Join a warm welcome to the amyloidosis community and learn what this condition can mean for daily life, which symptoms and tests may matter, how treatment and follow-up decisions are often discussed, and simple ways to ask clearer questions, coordinate care, include care partners, and feel prepared, supported, and confident as you take steps.

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 a warm welcome to the amyloidosis community and learn what this condition can mean for daily life, which symptoms and tests may matter, how treatment and follow-up decisions are often discussed, and simple ways to ask clearer questions, coordinate care, include care partners, and feel prepared, supported, and confident as you take steps.

David Gusick is the founder of Somebody To Talk To, a program bringing patients, caregivers, and doctors together for free weekly sessions. With 30+ years in systems architecture and entrepreneurship, he is building a global support model to improve quality of life for rare disease patients.

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 nurse navigator with over 35 years of experience in blood and marrow transplantation and plasma cell disorders. Specializing in multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and research access, she empowers patients through clinical trial matching, educational leadership, and advocacy.

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.

Managing a rare or chronic condition can involve many moving parts, from appointments and testing to treatments and follow-up care. Join us to learn practical ways to stay organized, understand your next steps, communicate with your care team, and feel more confident navigating each stage of your healthcare journey.

Valentin Torres, BSN, RN, is a heart failure and pulmonary hypertension nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital. His clinical practice centers on advanced cardiac nursing, diagnostic workups, and monitoring patients with infiltrative cardiomyopathies, while his multidisciplinary work in amyloidosis focuses on care coordination, symptom management, and supporting patients through specialized diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies.

Getting the medication you need can feel overwhelming when insurance approvals, prior authorizations, and unexpected delays get in the way. Join us to learn practical steps for navigating the approval process, working with your care team and insurance provider, and finding resources that may help you access your treatment with greater confidence.

David Plaza, BSHA, NRCMA, NRCAHA, is a healthcare professional with over 12 years of experience in cardiovascular care and rare diseases. Specializing in advanced heart failure and amyloidosis, his clinical support work centers on navigating complex patient-access challenges, insurance authorizations, and therapy initiation, while his administrative focus emphasizes multidisciplinary care coordination and streamlining patient access to specialized treatments.

Cardiac amyloidosis can be difficult to recognize, and knowing what to watch for may help lead to earlier evaluation and care. Join us to learn about warning signs that should not be overlooked, when to talk with your healthcare team, and what next steps may be recommended. Gain practical knowledge to help you advocate for your heart health.

Eleanor Weltge, MSN, AGACNP-BC, is an acute care nurse practitioner specializing in heart failure, cardio-oncology, and amyloidosis at Houston Methodist Hospital. Practicing alongside Dr. Trachtenberg, her clinical work focuses on advanced cardiac management. She is enjoys educating both patients and healthcare providers on amyloidosis and participates in research on active amyloidosis drug trials.

Considering a clinical trial can bring questions, concerns, and plenty of conflicting information. Join us as we separate common myths from facts, explain what participation really involves, and discuss questions to ask before deciding. Gain reliable information to help you and your family feel more informed and confident when exploring clinical trials.

Michael Ragunton, MBA, CCRC, holds a Master’s in Multi-Sector Healthcare Management and serves as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator at Houston Methodist Hospital. His professional work centers on clinical trial operations and coordinating multidisciplinary research protocols, while his focus in amyloidosis emphasizes patient recruitment, data management, and operational support for active clinical trials studying advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Join a warm welcome to the amyloidosis community and learn the basics of ATTR and AL amyloidosis: what causes each condition, how amyloid can affect different organs, the symptoms, tests, vocabulary, and concepts that matter most, and an overview of available and emerging treatment options. Leave feeling better prepared for care.

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 a warm welcome to the amyloidosis community and learn the basics of ATTR and AL amyloidosis: what causes each condition, how amyloid can affect different organs, the symptoms, tests, vocabulary, and concepts that matter most, and an overview of available and emerging treatment options. Leave feeling better prepared for care.

David Gusick is the founder of Somebody To Talk To, a program bringing patients, caregivers, and doctors together for free weekly sessions. With 30+ years in systems architecture and entrepreneurship, he is building a global support model to improve quality of life for rare disease patients.

Join us for an informative virtual session about transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Cardiologist David Hinchman, MD, FACC, will explain the condition and discuss an available treatment option. You’ll also hear firsthand perspectives from Ken, who is living with ATTR-CM, and Sherry, his care partner, as they share practical insights about navigating diagnosis, treatment, and everyday life.

David Hinchman, MD, FACC, is a general cardiologist focused on heart failure, preventative cardiac care, and advanced imaging. Co-founder of his practice, his clinical work centers on 3D transesophageal echocardiography and managing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), while his research includes serving as Principal Investigator in over 100 clinical trials.

Join us for an informative virtual session about transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Cardiologist David Hinchman, MD, FACC, will explain the condition and discuss an available treatment option. You’ll also hear firsthand perspectives from Ken, who is living with ATTR-CM, and Sherry, his care partner, as they share practical insights about navigating diagnosis, treatment, and everyday life.

