SABC 42nd Annual AGM & Scleroderma Conference
Join the SABC for our 42nd AGM & Conference on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Burnaby, BC.
Bringing together people affected by scleroderma, researchers, healthcare professionals and members of the SABC community, this year’s conference offers a full day of learning, connection, scleroderma research and community.
Hear from Dr. Hyein Kim about Raynaud’s phenomenon in systemic sclerosis, and learn about the latest research and discoveries from the SABC Research Project with Dr. James Dunne, Dr. Kevin Keen and student researchers. The day will also feature Yoga for Scleroderma with Teressa and a Patient Panel, bringing together real experiences and perspectives from people living with scleroderma.
We’ll recognize the recipient(s) of the Lihong Yang Memorial Scholarship, celebrate SABC’s continued investment in Canadian scleroderma research, and provide opportunities to meet and connect with others throughout the day.
Following the conference, join us for a Social Hour and connect with people affected by scleroderma from communities across British Columbia.
SABC T-Shirt Included!
Every registered attendee will receive our newly designed SABC T-shirt. Simply select your preferred size when registering.
AGM & Conference Location: Holiday Inn Express Vancouver-Metrotown (Burnaby) by IHG
4405 Central Blvd, Burnaby, BC, V5H 4M3
Date & Time: Saturday, October 24th 2026 10:00PM – 5:00PM
View the registration page for the complete AGM & Conference schedule.
Stay On-Site & Save
Travelling from out of town? A special discounted room rate is available for SABC AGM & Conference attendees at the Holiday Inn Express Vancouver-Metrotown, the same hotel where the conference is being held.
We have reserved a limited block of rooms at the discounted rate. Rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, so we encourage you to book early.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ROOM AT THE SABC RATE
The special rate is subject to availability within SABC’s reserved room block.
Copies of our 2025 AGM & Conference Material:
2025 AGM REPORT
2025 – SABC AGM & Conference Program
Presentation Slides:
Nourishing Diets & Scleroderma: Foundations of Nutrition & Integrative Care
Nourishing Diets & Scleroderma: Gut Health & Practical Strategies
Current Research in Systemic Sclerosis: A Canadian Perspective
Presentation Videos:
Current Research in Systemic Sclerosis: A Canadian Perspective – Dr. Maggie Larché, MRCP(UK), PhD
Nourishing Diets & Scleroderma Session 1: Foundations of Nutrition & Integrative Care – Vanessa Cook
Nourishing Diets & Scleroderma – Session Two: Gut Health & Practical Strategies – Vanessa Cook
Photos on our facebook page: Click here
Featured Presentations
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Current Research in Systemic Sclerosis: A Canadian Perspective
Presenter: Dr. Maggie Larché, MRCP(UK), PhD
Professor of Medicine, Division Head, Rheumatology, Department of Medicine University of Calgary
Section Head, Rheumatology, Alberta Health Services
Director, Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
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This session will discuss current research opportunities for patients in Canada, outline diverse avenues of systemic sclerosis research, and encourage patient participation in advancing research.
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Currently Dr Maggie Larché holds the position of Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine at University of Calgary. She is Director of the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Chair of the Hamilton Scleroderma Group and Past-President of the Canadian Rheumatology Ultrasound Society.
She received her BSc and Medical degree from the University of Bristol, UK, followed by a PhD and Rheumatology training at Imperial College, London, UK, before immigrating to Canada in 2006. With 18 years of clinical and research work at McMaster University, she developed major clinical interests in scleroderma and early inflammatory arthritis. Her research interests include personalized biomarkers in a variety of autoimmune diseases and ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in inflammatory arthritis.
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Nourishing Diets & Scleroderma
Session One: Foundations of Nutrition & Integrative Care
Session Two: Gut Health & Practical Strategies
Presenter: Vanessa Cook, Naturopathic Medical Intern
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Session one covers why chronic diseases like scleroderma benefit from holistic care, the role of diet in managing symptoms and overall health, and recognizing food sensitivities and their impact.
Session two will discuss practical tools for everyday symptom management, understanding the gut microbiome and its link to immunity and cognition, and reviewing treatment options and the latest evidence on nutrition in scleroderma.
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Vanessa Cook is a Naturopathic Medical Intern based in Toronto. Her personal journey with scleroderma is the driving force behind her passion for holistic healthcare. Alongside her role as the Chair of Patient Support on the board of directors for Scleroderma Canada, Vanessa also works in research with SPIN (Scleroderma, patient-centered, Intervention Network), focusing on projects aimed at enhancing the lives of scleroderma patients.
She is dedicated to continuing patient-centered work, particularly in autoimmunity and women’s health. Vanessa’s holistic approach to healthcare, reflects her commitment to making a lasting impact on individuals dealing with scleroderma by integrating personal experience, academic knowledge, sports-medicine, and research expertise.
Program Highlights
Research & Community
The SABC Research Program Booth
Learn about the latest research directly from Dr. Dunne, Dr. Keen, and Dr. Hyein Kim.
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada Booth
Visit representatives from PHA
Scleroderma.Ai
Participate in this innovative research by visiting the booth and having your photos taken.
Learn more here: https://www.scleroderma.ai/
Lihong Yang Memorial Scholarship Awards
Celebrating and supporting the next generation of leaders in scleroderma research.
