On October 3, 2026, The Marfan Foundation and SIMA (Asociación Síndrome de Marfan) welcomed a full room to the Meliá Barcelona Sarrià for our International Symposium, Keys to a Full Life with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, VEDS and Stickler.
“I’m part of the Marfan group on Facebook in English, and I always watch the conferences and symposiums they put on, but it’s so great to be able to come to an event here in Barcelona, in Spanish,” said community member Monica who attended with her sister Mercedes.
The day brought together people living with genetic, aortic and vascular conditions, their families, and specialists from Spain, Belgium, and the United States. It was a chance to learn from experts, ask questions, and spend time with community members who understand.
Marfan Foundation President & CEO Michael L. Weamer said, “Bringing this symposium to Barcelona helps ensure that our Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, VEDS, Stickler, and related conditions communities have access to the best possible information about their conditions, while strengthening our connection with medical experts and collaborators around the world.
A warm welcome
Bert Medina, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Marfan Foundation, opened the day alongside our partners at SIMA. Hosting this symposium together reflects a shared goal: making sure people in Spain and across Europe have access to trusted information and to each other.
“Today represents another major milestone in serving the Spanish-speaking community worldwide. It is impossible to overstate the importance of the expert knowledge that was shared today and the incredible connections that were made between community members and physicians,” said Bert. “It is heartwarming to see our community receiving life-changing information and knowledge. The engagement was off the charts.”
Honoring Dr. Arturo Evangelista
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the 2026 Antoine Marfan Award to Arturo Evangelista, MD, PhD, FESC, of Hospital Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona. The Antoine Marfan Award is the Foundation’s highest honor, and it recognizes Dr. Evangelista’s decades of dedicated service to the patient community.
Dr. Evangelista has spent his career advancing care for people with Marfan syndrome and related conditions, and that commitment showed throughout the day as he shared practical guidance on staying physically active and met with attendees in small groups.
Accepting the award, Dr. Evangelista said, “Without a doubt, this recognition belongs to the people who made it possible, and also to the entire Marfan community.”
Reflecting on how the aortic unit at Vall d’Hebron grew over the past two decades, he added, “Where we are today, with research and a much stronger standing, feels like a miracle. But really it happened because you asked for it in a simple, kind way, wanting to encourage us, and you achieved it.”
Learning together
The program covered life with a connective tissue condition from many angles. Laura Muiño Mosquera, MD, PhD, of Ghent University Hospital, walked attendees through the basics of genetics and what testing can mean for families. Juan Bowen, MD, of Mayo Clinic, a member of the Foundation’s Professional Advisory Board and Board of Directors, spoke about aging with a connective tissue condition. Other sessions explored the latest research, aortic surgery options, pain management, and how to access specialized care in Spain.
“I think it is important for patients and family members to interact with medical professionals and each other away from the office appointment. I think today’s experience was very beneficial for both patients and health professionals,” said Dr. Bowen.
Small groups, real conversations
In the afternoon, attendees broke into smaller groups for informal conversation with specialists. Some focused on topics like imaging or the move from pediatric to adult care, while others looked at eye health, managing VEDS in children, and building local connections.
The day closed with a panel of personal perspectives, as members of the Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, VEDS, and Stickler communities shared their own experiences with the room.
Thank you
Thank you to our partners at SIMA, to every speaker who shared their time and expertise, and to everyone who joined us in Barcelona. Events like this are a reminder of what’s possible when we learn together and stay connected. Know. Connect. Thrive.
Find an in-person or virtual event where you can connect with community and experts: marfan.org/calendar
Follow our Spanish-language social media: Facebook | Instagram
Learn more from the Marfan Foundation: marfan.org
Learn more from SIMA: Inicio – SIMA
For media inquiries, email brandcomms@marfan.org
The Marfan Foundation drives research, education and support – and builds community – to improve outcomes, save lives and empower all people to thrive who are living with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and related genetic aortic and vascular conditions.