The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health

08/25/2026

Nurses play a pivotal role in patient care, often advocating for patients and providing education. This webinar will review nursing considerations when it comes to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (TAAD) for nurses who are involved in care for this population. Nurses will learn how to identify red flags in family history, understand the familial risk associated with TAAD, and be informed about support services available to the TAAD community. Although the target audience is nurses, any patients, researchers, and other healthcare providers are welcome to attend.

📆 Join us on September 15, 2026, 6 CT
🔗 Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5817871834157/WN_j3t6yZsESxqeu4HuXJqPrg #/registration

08/24/2026

Can’t make it in-person to this year’s event, but still want to make an impact? Consider donating a silent auction item today.

For more information visit: https://onecau.se/_kmprb1

08/20/2026

Lace up your sneakers! Our friends Run for Aortic Health are hosting their annual Run for Aortic Health on Saturday, August 29 in Fort Worth, TX and we’d love to see you there💜💙 More information can be found on their website!

08/18/2026

Exercise can be an important part of living well with aortic disease, but knowing how to exercise safely can feel intimidating. This webinar will review emerging evidence on exercise after aortic dissection and provide practical guidance for getting started, choosing appropriate intensity, progressing gradually, and modifying common aerobic and strengthening exercises. We will also briefly highlight new patient resources and recently developed consensus recommendations related to exercise and rehabilitation for people with aortic disease.

📆 Join us on September 14, 2026 at 6PM CT

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SGVVFzjySjGUUzbLjvY02A.

As a bonus, this webinar falls during Aortic Dissection Awareness Week!

08/15/2026

It’s not too late! We have a few spots left at our annual Evening from the Heart LA on Saturday, September 12.

Purchase a single ticket or table today and join us for an evening of entertainment, awareness, and fundraising for the cause near to all of our hearts.

As a bonus, every ticket sold before August 21 automatically enters you into a JRF swag giveaway!

Click here for more information:
https://onecau.se/_kmpqp1

08/12/2026

We join The Marfan Foundation in mourning and honoring the life of Dr. Reed Pyeritz. Our thoughts go out to all who knew and loved him.

"Replete with his bowties, he was the quintessential academic physician and 'triple threat,' achieving excellence in clinical care, teaching and research," said Dr. Dianna Milewicz, Chair of the John Ritter Foundation Professional Advisory Board. "His work extended the life expectancy and quality of life for individuals with Marfan syndrome. His patients loved him. He was an exceptional physician. On a personal note, he served as a role model and mentor for me, and he was a friend. He will be missed."

The Marfan Foundation shares with deep sorrow that on Monday, August 10, 2026, we lost our beloved co-Founder, Dr. Reed Pyeritz. Our hearts are with all who loved Reed, especially his wife, Jane Tumpson, and their family, as they navigate this profound loss.

“For so many of us, Reed was a cherished friend – and to the Marfan Foundation community, Reed will always be a true hero,” said Marfan Foundation President and CEO Michael L. Weamer. “Our deepest sympathies are with Jane and the entire family, as well as the countless individuals who knew Reed as a mentor, colleague, friend, trusted clinician, and so much more. Today, the entire Marfan Foundation family mourns the loss of a cherished founder whose impact on our community is immeasurable,” said Weamer.

You can read more about Reed's legacy here: https://marfan.org/2026/08/12/the-marfan-foundation-mourns-the-passing-of-co-founder-dr-reed-pyeritz/

At the request of the family, donations in Reed's memory may be made here: give.marfan.org/drreedpyeritz

Those who would like to sign a digital condolence card may do so here: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/vLiKLNi5
We will share the card with Reed's family at an appropriate moment.

08/08/2026

Our 2026 Class of Aorta Advocates completed their training last weekend and we are excited to welcome them to the team.

They shared their own stories, and learned how to truly listen to yours.

If you’re navigating an aortic disease diagnosis, recovering, or have lost a loved one, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to an Aorta Advocate today through our website.

08/06/2026

You don’t want to miss this! Our annual Evening from the Heart LA is on Saturday, September 12 and we’d love to see you there.

This year’s program will feature a live Q&A with some of our friends from the original cast of wings: Amy Yasbeck Steven Weber Tim Daly and Tony Shalhoub.

Want to learn more about purchasing single tickets, sponsorships, or donating a silent auction item? Visit: https://onecau.se/_kmpqp1

📆September 12, 2026

08/04/2026

What happens after a type B aortic dissection diagnosis? In this webinar, Dr. Sherene Shalhub, a vascular surgeon, will discuss how treatment decisions are made, when procedures may be needed, what follow-up care involves, and how patients can navigate life with a chronic dissection. Whether you are newly diagnosed or years beyond your dissection, this session will provide practical information and answer common patient questions.

Join us on 8/13 at 7PM CT as Dr Sherene Shalhub speaks on Type B Aortic Dissections.

📆 August 13, 2026, 7 CT

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6717806780752/WN_MfYF8XGQSam48xqV7NLhIA