Financial Assistance

Brighter Hope Foundation is committed to making the conference accessible to families whenever possible.  A limited financial assistance programme will be available with three levels of support to eligible applicants :

• Level 1 – Free conference registration
• Level 2 – Free conference registration plus assistance toward accommodation
• Level 3 – Free conference registration plus assistance toward accommodation and travel expenses

Financial assistance may be available for:

• Paediatric patients and up to two caregivers
• One adult patient and one companion
• Bereaved parents
• Brighter Hope Foundation community volunteers

Families can only qualify under one of the categories above. Families receiving financial assistance are expected to attend all parts of the conference programme in order to receive reimbursement after the conference. 

We ask families who apply for financial assistance to also take part in the fundraising efforts.  This means creating or joining a team and fundraising for the 2026 Worldwide Walk.  The money from this year’s Worldwide Walk will be used to fund the financial assistance programme.  

The Financial Assistance Programme application closing date is May 1, 2026.

Information on how to apply for financial assistance can be found here. 

Translation Services

The conference presentations will be in English. Because our community includes families from many different countries, we hope to provide translation during the conference presentations.  At this time, we anticipate providing real-time translation through wearable translation devices, though final details are still being confirmed.  Additional information will be shared as the conference approaches. 

This Conference is For YOU!

The Brighter Hope Foundation conference is designed for the entire community affected by GACI and ARHR2.  Medical professionals and researchers are also welcome to attend. 

Patients

Patients have the opportunity to hear directly from leading experts about research, treatment approaches, and clinical care.  Many patients also find it incredibly meaningful to meet others who share similar experiences.

Parents and Caregivers

Parents often say that connecting with other families is one of the most valuable parts of the conference.  Throughout the weekend, there will be opportunities to:

• Ask questions of medical experts
• Share experiences with other parents
• Learn from families who have navigated similar changes

Children and Teens

Children and teens attending the conference will have access to a supervised activity programme during the main presentation sessions.

Activities may include:

• Games
• Crafts
• Face painting
• Other fun entertainment

Children will rejoin their families during the lunch break.  These activities give kids a chance to play, relax, and make new friends in the Brighter Hope Community.

Adult Patients

Adult patients will have opportunities to connect with one another and share experiences through breakout discussions and informal conversations throughout the conference.

Bereaved Families
If you are attending as a bereaved parent or family, please know that many others in our community share similar experiences, and you are warmly welcomed.

First-Time Attendees

If this is your first Brighter Hope Foundation conference – welcome!

Many families say that attending their first conference is a powerful and emotional experience.  For some it may be the first time meeting another person affected by GACI or ARHR2 in real life.  

You may feel:

• Excited
• Nervous
• Overwhelmed
• Hopeful

All of these feelings are completely normal. Our community is known for being warm, welcoming, and supportive, and may families form lasting friendships at these events.  

Connecting with Other Families

One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference is the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand the rare disease journey.

Throughout the weekend there will be many opportunities to meet people, including:

• Friday evening Meet & Greet dinner and Worldwide Walk
• Lunch break
• Informal conversation between sessions
• Breakout discussion groups

Breakout discussions may include groups such as:

• Families affected by ENPP1 Deficiency
• Families affected by ABCC6 Deficiency
• Adult patients

Brighter Hope Foundation Worldwide Walk

During the conference weekend we will celebrate the 7th Annual Brighter Hope Foundation Worldwide Walk.  Each year, families around the world walk in their communities to raise awareness and support research for GACI and ARHR2. The walk has become a meaningful global tradition that brings our community together.  Conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate all together as part of this worldwide event.  

Learn more about the Worldwide Walk here.  

Family Days at Disneyland Paris

Patients and their immediate family members will receive two-day Park Hopper tickets to enjoy both parks at Disneyland Paris.  These special days give families time to relax, celebrate, and create joyful memories together.  You can learn more about the visit to Disneyland Paris here.  

What to Wear

Conference attire is casual and comfortable.  

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable clothing for presentations
• Walking shoes for the Disneyland days and the Worldwide Walk
• A light sweater or jacket, as meeting rooms can sometimes be cool

What Families Say About Brighter Hope Foundation Conferences

“Attending the conference in Orlando was life-changing for our family. For the first time since our child was diagnosed, we were surrounded by people who truly understand what we were going through. We learned so much from the doctors, but just as important were the friendships we made with other families. Our child loved meeting other kids with GACI, and we left feeling hopeful and supported.” 

-Parent of a paediatric patient, Orlando Conference attendee

Photographs & Videos

Photographs and videos may be taken during the conference. These images may be used by the Brighter Hope Foundation in newsletters, on websites, on social media, in promotional materials, or in other publications.

By registering for the Brighter Hope Foundation Patient & Family Conference, you grant permission to Brighter Hope Foundation to use photographs and/or videos of you. You also confirm that you have the authority to grant permission on behalf of all individuals listed on your registration form.

If you do not consent to the use of photographs or videos, please inform the photographer at the conference or email info@brighterhopefoundation.org.

Questions?

If you have questions about the conference, travel planning, or registration, please contact:

info@brighterhopefoundation.org.