CRMO Family Conference 2026 | Part 1
Why It Matters
By uniting families, clinicians, and donors, the CRMO conference accelerates research funding and improves access to specialized care, directly enhancing outcomes for children with this rare condition.
Key Takeaways
- •Conference fosters community among Chromo families worldwide this year.
- •New providers expand patient access at Seattle Children’s.
- •Chromo Warriors Guild raised $125,000 through annual auction.
- •Quarterly newsletter and advisory board guide program improvements.
- •Upcoming events include gala, free Camp Corey, and 5K runs.
Summary
The CRMO Family Conference 2026 kicked off with a warm welcome, orienting attendees to the Sandpoint Learning Center and emphasizing the dual goals of education and connection for families navigating chronic non‑bacterial osteomyelitis. Organizers highlighted the event’s hybrid format, drawing participants from the Pacific Northwest and across the globe, and underscored the sixth‑year milestone of the program.
Program updates revealed steady growth: a newly formed Chromo advisory board, a quarterly newsletter, and the addition of two specialist providers—Dr. Wong and Amber Bach—who will shorten wait times and broaden clinical expertise. Signature events such as the free MRC Ranch day, the Chromo 5K, and the Chromo Warriors Gala, which generated over $80,000 for research, illustrate the community’s commitment to both patient support and scientific advancement.
Athena, a guild member, recounted her own journey from a first‑time attendee to an active participant, while Libby Marie’s leadership was credited with expanding the guild’s reach. The Chromo Warriors Guild, though small, raised nearly $125,000 through its annual auction, demonstrating the power of volunteer‑driven fundraising. Attendees were encouraged to join the guild, contribute items, or simply attend upcoming events like the gala and Camp Corey.
The conference’s emphasis on building a resilient, connected network has tangible implications: families gain peer support, clinicians receive direct feedback for service improvements, and increased fundraising fuels research into rare bone‑inflammatory diseases. As the program scales, its model may serve as a blueprint for other rare‑disease communities seeking sustainable, patient‑centered ecosystems.
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