"The experience of going to the Science Summit and Gala for FAST is like nothing else I've ever been to. You have the brightest minds in gene therapy explaining their incredible progress on Friday at the Science Summit and then on Saturday you literally get to party with them and raise money alongside them for a cure.
One of the hardest things about Angelman Syndrome is how difficult and isolating it can be. But that's what makes the Gala weekend so incredible, being with the community of people who understand what our life is like and are as excited as we are to hear about the advancements that impact us as families!" Rachel Clarke

The FAST Global Summit & Gala draws more than 1,200 attendees from around the world. The annual event features a science summit, educational workshops and an AAC carnival, and the weekend concludes with a star-studded gala recognized as Chicago’s largest celebrity fundraiser. One hundred percent of the money raised at the gala benefits research for Angelman syndrome (AS). Check out these fun photos from last year, and please keep reading for more details about this can’t-miss event!

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SCIENCE SUMMIT | Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VENDOR FAIR | Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The weekend kicks off with our science summit where this year’s focus will be on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies working on therapeutics to address the many symptoms and challenges our children face. Receive real-time updates on current and upcoming clinical trials, ask questions directly to those developing therapeutics, and learn what you can do right now to assist in accelerating treatments and a cure for AS. Be sure to stop by the vendor fair to learn about products and services designed to assist individuals with Angelman syndrome and their family members, including adaptive equipment, therapy devices, assistive technology and more.

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EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS | Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
AAC CARNIVAL | Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The educational workshops provide parents, caregivers, therapists and educators with information and knowledge about services that can help improve the quality of life for individuals with Angelman syndrome – and those who care for them. This year, the summit topics will vary, providing a holistic approach. Sessions will feature Speech-Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Behavioral Specialists, and more! Then, visit the Vendor Fair to test out products and services firsthand, including adaptive equipment, therapy devices, assistive technology and more.

hands in the air

GALA | Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

This is where more than 1,200 of your FAST friends will celebrate the advancements toward a cure for AS and the exhilarating hope that brings to all of us. The FAST Gala is Chicago’s largest celebrity fundraiser. Actors Colin Farrell, Jai Courtney, Retta and Zachary Levi regularly attend. Christina Applegate, Taylor Lautner, Vincent D’Onofrio, Rosie Perez, Wilmer Valderrama, Jesse Lee Soffer Chi McBride, MichaelKenneth Williams, and Richard Marx are just a few others who have joined us. Enjoy an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour followed by a magical evening of dining, dancing and entertainment. Actor, and fellow parent, Colin Farrell and all of our other celebrity guests cannot wait to celebrate with you! Want a sneak peek inside this amazing event? Just click on the media coverage below.

Media Coverage

Take the Next Step now:

Please use the following links to prepare for this amazing weekend:

Check back soon for updates, and please spread the word with Angelman families who may not know about FAST!

Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics logo