For 62 years, NTSAD has been bringing together families, researchers, clinicians and friends in the rare disease community to share, learn, network, and collaborate with a goal of building relationships and identifying treatments and potential cures for Tay-Sachs, Sandhoff, Canavan, and GM1 gangliosidosis. Vital to building this community is Imagine & Believe. Held annually, the event draws honorees and special guests who embody the wisdom of the past challenges and the vision of the possibilities in rare disease research. In 2019, we are thrilled to honor Cynthia Tifft, MD, PhD, Deputy Clinical Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute/NIH, who has championed natural history studies to build the framework of her just-announced GM1 clinical trials.  Dr. Tifft has been a partner and close friend to NTSAD and our families since 1998.

The goals of Imagine & Believe include (1) connecting leaders in research, biotech, medicine, clinical pursuits, science, and our affected families with a goal of learning from the past, discussing the current state of rare diseases, and building alliances and partnerships for the future, and (2) raising vital funds for continued research, build and steward our veteran and new partnerships, and serve our families.

Traditionally, about two-thirds of attendees are strongly networked in the biotech community, especially in rare diseases.  Other attendees include family members, clinicians, scientists, and special friends of NTSAD.

The evening program is as follows:

6 – 7:30       Reception, dinner & silent auction

7:45 – 9pm  Dessert & program