NF refers to neurofibromatosis type 1, whereas SWN includes all forms of schwannomatosis, including NF2-related SWN (previously known as NF2). UAB and Children’s of Alabama (COA) are partnering again to provide a down-to-earth, easily understandable informational event for patients and families touched by NF and SWN.
This year’s speakers include the new Director of the NF and SWN Program, Rebecca Brown, M.D. Ph.D. Additionally, we will have loads of helpful information on new scientific developments, clinical trials, drug treatments, and surgical treatments for both NF and SWN.
We will provide the speakers, the food, live music, giveaways, and more. This is a great way to meet your care team and network with others going through similar experiences.
This event will be free of charge, thanks to the generous support of our marketing sponsors, philanthropic donations, and event stipend funding from the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Event Information
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location
The Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center
Conference Room #102, 1st Floor
Speakers
David Bedwell, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair; Co-Director, UAB Structural Biology Program; Associate Director, Gregory Fleming James CF Research Center
Caroline Goldin, M.D.
Section Head, Neuro-Oncology; Research Medical Director, Neurosciences Center of Excellence; Assistant Professor of Neurology, Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine; Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA
Laura “Katie” Metrock, M.D.
Director, Neuro-Oncology Program, Children’s of Alabama; Director, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program; UAB Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation; Associate Professor of Pediatrics; UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Rebecca M. Brown, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Neuro-Oncology; Depts. of Neurology, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, and Neurosurgery; Director of the NF and SWN Program, UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Alexander Mohler MS, M.D.
Associate Professor of Neurology; Division of Neuro-Oncology; Director of the VICC Neurofibromatosis Clinic; Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Stephen J. Lirette, PharmD, BCOP
Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacist; Birmingham, AL
Savannah Wakefield
Keynote Patient Speaker
Aaron Gerald Mammoser, M.D.
Neuro-Oncology; Piedmont Physicians Neuro Oncology Atlanta
Stephania Goncalves, M.D.
Neurotology, Otolaryngology; UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Roxanne Lockhart, M.D.
Neuro-Oncology; UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Jasmine Thum, M.D.
Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Functional Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Surgery, Neurosurgery; UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Prabhumallikarjun Patil, M.D.
Neurology, Pediatric Neurologist, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
David Wolf, M.D., Ph.D.
Division Chief of Neurology at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Professor of Pediatric Neurology, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
Devang J. Pastakia, M.D.
Associate Director, Pediatric Residency Program; Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Stacy Hines-Dowell, DNP, FNP-BC, AGN-BC, ACGN
Lead of Clinical Operations, Division of Cancer Predisposition; Doctor of Nursing Practice; Advanced Practice Provider III
Hotel information
Hilton Birmingham by UAB
808 20th St S, Birmingham, AL
Contact Name: Dexter Agee
Phone: 205-933-9000
Home2 Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown
250 18th St S, Birmingham, AL
Contact Name: Anita Estelle
Phone: 205-322-7933
Courtyard UAB (Marriott)
1820 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL
Contact Name: Philippa Stricklin & Karen Steiger
Phone: 205-254-0004
Mint House
300 18th St S, Birmingham, AL
Contact Name: Staci Rosales
Phone: 205-440-2766
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham
250 18th St. S., Birmingham, AL
Phone: 205-322-7937
For additional hotel information:
https://www.uab.edu/financialaffairs/procedures/hotel