Kick off the conference and join us for the Welcome Cocktail Reception – a relaxed event with cocktails/mocktails, light bites and great conversation. This is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with people, meet new attendees, and ease into the weekend ahead. Whether you’re a first time participant or a returning guest, we invite you to raise a glass and help us toast the start of an exciting and inspiring conference.

Hosted by ImmUnity Canada & CINC

This Reception is made possible by support from GeneDx

Start your day by checking in at the registration desk to pick up your name badge and conference materials. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and take this opportunity to network with fellow attendees before the sessions begin

Join us as we kick off the conference with a warm welcome from our organizers and a brief overview of the day ahead. This session will set the tone for the event, highlight key themes, and introduce our special guests.

Brent Leonard, Chair Immunity Canada; Dr Stephen Betschel, Co-Chair Immunity Canada Medical Science Advisory Committee; Kim Hanson, Patient Speaker

Join us for a compelling keynote by Dr. Silvia Ramón Sánchez, an expert in immunology, as she explores the complexities of secondary and primary immunodeficiency. Dr. Sánchez will discuss how these conditions differ, the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment, and the real-world impact on patients and families. This session offers valuable insights for anyone affected by or interested in immune system disorders.

 Dr. Silvia Ramón Sánchez, head of the department of clinical immunology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid

This session is supported by Takeda Canada

Take a short break to recharge with coffee, tea, and light snacks. This is a great time to stretch, connect with other attendees, and prepare for the next session.

Curious about research? Want to know more about the different types and what is involved? This introductory session breaks down the basics of research in a clear and accessible way. 

Dr. Vy Kim, Hospital for Sick Children

Dr. Ash Marwaha, Care4Rare (TBC)

Moderated by Duane Schreiner, ImmUnity Canada Board of Directors

Patients and families bring vital lived experience to research—shaping priorities, improving study design, and ensuring outcomes that truly matter. This session will explore meaningful ways to get involved in the research process, from idea generation to knowledge sharing. Hear from patient partners, researchers, and caregivers about how collaboration leads to more impactful and relevant research.

Sara Pot and Dr. Alicia Hilderley, McMaster University/RareKidsCAN 

Moderated by Gabby White, Co-chair, ImmUnity Canada Nurse Advisory Committee

Enjoy a complimentary lunch and take time to relax, connect with fellow attendees, and reflect on the morning sessions. Dietary accommodations will be available.

This break is supported by Takeda Canada.

Learn how the Canadian Inborn Errors of Immunity National Registry (CIEINR) has been established, how it is helping to advance research, improve care, and inform policy for individuals living with immunodeficiencies. This session will explain what the CIEINR is, how patient and family data is used responsibly, and why your voice and participation are essential. Hear from researchers and patient partners about the real-world impact of joining the registry.

• Update on the CIEINR – Dr. Beata Derfalvi, IWK
• Patient & Family Engagement Fundamentals in Patient Registries, Gillian Currie
• CIEINR – Initiatives, Challenges, Future Directions – Dr. Sneha Suresh, University of Alberta

Moderated by Sanjay Prajapati, ImmUnity Canada Board of Directors

Discover the latest breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating primary immunodeficiency. This session will highlight cutting-edge technologies, innovative therapies, and emerging research that are transforming patient care. Experts will share insights into how these advances are improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with primary immunodeficiency.

Dr. Muhammad Mamdani, St. Michael’s Hospital

Moderated by: Dr Hugo Chapdelaine, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal

This Session is supported by Takeda Canada

Take a short break to recharge with coffee, tea, and light snacks. This is a great time to stretch, connect with other attendees, and prepare for the next session

oin the Nurse Advisory Committee as they share their unique perspectives on patient care, advocacy, and support within the immunodeficiency community. This session will highlight nursing-led initiatives, best practices, and opportunities for collaboration to enhance the patient and family experience.

