Learn how to prepare for a clinic visit, organize questions, track symptoms, and bring the right medical information. This session helps patients and care partners make appointments more productive, understand what to ask the care team, and leave with clearer next steps for treatment, follow-up, medication changes, tests, and ongoing communication.

Tracy Allen, RN, BSN, OCN, is a Vanderbilt University Medical Center nurse with more than 25 years at Vanderbilt, largely in hematology / oncology. She focuses on plasma cell disorders and amyloidosis care, and has created patient education on chemotherapy protocols and led a clinic quality project to streamline Darzalex Faspro observation times.

Join us for a supportive and informative session where we'll explore how neurologists can determine if peripheral neuropathy is caused by amyloidosis, and discuss the most effective symptom management strategies. We'll cover various medications that can help manage symptoms without altering amyloid levels, and delve into how physical and occupational therapy can play a crucial role in maintaining mobility and improving quality of life. Whether you're newly diagnosed or navigating ongoing treatment, this session aims to empower you with knowledge and support.

Anthony J. Langone, MD MS is a nephrologist and transplant specialist focused on kidney and pancreas transplantation, amyloidosis, and multiple myeloma. He supports patients with renal involvement in amyloidosis and brings research experience in medication side effects, biomarkers, transplant care, and kidney protection strategies.

Living with a rare disease can feel heavy at times. This session will help you recognize when sadness may be depression, understand common signs, and learn how to reach out for support. You are not alone, and help is available.

Kelly R. Fields, LMSW, is a medical social worker with 38 years of experience, including 25 years at Vanderbilt. Spending 23 years in the stem cell transplant and hematology clinic, she co-facilitated vital amyloidosis and myeloma support groups, dedicating her career to empowering patients through complex, life-changing treatments.

Learn how to navigate a complex care system with multiple subspecialty providers, appointments, tests, and follow-up needs. This session helps patients and care partners understand care-team roles, prepare questions, track recommendations, keep communication organized, and make care feel clearer, coordinated, manageable, and less overwhelming.

Adrienne Molteni, RN III, has 25 years of oncology and hematology experience, specializing in cancer infusion and clinical nursing at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. An Amyloidosis Foundation board member since 2018, she utilizes her specialized clinical background to coordinate Nashville-area patient support groups.

Held monthly for newly diagnosed ATTR amyloidosis patients. This is designed as a one-time starter session to help recently diagnosed ATTR patients understand the basics, process what’s happening, and plan next steps. We cover vocabulary, symptoms, treatment categories, and questions for your doctors, plus community resources.

Stacey Goodman, MD completed her hematology training at the NIH and Vanderbilt University before joining the faculty in 1993. She helped create and lead the Vanderbilt Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Program (VAMP) until her retirement in 2021. She currently serves as a member of the board of directors at the Amyloidosis Foundation.

Join us for an informative session where we'll clarify the role of cardiac biopsies in diagnosing Amyloidosis-CM. We'll discuss why this procedure is sometimes necessary, how it helps in making an accurate diagnosis, and reassure you about its safety when performed at specialized centers of excellence. This meeting is designed to ease your concerns and provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health care.

Amanda C. Peltier, MD, MS, is Professor of Neurology and Medicine and Chief of the Neuromuscular Division at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Her work focuses on peripheral neuropathies, including amyloidosis-related peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. She is active in ATTR neuropathy guideline work and has contributed to identifying clinical trial endpoints for neuropathy.

Practical strategies to manage stress, adapt to change, and maintain well-being.

Hamide Eygoren, MAPP is a positive psychology expert, educator, and resilience coach dedicated to helping people thrive through life's challenges. Drawing on the science of well-being, resilience, and human flourishing, she teaches practical strategies for finding meaning, cultivating hope, and building emotional strength. Her work empowers individuals facing adversity, including those living with chronic illness, to navigate uncertainty while creating lives of purpose and connection.

Learn how to create a personalized emergency plan, organize critical medical information, and prepare your family and care team before urgent situations happen. This session helps patients and care partners know what to keep ready, who to contact, and how to respond quickly and confidently when unexpected health issues or symptom changes arise.

Natalie Castillo, APRN, is a nurse practitioner with Vanderbilt Health in Nashville. Her clinical interest in cardiac amyloidosis began in cardiology practice in Chattanooga and expanded with the Vanderbilt Heart Failure team, where she focuses on screening, patient education, and the condition’s cardiovascular complexity in care.

