On May 14, 2026, GADA Canada will host a special webinar titled “Newly Diagnosed with a Genetic Aortic Disorder: What You Need to Know”.
Led by patient advocates, Lindsey Rusche and Liz Martin, this educational webinar is designed specifically for individuals and families who have been newly diagnosed with a genetic aortic disorder. The goal of this session is to provide clear, reassuring, and evidence-based information to help patients better understand their diagnosis and feel supported as they begin their care journey.
Register now and submit your questions in advance!
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.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Rusche has been dedicated to supporting individuals with aortic disease and GADs for over 18 years as a volunteer patient advocate. She has held multiple senior volunteer board roles, contributed to clinical and research-driven patient projects, and developed and facilitated webinars and workshops. Lindsey has also shared her personal journey at healthcare conferences and often provides one-to-one patient support.
Based in Toronto, Lindsey is currently the founder of ACT: Aortic & Connective Tissue Alliance Canada, a patient-centric, not-for-profit organization. Lindsey also is the patient lead for Think Aorta Canada, a global campaign to build awareness and educate about aortic health and encourage quick diagnosis of aortic dissections to help save lives. Lindsey is a communications professional with more than 20 years of experience creating engaging, impactful content across the financial services, non-profit, and technology sectors.
Liz Martin counts herself one of the lucky ones to be born into the Marfan syndrome club. A sibling, auntie, and friend to many with aortic conditions, she brings a lifetime of lived experience as a patient and peer supporter. She’s fascinated by the complexities of Marfan bodies and minds—and by how medical science, health systems, and communities of care intersect.
A consultant based in Kingston and Toronto, with roots in east-central Alberta, Liz aims to help people feel hope, purpose, and belonging among the community of patients and practitioners united by genetic aortic disorders.
This webinar is moderated by Science Director of GADA Canada, Andrea Rideout, MS, CCGC, CGC.
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.