Join us for an informative virtual session about transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Cardiologist David Hinchman, MD, FACC, will explain the condition and discuss an available treatment option. You’ll also hear firsthand perspectives from Ken, who is living with ATTR-CM, and Sherry, his care partner, as they share practical insights about navigating diagnosis, treatment, and everyday life.

Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness can be important signs of nerve involvement in amyloidosis. Learn which neuropathy symptoms may signal progression, what changes to track, and when to seek medical attention. Gain practical guidance to help you recognize changes early, communicate with your care team, and take the right next steps.

Sheetal Shroff, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at Houston Methodist, is board-certified in neuromuscular medicine. Her practice focuses on EMG, biopsies, and complex nerve disorders, while her amyloidosis work emphasizes diagnosing amyloid polyneuropathy, participating in novel drug trials, and ATTR management.

A diagnosis can change daily routines, relationships, and the life you once knew. Join us to learn practical ways to adjust to lifestyle changes, cope with difficult emotions, and build a support system you can rely on. Gain strategies to help you feel more connected, supported, and confident as you navigate life with a rare or chronic condition.

Marquita Gauthier, LCSW, is a Heart Transplant Social Worker at Houston Methodist Hospital. Her practice centers on psychosocial assessments, case management, and helping heart failure patients and their families navigate complex treatment pathways, while her multidisciplinary support in amyloidosis focuses on providing emotional guidance, identifying financial resources, and coordinating social services for patients undergoing specialized care or transplant evaluation.

Considering a transplant can bring many questions about what lies ahead. Join us to learn what it takes to prepare for transplant, what patients may experience before and after the procedure, and the commitment involved in recovery and follow-up care. Gain practical insights to help you feel more informed, prepared, and confident about the transplant journey.

Brenda Merkelz, RN, BSN, CCTC, is a Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator at Houston Methodist Hospital with over 17 years of experience in advanced heart failure care. Her practice centers on guiding candidates through every stage of the transplant evaluation process, while her multidisciplinary work in amyloidosis focuses on care coordination, navigating multi-organ transplant needs, and supporting patients through complex diagnostic and therapeutic pathways.

What treatment options are available for ATTR-CM, and which may be right for you? Join us to learn about today’s therapies, how they work, what to expect, and questions to discuss with your care team. Leave with practical knowledge and greater confidence about your treatment journey.

Barry Trachtenberg, MD, serves as Director of the Cardiac Amyloidosis Program at Houston Methodist. His practice focuses on managing advanced heart failure, heart transplantation, and cardiac amyloidosis, while his research includes over 80 publications and numerous clinical trials on cardiomyopathies and targeted therapies.

Searching for health information can bring reassurance, but it can also lead to fear, confusion, and information overload. Join us to learn how to manage the emotional impact of what you read online, recognize reliable sources, avoid misinformation, and find a healthy balance between staying informed and protecting your peace of mind.

LaShara A. Davis, PhD, MA, is an Assistant Professor of Outcomes Research in Surgery and Business Development Program Manager for Patient Education and Outreach at Houston Methodist. Her professional work centers on health communication, transplant research, and patient engagement, while her research emphasizes community outreach, clear patient education materials, and developing accessible resources to improve health literacy, diagnostic awareness, and clinical trial participation for complex conditions, including systemic amyloidosis.

Make every clinic visit count by becoming an active partner in your care. Join us to learn how to prepare for appointments, communicate your concerns, ask meaningful questions, and clarify next steps with your healthcare team. Gain practical strategies to help you feel more prepared, confident, and involved in decisions about your care.

Van Thai, BSN, RN, CCTC, is a Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator and Professional Development Generalist for the Thoracic Transplant Program at Houston Methodist Hospital. Her clinical practice centers on organ procurement, critical care, and care coordination for heart transplant candidates—including those with advanced cardiac amyloidosis—while her educational work emphasizes multidisciplinary clinical training, patient advocacy, and streamlining complex care pathways.

Heart scans can reveal important clues about cardiac amyloidosis, but understanding your results can be confusing. Join us to learn what echocardiograms, cardiac MRI, and PYP scans look for, what the findings may mean, and how your care team uses these tests to help diagnose cardiac amyloidosis and guide your care.

Mahwash Kassi, MD, FACC, FHFSA, is an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist at Houston Methodist Hospital. As Director of the Amyloidosis and Sarcoidosis Clinics, she designs tailored protocols to diagnose and manage complex structural damage from abnormal protein folding in AL and ATTR amyloidosis, guiding patients from disease-modifying therapies to heart transplantation.

Holiday meals can be enjoyed while still supporting your heart health. Join us to learn practical ways to make heart-friendly food choices, manage sodium and portions, navigate celebrations, and enjoy favorite traditions without feeling deprived. Gain realistic strategies to help you balance healthy habits with the foods and moments that make the holidays special.

Rachel Deleon, RD, LD, CCTD, is a Senior Transplant Dietitian at Houston Methodist Hospital. Her clinical practice centers on medical nutrition therapy, frailty assessment, and weight optimization for liver, kidney, and heart transplant candidates, while her multidisciplinary work emphasizes specialized nutritional interventions to help systemic amyloidosis patients withstand organ failure, bone marrow transplants, and post-transplant recovery.