Join us to learn about the evolving role of autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation in treating AL amyloidosis, particularly in the context of new treatments like DARACYBORD. In this session, we'll explain what stem cell transplantation involves, how it compares to newer treatment options, and what this means for you or your loved one's care plan. Our experts will provide clear, easy-to-understand information and will be available to answer any questions you might have, helping you feel more informed and supported in your health journey.

Hasan Siddiqi MD, MSCR, FACC is an advanced heart failure cardiologist and directs its cardiac amyloidosis program. He manages amyloidosis, heart failure, VAD, and transplant patients in the world's largest heart transplant center, leads research and trials, and trained at Harvard, Michigan, Penn, and Brigham.

Join us to explore how rare diseases can impact relationships and discover strategies to strengthen bonds with loved ones. Learn from experts and connect with others facing similar challenges in a supportive environment. Together, we can find strength through understanding and shared experiences.

Missy Maxwell, BSSW, is a dedicated Social Services Specialist with the State Guardianship Division and a retired Family Services Supervisor. Diagnosed with AL amyloidosis in 2015, she underwent chemo and a 2016 stem cell transplant at Vanderbilt. She has maintained complete remission since late 2016 without maintenance medication.

Session topic, presenter, and description are pending confirmation.

Brian L. Miller II, RN, MSN, CCRN, brings 15 years of critical care leadership/process improvement and 5 years of Vanderbilt Heart Failure/Amyloidosis experience. He continuously optimizes Cardiac Amyloidosis processes, coordinates sponsored hATTR genetic testing, facilitates high-cost medication initiation, and administers Amvuttra injections.

Treatment for AL amyloidosis continues to evolve. Learn how Dr. Dispenzieri incorporates emerging therapies into patient care, the latest advances in treatment, and what these developments may mean for patient outcomes. Gain insight into how new treatment options are shaping the future of AL amyloidosis care.

Preparing for your first Mayo Clinic visit can help you get the most from your appointment. Learn what to expect during your evaluation, how to gather important medical records and questions, and how the care team works together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Cecelia Hernandez, MSN-CNE, BSN, CCRN, CCTN, serves as an Amyloidosis and Pre-Heart Transplant Nurse Coordinator. Specializing in AL, hereditary, and wild-type ATTR amyloidosis, she leads multidisciplinary care navigation, clinical trial access, and transplant evaluation, guiding patients and families through complex diagnostics and tailored therapeutics.

If amyloidosis has affected your kidneys, or you're concerned it might, this session is for you. Learn how AL amyloidosis and other types can impact kidney health, what symptoms and tests to expect, and how early diagnosis and treatment can help protect kidney function and support your long-term health.

Nelson Leung, MD, is a Mayo Clinic professor of medicine specializing in kidney diseases caused by monoclonal gammopathy. His pioneering research focuses on light chain amyloidosis, where he is developing noninvasive urinary diagnostics to replace kidney biopsies. A recognized expert, he also works to perfect renal treatment response criteria.

Accepting help isn't always easy, but it can make a meaningful difference in your well-being. Learn why receiving support is a sign of strength, how to overcome common barriers to asking for help, and ways to build a strong network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals throughout your journey.

Erica Bryan-Wegner, MSW, LICSW, is a clinical social worker with two decades of experience supporting hematology, amyloidosis, and stem cell transplant patients. She provides comprehensive psychosocial care and resource navigation, guiding families through complex treatment pathways, bone marrow transplantation, and post-care recovery processes.

Making decisions about your care can be challenging, and sometimes a second opinion can provide added clarity and confidence. Learn from Dr. Ailawadhi when seeking another medical perspective may be helpful, how to request one respectfully, and how to keep your healthcare team working together to support your care.

Taimur Sher, MBBS, MD, is a hematologist and oncologist at Mayo Clinic Florida specializing in amyloidosis, plasma cell disorders, and stem cell transplantation. He directs the Multispecialty Amyloidosis Program at Mayo Clinic in Florida. His clinical research focuses on early-stage drug development, novel therapeutics, and advanced targeted treatments to improve outcomes for complex amyloidosis patients.

Making decisions about your care can be challenging, and sometimes a second opinion can provide added clarity and confidence. Learn from Dr. Ailawadhi when seeking another medical perspective may be helpful, how to request one respectfully, and how to keep your healthcare team working together to support your care.

