Members of the narcolepsy community,

I have some disappointing news to share with you today.

The Board of Directors has decided to cancel our in-person conference, slated for Philadelphia, and go virtual this year. We’ve made this decision to prioritize the health and safety of each attendee. Based on the rapid transmission of the COVID-19 Delta variant, its ability to spread even among vaccinated populations, and the number of children who aren’t yet able to be vaccinated, we feel that it’s the right move.

Please save the dates of October 2 and 3 for our initial virtual programming.

I share your disappointment that this is where we are, and I’d like to give you some more context around our decision-making process. When we decided to move forward with an in-person conference earlier this year, the COVID-19 situation looked far more favorable. We fully understood that there was an inherent risk in our decision to go in-person. Given the importance of face-to-face interaction—and after a year of isolation and quarantines—we thought it was worth a shot to provide our community an opportunity to connect with each other in person again. As frustrating as the rise of the Delta variant is, we cannot ignore it and put the members of our community at risk. I hope you understand—and I want you to know that the entire Board shares in your disappointment.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that our virtual events will be free of charge!

In spite of this disappointing turn of events, we’re excited about our revised plans and hope that you will join us at our virtual events.

Thank you,

Keith Harper
President, Board of Directors