On November 5th, GADA invites patients, families, and caregivers to a special webinar titled ‘Building Bridges: Navigating Mental Health when Living with Aortic Disease’ led by Genetic Counsellor, Gretchen MacCarrick.
Living with aortic disease impacts more than just the body—it challenges mental health in profound ways. This talk explores the intersection of physical and emotional well-being, addressing how to navigate anxiety, grief, and trauma while learning to coexist with an unpredictable body. Attendees will gain practical tools for resilience, including mindfulness techniques, nervous system reset exercises, and therapeutic approaches .Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this conversation will empower you to build bridges of connection and trust, fostering a path to physical and emotional well-being.
Registration is free but required - reserve your spot today!
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Gretchen MacCarrick – Gretchen MacCarrick is an Assistant Professor in the McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University where she is Co-Director of the Cardiovascular connective tissue disease clinic. She has extensive experience with mental health and other support topics for the aortic disease population through her involvement in an advisory capacity for the Marfan and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundations.
This webinar will be moderated by Science Director of GADA Canada, Andrea Rideout, MS, CCGC, CGC.
To accommodate those unable to join us live, the event will be recorded and shared afterwards on our YouTube channel. Even if you are unable to attend, you can still submit questions, which we will address during the event. Please send your questions to info@gadacanada.ca.
EVENT DISCLAIMER: The contents of this GADA Canada hosted virtual event, such as presentations, discussions, text, graphics, images, and other materials created or presented by GADA Canada and by others appearing in the event at the invitation of GADA Canada are for educational and informational purposes only. GADA Canada is a voluntary health organization and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendations on diagnosis or treatment of genetic aortic disorders. The content within this virtual event or the GADA website, www.gadacanada.ca, should not replace necessary consultations with qualified health care professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Genetic aortic disorders are complex, multi-system disorders that can only be properly diagnosed and managed by skilled and trained health care professionals. The manifestations and severity of these disorders vary greatly among individuals and require personalized medical management. None of the medications, courses of treatment or lifestyle & activity recommendations discussed in this virtual event should be undertaken without being discussed with your physician.