10th Annual Lafora Disease Science Symposium

The 2025 Lafora Symposium will be in Valencia, Spain, from September 29 to October 1, 2025.

The Annual Symposium brings together families affected by Lafora, researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners in a collaborative environment, united to cure Lafora disease. We'll hear the latest research updates and treatment developments.

Thanks to our Advisory Board member, Dr. Pascual Sanz, for hosting this year’s Symposium!

The Symposium will be hybrid, so you can attend in person or remotely. The registration deadline to participate in person or share a poster is September 1st. Space is limited, so please sign up early!

All registrants will receive exclusive access to the recordings of the Symposium sessions after the event.

Please find more details about the Symposium and Valencia on our website or below.

Here are some options of hotels near the venue:

This year, Chelsea's Hope will only cover rooms for speakers, board members, and staff; everyone else should make their own reservations.

SH Suite

Plaça de Margarita Valldaura, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain

Average cost per night (USD): $202

Distance from Symposium: 6 min walk

Breakfast included

SH Ingles

Carrer del Marquès de Dos Aigües, 6, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain

Average cost per night (USD): $209

Distance from Symposium: 7 min walk

Breakfast included

One Shot Hotels

Carrer del Músic Peydró, 9, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

Average cost per night (USD): $228

Distance from Symposium: 9 min walk

Breakfast NOT included

Hotel Venecia Palace

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 3, 46002 Valencia

Average cost per night (USD): $155

Distance from Symposium: 11 min walk

Breakfast NOT included

Hotel Melia Plaza

Pl. de l'Ajuntament, 4, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain

Average cost per night (USD): $228

Distance from Symposium: 11 min walk

Breakfast NOT included

About Chelsea’s Hope Lafora Children Research Fund

Our History

As the only U.S.-based patient advocacy organization for Lafora disease, Chelsea’s Hope began as a website in the fall of 2007 to share Chelsea Gerber’s Lafora story with her family and friends.

Chelsea was spirited, joyful, and curious. She loved life in a big way. Chelsea was well known for her enthusiasm, big laugh, and willingness to participate in everything. She played softball and enjoyed learning in school.

In 2005, Chelsea was diagnosed with Lafora disease. She was only 15. Because of the rapidly progressive disease, Chelsea lost her ability to speak, walk, or care for her basic needs. Chelsea passed in December 2016 at age 26.

Chelsea's Hope became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2009, dedicated to honoring Chelsea as we aim to improve the lives of those affected by Lafora disease by raising awareness, connecting families worldwide, and accelerating research.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the lives of those affected by Lafora disease and help accelerate the development of treatments.

To do so, we raise awareness about Lafora. Chelsea’s Hope also provides connection and assistance for families through education, emotional support, and general assistance.

Our Vision

We envision a world where treatment options can accompany a Lafora disease diagnosis. We aim to reach a cure and reduce the diagnostic odyssey that Lafora patients face.

2025 Lafora Disease Science Symposium

Registration is open!