2024 International Annual Patient Conference
Heroes in the Fight is a celebration of resilience, science, and care in myositis. 2024 marks the third annual event hosted by TMA to celebrate the strength of our patient community. We also pay tribute to the dedicated scientists and researchers making progress in myositis. Finally, we recognize the myositis experienced clinicians providing extraordinary care and service to the individuals and families affected by this rare collection of diseases.
This special gala (separate tickets required with $75 registration/donation) takes place during TMA’s 29th International Annual Patient Conference. See you there as we honor the below outstanding individuals and institutions for their efforts to achieve a world without myositis.
Not sure what to wear? Embrace the celebration! Whether you prefer stylish cocktail attire or elegant formal wear, choose what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel, 401 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Reception 6:15pm | Dinner 7:00pm ET
THESE ARE OUR HEROES
Karen Alexander
Patient Ambassador Award
Fashion supermodel, mother, hospice volunteer, and dermatomyositis warrior
The Patient Ambassador Award is presented to a member of the community who has demonstrated extraordinary effort and success raising awareness within the broader public by educating others, raising funds, and/or supporting legislative advocacy initiatives for myositis, neuromuscular, degenerative, and/or autoimmune disease.
Professionally, Karen Alexander is a fashion model known for her extensive work with distinguished publications, designers, and photographers over a robust career spanning four decades. Karen has been featured in numerous major magazines, including American, British, French, German, and Italian Vogue; Essence; Glamour; Harper’s Bazaar; Mademoiselle; and Marie Claire. Karen became the first Black Elle cover star in 1986, and the following year she was featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. In 1990, Karen was included in People’s inaugural “50 Most Beautiful People” list, and she later posed for the 1994 Pirelli Calendar. Karen has starred in many advertising campaigns.
Bottom left photo: Peter Lindbergh
Thomas E. Lloyd, MD, PhD
Heroes in Research Award
Chair of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
This award is presented to a researcher that has demonstrated significant commitment to and progress toward improving our understanding of myositis diseases through innovative research.
Karolinska University Hospital Myositis Clinic
Heroes in Healthcare Award
Stockholm, Sweden
The Heroes in Healthcare Award is presented to a healthcare institution (or team of healthcare providers) that excels in caring for those who live with myositis. The award will be accepted by Dr. Ingrid Lundberg, Professor, Department of Medicine in Solna and Docent, Karolinska Institutet.
New in 2024: Marianne Moyer Myositis Leader Award
We are proud to announce the inaugural Marianne Moyer Myositis Leader Award recognizing TMA volunteers who, like Marianne, lead the way in our myositis community by helping others live their best lives with myositis. Learn more about Marianne’s legacy.
This year’s award will be presented to
Donna DeFant
Coleader of TMA’s Southwest Florida Keep in Touch Support Group
Thank you, sponsors
We are grateful to Abcuro, argenx, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Mallinckrodt for partnering with TMA to pay tribute to the individuals and families affected by myositis. argenx is the Lead Sponsor for TMA’s 2024 Patient Ambassador Award.
Pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers of assistive devices and medical equipment, nonprofits, and partners are invited to sponsor our signature gala! With a Heroes in the Fight Sponsorship at $5,000, you will support science, care, and resilience in myositis while increasing visibility of your organization within our patient community. Sponsors receive a hosted table for 8 and recognition in press release, gala program, signage, and other channels.