Dr. Olivia Cullen, University of Calgary

Dr. Julia Hews-Girard, Co-Chair, Immunity Canada Nursing Advisory Committee

As the day draws to a close, join us for a reflective wrap-up highlighting key takeaways, inspiring stories, and next steps. This session offers a chance to celebrate our collective progress, share final thoughts, and look ahead to Day 2.

Join us for a discuss the role of prevention in reducing respiratory infections: Learn and chat about prevention strategies and guidelines in Canada around the role of immunization to prevent respiratory infections ( such as RSV, COVID, Influenza, and Pneumococcus) with a special focus on the implications for those living with primary immune deficiency and immunocompromised populations.

Explore and discuss new research surrounding respiratory infections and vaccination for immune deficient and immunocompromised people.

Dr Angela Chu, University of Calgary

This session is supported by Merck

Start your second day with a warm welcome and overview of
what’s ahead. We’ll highlight key sessions, share important
announcements, and set the tone for another inspiring day
of learning and connection.

Explore the powerful connection between the gut
microbiome and the immune system in this fascinating
session. Learn how gut health influences immune
function, the role of the microbiome in
immunodeficiencies, and emerging research on how
modifying the microbiome could support better outcomes
for patients.

Dr. Emilia Liana Falcone, Director of the Microbiome Research Core at theUniversité de Montréal

Moderated by: Julia Hews-Girard

Join us for a dynamic keynote session featuring Dr. Donald
Kohn, Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular
Genetics at UCLA, and Dr. Paul Ayoub, a leading expert in pediatric immunology. Together, they will explore the latest advances in gene therapies for primary immunodeficiency, highlighting promising breakthroughs, real-world applications, and the path from research to treatment. Learn how these innovative approaches are transforming lives and shaping the future of care

Dr. Donald Kohn, UCLA
Dr. Paul Ayoub Rarity PBC

Supported by Innomar.

Take a short break to recharge with coffee, tea, and light
snacks. This is a great time to stretch, connect with other
attendees, and prepare for the next session.

Supported by Takeda Canada.

Dr Nicola Wright will give an overview of her groundbreaking gene therapy trial for CD3 SCID and the
potential implications for this innovative approach for both
patients and Canada. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear
about one of the most promising advances in precision
medicines happening on our doorstep!

Hear from Dr. Kevin Lee, recipient of the ImmUnity
Canada Immunology Resident Research Grant, as he
shares findings from his study: Understanding the Needs
and Barriers to Care of Adolescents and Young Adults
with Primary Immunodeficiency in Canada. This session
will highlight key insights into the unique challenges faced
by this age group and discuss implications for improving
transitions in care and support services.ons for improving
transitions in care and support services.

Dr. Nicola Wright, University of Calgary
Dr. Kevin Lee, University of British Columbia

Discover a unique fusion of science and creativity in this
interactive session on translating DNA sequences into
music. Learn how genetic information can be transformed
into sound, offering a new way to understand and
experience the human genome. This session explores the
intersection of data, identity, and artistic expression—
showcasing how music can make complex science more
accessible and emotionally resonant. As featured on
Season 3 of ImmUnity Canada’s Slice of PI podcast.

Dr. Michael Frishkopf, University of Alberta
Moderated by: Paola Andrea Fernandez de Soto Abdul-Rahim, ImmUnity Canada Board of Directors

Join us as we wrap up the conference with final
reflections, key takeaways, and a look ahead. We’ll
celebrate the connections made, the knowledge shared,
and the collective progress toward improving care and
understanding of immunodeficiency. Thank you for being
part of this inspiring gathering—we look forward to
continuing the journey together.

Brent Leonard, Chair, ImmUnity Canada; Dr. Stephen Betschel, Co-Chair, Medical Science Advisory Committee; Laurel Pridgen, Patient Speaker

All attendees are invited to join ImmUnity Canada, CINC
and the Alberta Children’s Hospital for an afternoon picnic
directly after the conference.

Transportation from the event venue will be provided for conference attendees.

This family friendly event is
supported by Pharming and Chiesi Global Rare Disease.