Awais Malik, MD, is a cardiologist and assistant professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Specializing in cardiac amyloidosis and infiltrative cardiomyopathies, his clinical research focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced imaging for early detection, prevention, and targeted therapeutic strategies.

Making decisions about your care can be challenging, and sometimes a second opinion can provide added clarity and confidence. Learn from Dr. Ailawadhi when seeking another medical perspective may be helpful, how to request one respectfully, and how to keep your healthcare team working together to support your care.

Sikander Ailawadhi, MD, is Professor of Medicine specializing in plasma cell disorders and hematologic malignancies. His research focuses on clinical drug development, leading phase 1–3 trials for novel immunotherapies and CAR-T cell therapies, alongside diagnosing and managing multiple myeloma, Waldenström’s, and chronic leukemias.

Have questions about AL amyloidosis? Join Dr. Gertz as he answers patient questions about diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, monitoring, recovery, and more. Gain trusted, expert guidance to better understand your condition, navigate your care with confidence, and make informed decisions throughout your treatment journey.

Morie Gertz, MD, MACP, is Professor of Medicine and Chair Emeritus of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic Minnesota. A world-renowned expert in amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, and stem cell transplantation, his research includes over 700 publications and leading pivotal clinical trials testing novel targeted therapies.

You are the most important member of your healthcare team. Learn how shared decision making can help you ask the right questions, better understand your treatment options, and work alongside your providers to make decisions that reflect your goals, values, and what matters most to you.

Teresa Miceli, BSN, RN, OCN, is an Assistant Professor of Nursing and Dysproteinemia Research Nurse Navigator at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. With over 35 years of clinical experience in blood cancers, multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and stem cell transplantation, she guides patients through complex treatment decisions and clinical research. Through her work with the International Myeloma Foundation and national advocacy efforts, she empowers families with education to live well with dysproteinemias.

Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Learn how evidence-based approaches to nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and social support can help improve your overall well-being and become a valuable part of your long-term health journey.

Ann-Marie Scott, RN, is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience, including 6 years in neurology. She specializes in educating individuals with amyloidosis and complex chronic conditions, empowering patients with evidence-based lifestyle medicine strategies to optimize disease management, functional health, and overall quality of life.

Neuropathy can affect daily life in many ways. Join Dr. Pinto as he explains how amyloidosis affects the nerves, how neuropathy is diagnosed, available treatment options, and practical strategies for managing symptoms to help improve quality of life.

Dr. Marcus Pinto, MD, MS, is Assistant Professor of Neurology, Medical Director of Nerve Pathology, and Vice-Chair of the PNS Education Committee. Dual-trained in peripheral nerve neurology and neuropathology, his research and clinical practice focus on the clinicopathological aspects of amyloid neuropathy and evaluating novel targeted therapies.

Living with a chronic or rare disease means your energy is valuable. Learn how setting healthy boundaries can help protect your physical and emotional well-being, communicate your needs with confidence, and reduce feelings of guilt while prioritizing the people and activities that matter most.

Kelly Gemmill, MSW, LMSW, MPA, is a hematology-oncology social worker with over a decade of experience supporting patients with amyloidosis and complex blood disorders. She provides compassionate counseling, advance care planning, and resource navigation, helping families manage financial logistics, insurance access, and treatment barriers.

Clinical trials play an important role in advancing treatment options, but understanding the terminology can be challenging. Learn from Dr. Kourelis how to interpret trial phases, endpoints, study design, results, and key data so you can better understand what research findings may mean for patients and future care.

Dr. Taxiarchis Kourelis is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Oncology at Mayo Clinic and a hematologist-oncologist specializing in amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, and other rare dysproteinemias. His clinical and translational research investigates mechanisms of amyloid-related organ injury and the immune microenvironment, with major contributions in proteomic mapping, complement-mediated tissue damage, and, with the work of collaborators, the development of renal organoid and cellular-engineering approaches. His work has been supported by the NIH, Mayo Clinic, foundations, and industry partners.

Living with cardiac amyloidosis can be overwhelming, but understanding your care can make all the difference. Learn how Dr. Grogan evaluates patients, selects treatment options, manages symptoms, and monitors heart health over time. Gain practical insights to help you better understand your care and what to expect.

Martha Grogan, MD, is a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and founder and director of the Cardiac Amyloid Clinic. Her clinical research and educational efforts focus heavily on cardiac amyloidosis, amyloid heart disease, and heart failure. Dr. Grogan lectures widely to advance the diagnosis and management of these complex cardiac conditions.