2026 Fall Advocacy & Medical Symposium
Raise Your Voices at FAMS!

This is more than a conference. It’s a movement. It’s your chance to connect, learn, lead, and advocate alongside those who share your purpose and passion for access to quality and affordable treatment care for South Carolinians living with bleeding disorders and rare diseases.

“Where Health Meets Policy, and Voices Drive Action”
Join South Carolina advocates, healthcare professionals, and national changemakers for the Fall Advocacy & Medical Symposium (FAMS) — a powerful gathering focused on health equity, rare disease advocacy, and policy reform. This is more than a conference. It’s a movement. It’s your chance to connect, learn, lead, and advocate alongside those who share your purpose and passion.
 
More Than a Conference: We’re FAM
“FAMS” stands for Fall Advocacy & Medical Symposium — but it also sounds like fam, and that’s no coincidence. We are a family of advocates, patients, professionals, and allies. We stand together, lift each other up, and fight for a better future — as one.
 
Featured Highlights
  • New Treatments & Services Showcase
  • Hands-On Advocacy Education & Training, and Healthcare Updates
  • Strategic Planning Sessions – Passing H.3934 & S.330
  • Involvement with YOUR Voices in National Health Equity 
  • Children & Teen Empowerment Programming
  • Family Engagement and Fellowship
  • Infusion and Injection Clinic
  • Sponsor Exhibits – all products and services
 
Why FAMS Matters
FAMS isn’t just another symposium — it’s where community meets action. Connect directly with bleeding disorders experts, healthcare leaders, and policymakers. Bridge lived experience with professional insight to ensure grassroots voices drive systemic change. Join a space where your story truly matters.
 
Why Now?
Health disparities and access gaps are widening — we must act together.  National healthcare policy is shifting. Your voice can shape South Carolina’s priorities.  Our community deserves compassionate, equitable care — now more than ever.
 
Join Us to Grow, Learn, and Advocate Together!
Register now to be part of a vibrant community committed to growth, learning, and meaningful connection. Then take the next step by participating in our upcoming advocacy efforts—whether by attending our events, joining virtual legislative meetings, writing emails or letters, or making phone calls. Together, we can champion access to quality health care and treatment for our community.
 
2026 Priorities:
BDASC Legislative Breakfast – January 14, 2026, 8-10am – Columbia Capitol
BDASC Advocacy State Days February 24-25, 2026 – Columbia Capitol
NBDF Washington DaysMarch 4 – 6, 2026

October 9-11, 2026

FRIDAY: 4:00PM – SUNDAY: 12:00 PM 
Marina Inn at Grand Dunes – Myrtle Beach
8121 Amalfi Place Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Our participation waiver has been updated.  Before registering for this event, please take a moment to review our Photo Release Waiver and Participant Expectation Waiver.  By registering for this event, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions and will be required to agree to this during the registration process. By registering, you are committed to attending the entire conference until Sunday at 12:00pm. (no early check outs are permitted).

Please note: There is a $25 registration fee per family or individual registering for this event. If the fee presents a financial hardship, we encourage you to contact Sue Martin, Executive Director, at the chapter office (864-350-9941) before beginning your registration. Registrations cannot be completed without payment.

Who is eligible to attend this special event:

  • Must be a member of BDASC and live in South Carolina.
  • Must have a bleeding disorder, or have a diagnosis of being a carrier of a bleeding disorders or be a caregiver of a family member living in your immediate household who has a diagnosed bleeding disorder.
  • Personal invitation by the SCHBDAC.
 

We also want to emphasize that full participation, focus, and your commitment are expected throughout the event. While we strive to create a supportive and engaging atmosphere, this is a purpose-driven symposium—not a casual retreat at the beach. Your active involvement is essential to the success of our time together. Thank you for your understanding before registering to attend. You will be notified once your application is accepted to attend.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  The hotel will require a credit card or debit card from each room reservation. They will place a hold of $100.00 per night which will be released upon check-out if no charges were placed on room and hotel services. BDASC only covers room and tax / resort fees per reservation. (if this is a challenge, contact Sue before registering) Registration closes on September 19th or when all spaces are full.  A waiting list will be created once we hit capacity. Space is limited, register today!

South Carolina Advocacy: 2025 Year In Review & Moving Forward Into 2026

Please take a moment to watch this video from James Romano, BDASC Legislative Coordinator on our Advocacy Program in 2025 to learn what we’ve accomplished this year and what the plan is moving into 2026.

