Four-Day Conference Will Feature Leading Experts, Inspirational Speakers,
and the Latest Care and Treatment Insights
Newport Beach, Calif., April 24, 2026 – CureDuchenne, a global nonprofit committed to finding and funding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, announced its FUTURES National Conference will be held from May 21-24, 2026, in Orlando, Florida at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. FUTURES is a four-day event focused on bringing education, connection and hope to the Duchenne and Becker community.
CureDuchenne experts and industry leaders in research, healthcare, and biotechnology will offer insightful and interactive presentations on a variety of relevant topics, including the latest research and therapies for individuals with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, as well as family-friendly social events and interactive experiences.
This year, the FUTURES agenda is designed to help attendees easily navigate programming tailored to their stage of life, role, and interests within the Duchenne and Becker community. Family support will be a focus of the conference, with dedicated programming for newly diagnosed families, carriers, siblings, adults with Duchenne, and those affected by behavioral challenges. This year’s event will also feature a series of sessions fully in Spanish, ensuring that families can access the latest in Duchenne care, research, and resources in their native language. Multilingual translation will be available for all sessions. The Exhibitor Showcase will offer opportunities for both in-person and virtual attendees to explore a variety of resources.
“Duchenne research and care are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and families are looking for clear guidance, community, and a way to navigate what it all means for them,” said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne. “FUTURES brings together experts and families to learn about the latest research, connect with others on a similar journey, and leave with greater clarity, confidence, and hope for what’s ahead.”
The event will begin on Thursday, May 21 with a welcome reception for all attendees, as well as meetups for newly diagnosed families, adults with Duchenne, and Spanish-speaking families. The keynote session on Friday will begin with a fashion show featuring adaptive clothing and accessories. Following the fashion show, a fireside chat titled “Breaking Barriers and Building Lives Beyond Duchenne,” will feature four remarkable men living with Duchenne discussing practical ways to live an independent and successful life, focusing on career paths, relationships, and care.
Research sessions throughout the conference will highlight approved therapies as well as those in clinical trials, including gene therapy, exon-skipping, and other RNA-targeted therapeutics, as well as muscle preservation and anti-inflammatory approaches. Educational sessions will focus on topics such as building success at school, navigating transition to adulthood, responding to emergencies, supportive care, physical therapy, and multidisciplinary care.
The four-day conference will also feature social events for the whole family, including receptions and parties with fun for all ages, and an e-gaming lounge. Plus, an exclusive Dolphin Experience at Discovery Cove offers families a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close with dolphins, tropical fish, and rays.
Throughout the weekend, CureDuchenne will offer complimentary on-site childcare by childcare professionals. For registration information, full agenda and speaker list, please visit cureduchenne.org/futures.
About CureDuchenne
Over twenty years ago, CureDuchenne was created with one goal: to find and fund a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, one of the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy. Today, CureDuchenne is recognized as a global leader in research, patient care, and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne. CureDuchenne’s innovative venture philanthropy model has advanced transformative treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including 19 projects that advanced to human clinical trials and multiple projects to overcome the limitations of exon-skipping and gene therapy. In addition, CureDuchenne contributed early funding to the first FDA-approved Duchenne drugs and pioneered the first and only Duchenne physical and occupational therapist certification program. For more information on how to help raise awareness and funds needed for research, please visit cureduchenne.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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The post Global Nonprofit CureDuchenne to Host FUTURES National Conference for the Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy Community on May 21-24 in Orlando, FL appeared first on CureDuchenne.