources
Community Support

BUILDING COMMUNITY & STAYING CONNECTED

12:45-1:00pm
Event Closing & To-Go Lunch: 1:00pm - 1:15pm

The Venue

Le Meridien St Louis Clayton

7730 Bonhomme Avenue,
St. Louis, MO 63105

BEED 2026 will take place over two days: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Join us for a full day of programming on Saturday, followed by a half-day session on Sunday.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH Agenda

8:00am – 8:00pm Local Time

WELCOME & FOUNDATIONS OF BECKER

8:00-11:15am
8:00-9:00am Registration and Breakfast
9:00-9:15am Welcome Remarks
Paula Clemens
Nevin Steiner
9:15-10:15am All About Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Paula Clemens
Jessie Nance
10:15-11:15am Cardiac Considerations for Becker
Andreas Barth
Teresa Wang
Break: 11:15am - 11:30am

BECKER RESEARCH LANDSCAPE

11:30-12:30pm
11:30-12:15pm Updates and What's Ahead
Chris Spurney
12:15-12:30pm Recap and Audience Q&A
Lunch: 12:30pm - 1:15pm

LIVING WITH BECKER

1:15-2:45pm
1:15-2:00pm Dystrophin and the Brain
Sarah Wright
2:00-2:45pm Walks of Life: Individuals with Becker Panel
Break: 2:45pm - 3:00pm

AFTERNOON TRACK SESSIONS

3:00-4:40pm

Adult Track (Concurrent to Pediatric Track)

3:00-3:30pm Career and Employment with Becker
Shannon Wood
3:30-4:00pm How to Talk About Becker with Family, Partners, Kids, and Friends
Hillary Cohen
4:00-4:40pm Intimacy and Relationships
Nora Renthal
Gaby Vargas

Pediatric Track (Concurrent to Adult Track)

3:00-3:30pm Pediatric Care and Transition Considerations for Becker
John Brandsema
3:30-4:00pm Parenting a Child with Becker: Finding a Balance
Raina Carwell
4:00-4:40pm Parent and Caregiver Point of View Panel

DAY ONE CLOSING REMARKS

4:45-5:00pm
Exhibitor Reception & Informal Break: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Dinner: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH Agenda

7:30am – 1:15pm Local Time

BREAKFAST & CONNECTION

7:30-8:30am
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
7:45-8:30am Breakfast Breakout: Women of Becker
Andreas Barth
Teresa Wang

MOVEMENT, THERAPY, AND INDEPENDENCE

8:30-11:00am
8:30-8:45am Welcome & Day One Recap
8:45-9:45am Physical Therapy, Exercise, and Stretching for Becker
Aileen Jones
9:45-10:45am Occupational Therapy and Maintaining Independence Through Equipment/Technology for Becker
Lindsay Busarello
10:45-11:00am PT/OT Panel
Lindsay Busarello
Aileen Jones
Break: 11:00am - 11:15am

THRIVING WITH BECKER ROUNDTABLE ACTIVITY

11:15-12:45pm
Travel and Accessibility
Stretching and Wheelchair Positioning
Adaptable Living: Home Modifications, Equipment, Vehicles
Hobbies and Life with Becker
Parenting a Child with Becker
School and College Resources
Community Support

BUILDING COMMUNITY & STAYING CONNECTED

12:45-1:00pm
Event Closing & To-Go Lunch: 1:00pm - 1:15pm

The Venue

The Royal Sonesta

20 Massachusetts Ave NW,
Washington, DC 20001