Beyond the Surface,

About the event

Our goal is to convene more than 100 clinicians, researchers, health professionals, and students to advance the diagnosis and treatment of rare neuroimmune and inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune encephalitis and encephalopathy, and to explore new treatments and potential genetic factors. Neuroimmunology is rapidly evolving, with advances in diagnosis, treatment, and understanding. However, awareness and experience among frontline physicians in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and general neurology remain limited. This symposium could help bridge that gap.

This distinguished one-day hybrid symposium, held on October 10, 2026, will bring together clinicians, researchers, students, patients, caregivers, and advocates for an engaging day of education, collaboration, and advocacy. Videos of presentations from the symposium will be available on HESA’s YouTube channel and website soon after the event. Attendees will gain valuable insight into a range of rare autoimmune neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, including:

• Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy / Steroid-Responsive Encephalopathy Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis (SREAT)Seronegative Autoimmune Encephalitis
• MOG Antibody-Associated Encephalitis
• Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
• PANS/PANDAS
• Down Syndrome Regression Syndrome
• Neuropsychiatric Lupus (NPSLE)
• NMDA Receptor Encephalitis and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders
• Stiff Person Syndrome

In addition to the educational presentations, the symposium will feature dedicated panels of patients and physicians. These panels will offer firsthand perspectives on living with and managing rare neuroinflammatory conditions, fostering open dialogue among patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts and hear directly from those affected, enriching the event’s collaborative spirit.

We would be honored to partner with your organization to advance understanding, improve care, and bring hope to individuals affected by rare autoimmune neurological diseases. The budget (below) covers venue costs, speaker fees, and contingency funds. Key speakers include Dr. Ahmed Obiedat of MCW and Dr. Hesham Abboud of the University Hospitals, Cleveland. Panelists will be selected by Dr. Obiedat and Dr. Abboud. The proposed agenda will include question-and-answer sessions and interactive discussions.

The online registration and ticketing platform is scheduled to launch in July. Registration fees and marketing will be communicated via email, social media, and academic partners. Hotel blocks for speakers and/or out-of-town guests are being finalized, and airline reservations are being made. (Currently, we estimate we will need 6-7 rooms for doctors and 3-4 for volunteers and hosts.)

On Friday, October 9, 2026, a dinner will be held to allow the speakers, sponsors, and hosts to get acquainted. Registration for the symposium will open at 9:00 A.M. on October 10, 2026. Bagels, rolls, coffee, and other refreshments will be available to all attendees. Speakers are scheduled to begin at 9:30 A.M. Each presentation will be 40 minutes, with time for questions. Lunch will be provided, along with snacks and drinks during the breaks. After the symposium, a cocktail reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be held for the speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and hosts.

Why should you sponsor?

Your support will help advance the diagnosis, treatment, and care for children and adults with rare neuroimmune and inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune encephalitis and encephalopathy, by raising awareness among frontline physicians in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and general neurology of new treatments and potential genetic factors. It will also help raise awareness and experience.

Monique Cavaleri

I have been involved with and volunteering for the Hashimoto's Encephalopathy/SREAT Alliance (HESA) and am currently the co-vice president. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Encephalopathy in 2014. It took years to get a diagnosis and to get the correct treatments. 

My goal is to support patients and caregivers and to raise awareness and educate the medical community so that children and adults receive a diagnosis faster and get the appropriare treatments.

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