Connected, Rare Becomes Powerful.
The 2025 PPA Conference convened patients, clinicians, researchers, and advocates across hybrid formats to exchange insights, elevate interdisciplinary care, and drive meaningful progress. Together, we transformed rare experiences into powerful knowledge and collective action.
Watch the Replay Videos
Periodic Paralysis Research Updates 2025 by Dr. Cannon
Permanent Muscle Weakness in Periodic Paralysis by Dr. Suetterlin
Considerations & Controversies in Periodic Paralysis by Dr. Cannon
Beyond Diagnosis: Living Well with Periodic Paralysis by Dr. Knoll
The Nutrition Connection by Anita Dharwadker
Advocacy for Periodic Paralysis James Romano & Dane Christiansen
WPPD: Powering Up the Fight Against PP by James Romano & Cienna Ditri
Protocol to Power: Anesthesia that Changes Lives by Dr. Harr
Navigating the Emergency Room by Cienna Ditri & Mason Alley
Living Stronger with Periodic Paralysis by Dr. Harr
Ask the Experts Panel by Dr. Cannon & Dr. Harr
2025 Conference Speakers
Dr Stephen Cannon
Dr. Cannon is a recognized authority on channelopathies and neuromuscular disorders. His contributions to this and related fields include numerous articles, and book chapters, and a commitment to education, clinical practice, and research.
Dr. Karen Suetterlin
Dr. Karen Suetterlin specializes in skeletal muscle channelopathies, including periodic paralysis. Her research focuses on phenotype transitions and age‑related muscle changes, helping shape modern understanding of these rare disorders
Dr. William Harr
William Harr DNP, CRNA graduated from the University of Cincinnati in December 2001 with a Master of Nursing degree in Anesthesia and became a Board-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in February of 2002. In 2021, Dr. Harr completed the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Lourdes University where he has dedicated his time and research to anesthesia safety for patients who have Periodic Paralysis.
Ross Knoll
Dr. Knoll completed his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Northern Illinois University and a postdoctoral residency in clinical health psychology. He is a licensed psychologist specializing in integrated behavioral health services within outpatient primary care clinics. His work emphasizes evidence-based psychosocial interventions to promote lasting improvements in patients’ health and well-being.
Anita Dharwadkar
Anita Dharwadkar is a Registered Dietitian who brings both professional expertise and lived experience with chronic illness to her work. She is passionate about supporting individuals navigating complex health conditions, with a focus on empowerment, self-trust, and cultivating a safe, judgment-free space. Anita has presented at numerous conferences and specializes in the intersection of chronic illness, nutrition, and body image. Her approach is person-centered, weight-inclusive, and guided by Health at Every Size® principles. She works with people of all ages and backgrounds, with particular dedication to those living with rare chronic illnesses. Anita believes individuals hold their own wisdom and resilience, and she is honored to walk alongside them as they discover tools for healing and self-advocacy.
James Romano
James Romano is the founder of Care & Cure Partners. Care & Cure Partners works to advance the advocacy, nonprofit, fundraising and government relations needs of our clients. James has over 25 years’ experience working with nonprofit organizations in a government relations and advocacy capacity. Throughout his eventful career, James has worked for a Member of Congress, nonprofit organizations and a Washington, DC lobbying firm. James brings this experience to the benefit of the Care & Cure Partners clients.
Dane Christiansen
Dane Christiansen has worked in government relations since 2004. He specializes in advancing medical research, treatment development, and patient access related policy goals for a variety of stakeholders. He has a background in grassroots organizing and healthcare advocacy, as well as a detailed understanding of the federal budget and appropriations process. Dane holds a B.S. in Political Science with a concentration in Economics from Marietta College. He also holds a certificate in Leadership from the Bernard P. McDonough Center for Leadership and Business Studies, and an MBA in Multi-Sector Healthcare Management from Saint George’s University.
2025 Conference Sponsors
Diamond Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