Accommodations at Marina Inn at Grand Dunes

We have a limited number of rooms reserved for this event in our hotel block.  Please be sure to register early if you need to request a room.  Community members are welcome to attend this event without a room if you live nearby or would like to secure your own accommodations. All attendees must be registered to attend FAMS. During the registration process you will be able to select your options and affiliations within the registration link.

Because of the selection of rooms available to us, we will place your party in the appropriately sized rooms.  Upon confirmation of your registration acceptance, we will ensure that this works for you and your family.  The two options that are available to us are the Grand Guest Room (sleeps up to 4) or the 2 Bedroom Suite (sleeps up to 8). Please Note: ONLY your immediate family members living within your home will be able to attend with you for this exclusive event.

Family Activities and Teen / Children Programming

Throughout the weekend event, there will be plenty of free time for families to connect and engage with other members of the community, building friendships and supportive relationships. Teens will gather in special sessions created especially for them as they learn to become more independent and goal driven. Children will also have the opportunity to engage in age appropriate activities selected just for them.  Due to the high cost of childcare, our Teen and Children’s programs will be hosted by our staff, board members, and volunteers.

Sessions will run concurrently during our adult sessions on Saturday from 10:30am-12:00pm and 1:15pm – 3:30pm

Parents/Guardians of teens and children, please be aware, at registration you will be required to sign a consent form if your teen or child is participating in our programming.  Please take a moment to read our updated consent forms by clicking on the button.

Children Programming
Our Children’s programming will include two programs from the South Carolina Aquarium. We will be providing two educational and fun sessions to keep the children busy and engaged.  These sessions will be the following:
 

Marine Invertebrates

The beaches of South Carolina provide habitat to a variety of cool and unique marine invertebrates. During this interactive program, you will play a game to learn about native beach dwellers that call the beach home.

 

 

 

 

Animal Enrichment: Turtle Art

Do you like to paint? Some animals do, too! Learn how the Aquarium enriches the lives of animals, such as turtles, by letting them paint. This program is great for artists and art enthusiasts alike!



Teen Programming
BDASC is proud to offer teens a hands-on chance to explore real world decision-making through a guided simulation.
 
The CEO Program teaches budgeting skills while showing the true costs of necessities, lifestyle choices, and unexpected expenses.
Participants randomly select a career and life scenario, then make financial decisions to cover needs and wants within a monthly budget. Along the way, they may face “Life Happens” cards—realistic challenges that reflect everyday ups and downs.
 
This engaging program equips teens with practical skills, financial awareness, and a deeper understanding of life’s responsibilities.

Friday Evening – October 9th

4:00pm – 6:00pm: Registration & Sponsor Exhibits Open
6:30pm – 8:00pm: Dinner Buffet & Presentation

 

Saturday Education – October 10th

 

Saturday Evening Entertainment:

 

Sunday – October 11th

7:00am – 9:00am: Breakfast & Sponsor Exhibits, Infusion Clinic
11:00am: Exhibit, Community Networking & Hotel  Checkout 

Friday Opening Dinner Presentation: New Innovations in Treatment Therapies

Presented by Robin Jones, MSN, MHA, RN, CPN, CPHON – Nurse Navigator, Hemostatsis and Thrombosis Center of South Carolina, Sponsored by Sanofi

Learn about Qfitlia. A new treatment option for Hemophilia A and B with or without inhibitors.

Saturday Session Details
Sunday Sessions
Discussing Self-Infusion, Presented by Robin Jones, MSN, MHA, RN, CPN, CPHON, Midlands HTC Nurse Coordinator

Infusion Session

  • Included: “Tips & Tricks” and Trouble Shooting – what do you do when there is scar tissue? How can we make the veins show up more? Are there tips to make it hurt less? What are all the locations we can use if one place does not work? How many times do you try per infusion if we fail? How do we push past the mental barriers?
  • What are the ways to increase visibility of veins?  Are their exercises that help – ones that young kids or adults could safely do? Do vein finders really work (there is an app now)?
  • Take-away documents filled with tips and tricks. 
  • Port information, and injections. Pros and cons of port vs. peripheral.  Understanding the challenges of each.  Opting for ports in adulthood.
Speaker Bios
Premier Sponsors
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InfuCare RX
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