Make A Miracle
2009 Conference
July 29 - August 2

• ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
• REGISTRATION INFO
• REGISTRATION FORMS
• CHICAGO INFORMATION

Aniridia Foundation International (AFI) will be holding their "Make a Miracle" medical conference and social Wednesday evening July 29th to Sunday afternoon Aug 2nd, 2009 in the Chicago area.

AFI members have rated these conferences as one of the best member benefits available to them. Things you will experience by registering for the "Make a Miracle" conference:

• Presentations by top doctors and researchers experienced in aniridia and its associated conditions, as well as, the latest research and what it means for those with aniridia.
• Meetings and panel discussions with the experts for your questions
• Topics by such professionals as education, social security, social issues / behavior, financial trusts, low vision and more
• Socials to meet others with aniridia and their families
• DNA collections to participate in the International Aniridia Medical Registry and Gene Bank aiding the professionals to help advance aniridia through research and education. Plus, you are kept abreast of the research testing and how it affects you.
• Member presentations "Aniridia Around the World" and "Aniridia Success Stories"
• The ability to participate in the GOLF for Childhood Blindness and BOWL for Childhood Blindness charity events to support your AFI organization and boost public awareness about aniridia.
• Professional child care services from KiddieCorp are available during the conference meetings (fees may apply)
• Resort activities for all ages
• Special lodging rates before and after the conference so you may attend and have a family summer vacation all in one!
• A wealth of area attractions to take in during non-conference periods. Pick your family favorites from the resources listed below.

If you are an active MEMBER of Aniridia Foundation International, registration information was mailed out to you several months ago. If you did not receive it, please contact our office to verify your address and contact information as we have received some returned mail. The information and registration forms may also be downloaded from the website members only FILE CABINET area.

Registrations can be:

• Mailed in with a check or money order
• Scan it and email (pay online with a credit card and attach a copy of submission receipt or let us know you are mailing in the check) Send to email USAaniridiaNET@aol.com

REGISTER EARLY...SPACE IS LIMITED

Between our medical conference, social events Golf for Childhood Blindness, and Bowl for Childhood Blindness, and the Low vision Exhibit hall many people, vendors, and public will be booking rooms. Please REGISTER EARLY as space is limited. If you know you want to attend but are having problems with the cost, we can help by extending the payment deadline due to special circumstances or offer you help with the HOPE Scholarship Fund.

If you are NOT A MEMBER, or know someone who does not have internet access, please contact our office for conference registration forms or any questions at 901-448-2380.

The registration material is provided in PDF format. PDF files are "Adobe® Acrobat®" format. You may obtain a free PDF file viewer from Abobe® or click the icon on the right.

Conference registration, events, and lodging deadlines

Lodging:
To book rooms at a discounted rate of $129 per night, book by June 22, 2009 (Includes amenities like mini golf, tennis, horseshoes, sand volleyball, shuttle within 5 miles of the resort, pool, game room, etc)
Conference registrations will be accepted up until July 15, 2009 (2 weeks before the event, however, room rates will not be discounted after June 22, 2009)

Events:
Be sure to register separately for the Golf for Childhood Blindness or the Bowl for Childhood Blindness events on our website (AFI events page) or via the downloadable brochures. Space is limited for these events which also include dinner following the event at the "Make a Miracle" Charity Dinner party with music, raffle items, cash raffle and silent auction items.

Download and fill out the Registration Form.

• If paying by check, mail the check with the printed form.
• If paying online by credit card, visit our secure online Conference Registration Payment site. Print TWO copies of your receipt, one to mail in with the Registration form and one for your own records.
• If you choose to scan and email your registration form, you may also do as above and attach your online payment receipt to the conference registration form.

WANT TO ATTEND but need some financial help? Here are some ideas:

• Members needing financial assistance to attend the 2009 Conference may apply for a HOPE Scholarship with this application (Membership is free).
• Parents with dependent children can sometimes take the medical conference registration and travel costs off their income taxes as deductions. Consult your financial advisor for the latest IRS ruling on that.
• Contact your local Lions club whose mission it is to help those with low vision and blindness. Helen Keller challenged them in the early 1900's to be the "Knights of Darkness" and from then on they accepted this mission. Be a Knight of Darkness....join your local Lions club.
• Other civic clubs such as the Rotary Club, organizations like the March of Dimes and government agencies dealing with disabilities have similar assistance available.

We provide two documents to help you plan your trip to the Chicago area. First there is help for "Getting around in Chicago" which provides information about getting to the conference facilities with public transportation and some helpful links. There is also a "Things to do in Chicago" document with some of the area attractions and information. If you need any additional help or resources, please feel free to leave a message in the Members Area message board.

We look forward to having you at the Conference. Together we CAN "Make A Miracle"!