Community Outreach & Collaboration
MI-AORTA in the Community
2024 GenTAC/IRAD Aortic Conference in Tromsø , Norway
The MI-AORTA team visited Tromsø, Norway for the jonited GenTAC/IRAD Conference in August 2024. The program included on aortic guidelines, updates from ongoing clinical trials, emerging technologies in stent and hybrid interventions and also on the biological aspects of heritable dispositions for dissections.
2024 Michigan Walk for Victory
The annual Michigan Walk for Victory was held on June 23, 2024 in Okemos, Michigan. The Frankel Cardiovascular Center MI-AORTA Program co-hosted this year's walk. This was a family-friendly event filled with fun for all ages, with a DJ, face-painting, a balloon artist, and snow cones. Patients were able to connect with friends and other families who really understand life with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos and related conditions. This is an event that brings our community together to make a difference for our family members and friends affected by these genetic aortic and vascular conditions.
2023 Michigan Regional Symposium
The MI-AORTA team co-hosted the Michigan Regional Symposium for individuals affected by Mafan, LDS, and VEDS, and their families on Saturday, May 6, 2023 with The Marfan Foundation. Presentations focused on both adults and children, and there was time for patients to ask quetions. In addition, there was a Creating Connections luncheon so that attendees could network with others with the same condition from the surrounding areas. There was also a fun, age-appropriate program for children ages 5-12 that included arts & crafts, games, movies, and opportunities to make new friends.
2023 Walk for Victory
The Marfan Foundation’s Walk for Victory, held on June 3, 2023 at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor, left a lasting impact on the community thanks to the unwavering support of MI-AORTA at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. The MI-AORTA team co-hosted this patient walk and was the the primary sponsor for the event. This is an event that brought our community together to make a difference for our family members and friends affected by genetic aortic and vascular conditions, including Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Patients participated in the walk and had opportunity to walk alongside some of their providers, connecting in a community atmosphere, rather than a hospital-based setting.
Houston Aortic Symposium
The MI-AORTA team sent representation to The Houston Aortic Symposium in March 2023. Team Leaders presented and discussed diagnosis and treatment paradigms for aortic and structural heart diseases, including medical, endovascular, surgical, and hybrid options. Session topics went in-depth on new Aortic Guidelines.
Science in Paris
Many leaders from MI-AORTA attended Science in Paris in Fall of 2022. The MI-AORTA program had a competitive travel grant program for this and ultimately awarded three grants to MI-AORTA members. The Michigan team was well represented across the symposium including poster presentation.
2025 Walk for Victory
The annual Michigan Walk for Victory was held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Okemos, Michigan. The Frankel Cardiovascular Center, MI-AORTA program was a major sponsor for the event. The Marfan Foundation's mission! Walk for Victory is a community-focused, family-friendly event with lunch, kid's activities, and a short, non-competitive walk.
2025 Michigan Regional Symposium
The MI-AORTA program, as part of University of Michigan Health, cohosted the Michigan Regional Symposium: Living Better with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS, alongside the Marfan Foundation on Saturday, April 5, 2025. This was an opportunity for patients, their family members, and the community to learn about Marfan, LDS, and VEDS from nationally recognized medical experts on the MI-AORTA team and other local doctors.
2026 Walk for Victory
On June 29, 2026, the annual Michigan Walk for Victory brought together patients, families, friends, and supporters for a day of community, connection, and awareness. The event featured family-friendly activities for all ages, including music, entertainment, face painting, balloon creations, and refreshments. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and connect with others who understand the challenges of living with Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and related genetic aortic and vascular conditions. The Walk for Victory continues to serve as a meaningful event that unites our community, raises awareness, and supports those affected by these life-changing conditions while celebrating the strength and resilience of patients and their families.
