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During this 8-hour online program, the ABDA's first ever virtual summit featured an inspiring lineup of expert-led sessions, patient perspectives, and advocacy-focused panels. Topics ranged from diagnostics and treatment, to long-term care strategies and self-advocacy. In addition to informative presentations from various medical experts, there were also interactive patient panels, caregiver panels, mental health sessions and live Q&A's.
Virtual Summit Feedback
"Everything was so well-organized .... really a joy to attend."
"Thanks for inviting me on to speak, it felt so good to be heard!"
"Major gratitude for everyone on the panel!"
"I enjoyed the patient perspectives and latest medical information."
Reine is a Toronto-based graphic designer and marketing specialist living with Behcet’s Disease. Reine joined the ABDA in May 2025 as a graphic designer and social media team volunteer. Through her hard work and lived experience, she's become passionate about using visual storytelling and social media to raise awareness and build community within the rare disease space. She focuses on branding, content creation, and meaningful engagement, and is excited to support the ABDA’s mission through creative and impactful design.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a longtime advocate, or simply want to support a loved one, becoming an ABDA member is one of the most impactful ways to connect with the Behçet’s community and advance our mission.We’re excited to introduce new and exclusive benefits designed to bring you closer to the resources, people, and progress that matter most.
Exclusive Event Pricing
Receive discounted registration for ABDA-hosted events--both virtual and in-person.
Pre-Walk Meetups
Join us before awareness walks to connect with fellow members and ABDA staff in a supportive, empowering environment.
ABDA Welcome Package
Get a new, exclusive ABDA t-shirt and helpful resources as part of your welcome kit. Perfect for showing your pride and staying informed.
Quarterly Member Meetings
Enjoy free access to member-only meetings with ABDA's Executive Director, where she'll share organizational updates, wins, news, and more. (In addition to our monthly Community Connections events).
Why Your Membership Matters
Your membership helps fuel everything we do, from raising awareness and advocating for patients and caregivers, to supporting individuals living with Behcet's Disease and fighting for better research, diagnostics, and treatment.
Together, we're building a stronger, more informed, and empowered Behcet's community.
Letting others know about upcoming events can be as easy as copying and pasting a message into an email, sharing on social media, or posting photos and/or short videos to help spread the word.
Interested in planning an event for the ABDA or have an idea/topic you would like discussed? Please email abdaevents@behcets.com
We’re thrilled to announce that our ABDA Patient Survey—our first official research initiative—is on track to launch by the end of summer! This groundbreaking project is designed to capture the real-world experiences of those living with Behçet’s Disease. Your voice and insights will help shape future research, raise awareness, and improve care.
Stay tuned, your chance to contribute to this important milestone is just around the corner!
Dr. Johannes Nowatzky, Director, Behçet's Disease Program (BD-PRO), Stanford University (2025 - Present)
Below is the intake form for patient referrals, please use this link to pass on to your provider (does not need to be a specialty provider). Providers can then request "Nowatzky" as the physician and "Rheumatology" or "Immunology & Rheumatology" as the Clinic/Specialty. It is not necessary to request a specific location, but the location is 900 Blake Wilbur Dr. Palo Alto, CA 94304 which is located on Stanford campus.
Intake form for patient referrals:
The new center has just opened up in May, and we are working with Dr. Nowatzky to make the scheduling process as smooth as possible for patients. If you'd like to learn more, please reach out to info@behcets.com with any questions you may have. We will be sharing information about the clinic as it comes!
Behçet's UK will be hosting their annual conference on Saturday, October 18th 2025. This will be a hybrid event, you must register in advance, whether attending in-person or online. For more information click here.
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: White River State Park (801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204) at Locust Grove
Whether you walk the full 5K, stroll part of the route, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation makes a difference, and all proceeds support the ABDA’s efforts in research, advocacy, and patient support.
Can’t attend in person? Join us for the ABDA's Virtual Behçet’s Awareness Walk 2025, as we unite from across the country to raise awareness, build community, and support everyone impacted by Behçet’s Disease. Whether you're walking through your neighborhood, local park, or even on a treadmill, it counts!
The ABDA has reserved a room block at the Spring Hill Suites Marriott (2-minute walk to White River State Park). If you would like to stay at the Spring Hill Suites Marriott, below is the link to book your hotel room with a cut-off date of 8/29/25 to secure this discounted rate.
Join us as we walk with purpose, raise awareness, and support those living with Behçet’s Disease through our fundraising campaign Stronger Together: ABDA's Walk for Behçet’s 2025. Behçet’s is a rare, chronic, and often invisible illness—but our community is anything but invisible. Through this year’s awareness walk, we're coming together to show strength, raise funds, and stand in solidarity with patients, caregivers, and advocates across the country. Every step you take and every dollar you raise brings us closer to a world with better diagnostics and treatments, stronger support systems, resources, and greater understanding of Behçet’s Disease.
