AHCF

Parent University - Good Debt vs Bad Debt in Special Needs Trust
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Demystifying debt 💵
Join Protected Tomorrows’ Parent University Class 3 for a candid conversation regarding debt. In this class, we will discuss:
➡️Is there really such a thing as good debt?
➡️ When should you pay down debt?
➡️ Is there a creative way to use debt to fund a special needs trust?
📅 March 12, 2026
⏰ 12 – 1pm CDT
💻 Zoom Webinar
🔗Register TODAY: https://protectedtomorrows.com/…/parent-university…/
Even if you cannot attend the webinar, register to receive an email with a link to watch the recording in the following week.

The Caregiver’s Compass Training
2026-03-15 08:00 - 17:00
The Caregiver’s Compass is a free, four-week virtual course designed for parents and caregivers who want practical tools and meaningful connection.
Throughout this interactive series, caregivers will:
• Learn strategies for managing stress
• Strengthen communication skills
• Build tools to support mental wellbeing
• Connect in a supportive, community-centered space
Each live session is guided by licensed therapist Brad Thompson, offering expert insight in a compassionate and welcoming environment.
🗓 Register by March 15
🔗 Sign up here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CaregiversCompass
For more information:
https://tinyurl.com/3w3rkaz6

How Your AHC Data Drives Research and Improves Care - Webinar 3/25
2026-03-25 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for an upcoming 𝗔𝗛𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 featuring 𝗗𝗿. 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹.
📅 March 25th
⏰ 7:00 PM EDT
Register Here: 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/ypdh3wua
Dr. Sharma will introduce a 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝘄𝗼-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗛𝗖 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 designed to better understand how AHC evolves from childhood through adulthood.
This first-of-its-kind study will bring together 𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 to study the entire AHC community.
The research aims to:
• Understand how AHC changes over time, including during puberty
• Identify measurable indicators of disease severity
• Improve ICU and emergency care protocols for AHC patients
To reduce the travel burden for families, the study will offer 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, including:
• In-person visits at family meetings
• Regional appointments
• Telehealth visits
• Home collection kits
Come learn about this exciting opportunity and 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮.
📅 March 25th
⏰ 7:00 PM EDT
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/ypdh3wua

Live Q & A Webinar with Denise Potter, RDN - Ketogenic Therapy
2026-04-08 13:00 - 15:00
Bring your questions and join the conversation.
Date: April 8th
Time: 1:00 pm EDT
Register: https://tinyurl.com/bdex5x99

Join us for a special 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗤&𝗔 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗥𝗗𝗡, founder of 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀, who brings over 𝟯𝟯 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟳 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆.
When epilepsy is part of AHC, families are often told to try medication after medication, but rarely offered ketogenic therapy early. Why wait? Join Denise Potter, dietitian and founder of Advanced Ketogenic Therapies, for this Q&A session exploring how ketogenic therapy works, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it may support not only seizure control but other neurologic symptoms seen in AHC.

Denise will help families better understand:

• How ketogenic therapy works
• Why it is often misunderstood or overlooked
• How it may support seizure control and other neurologic symptoms seen in AHC
• The role of 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 in metabolic therapy
• How thoughtful nutrition planning can support 𝗴𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀

Denise’s work focuses on helping individuals and families access 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵-𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 with personalized guidance and compassionate care.

Bring your questions and join the conversation.

Date: April 8th
Time: 1:00 pm EDT
Register: https://tinyurl.com/bdex5x99

Denise Bio:

With over 33 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and 17 years dedicated to Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy, Denise has spent her career teaching, training, and supporting individuals and professionals worldwide. In recognition of her leadership in metabolic and brain health, she was named an inaugural recipient of the Metabolic Mind Award from the Baszucki Brain Research Fund. She brings a deeply client-centered approach to her work and has a special passion for helping underserved populations access therapeutic ketogenic interventions safely and effectively.
Advanced Ketogenic Therapies grew from Denise’s recognition that many people were being told to “try keto,” but few were given safe, structured, or research-informed guidance. She founded AKT to change that. Her vision was to create a place where clients could receive personalized plans, thoughtful monitoring, and compassionate support. She believes that when people are guided with clarity and care, meaningful and lasting change is possible.

Advanced Ketogenic Therapies

Parent University – Let’s Get Clear Together On Government Benefits
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00
In this in-depth session about government benefits, we will cover:

Can you ever know everything about the benefits available to you and your family?
How do you know if you have applied for everything possible? We’ll be talking about SSI, SSDI, DAC, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and more.

When:
April 16, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Click Here to Register

RARE Advocate Development (RAD) Brain Workshop
2026-05-01 08:00 - 17:00
We’re excited to share that the AHC Foundation has been invited to attend the RAREAdvocate Development (RAD) Brain Workshop this May in Boston!

This three-day intensive, hosted by Global Genes, the Rare Epilepsy Network (REN), and Mahzi Therapeutics, brings together rare disease advocates who are actively accelerating research in their neurological conditions.

From drug development and clinical trial design to regulatory strategy, manufacturing, and even drug repurposing, this workshop is focused on building the knowledge and confidence needed to move therapies forward.

We’re honored to represent our community at this collaborative meeting at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, and look forward to sharing key insights when we return.

Learn more about the RAD Brain Workshop: https://globalgenes.org/rare-advocate-development-rad…/

AHCF Family Circle - You're Invited - 5/13/26
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for our next AHCF Family Circle on Wednesday, May 13th at 10am PST/ 12pm CST/ 1pm EST.
This is a support group for parents of individuals with AHC. Share your challenges and joys in this informal setting. Connect with others on this journey!
If you have questions, please email Heather Gates at Heather@ahckids.org. We look forward to seeing you.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85227963024
Need a Reminder?
Sign up for text message reminders for AHC Family Circle at: https://www.remind.com/join/familyahc

AHCF Family Circle – You’re Invited – 5/13/26
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:30

2026 Parent University - Vacations and Respite Ideas for the Whole Family
2026-05-14 13:00 - 14:00
In this exciting session about respite, we will cover:
Have you ever thought it is just not possible to have a vacation? Or maybe just some respite?
How does that fit into your life?
Where can you find resources that match the needs of your family?
Click Here To Register

What’s so Special about Special Needs Planning!
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00
Mary Anne Ehlert of Protected Tomorrows presents: What’s So Special about Special Needs Planning.
Webinar event: May 20th at 6:00 p.m. Central Time
Registration link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r_SXL-kTQ6W02_onrknsEQ
Join us for an enlightening presentation that includes:
An overview of the Protected Tomorrows Mission and an understanding of how we work with families to Construct a Framework for Future Care, Coordinate Family Communication and Transitions, as well as Navigate Legal and Financial Requirements. We will review the different steps needed for financial security, particularly for special needs families; review how the right resources make a difference in helping families coordinate care, and how Protected Tomorrows can help the AHF Family.
Mary Anne Ehlert is a financial professional and founder of Protected Tomorrows, a business driven to help
families plan a safe and fulfilling life for their loved ones with special needs. She is highly regarded as a
specialist in working with the growing number of families of individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Her
expertise is driven by her relationship with her sister, an individual with disabilities. She communicates her
knowledge at family and financial conferences; she also delivers important information to television and radio
audiences, appearing on such shows as WGN-AM’s “The Steve Cochran Show” and Chicago’s ABC7 News.
She has been featured in such publications and Internet sites as the Chicago Sun-Times, Bloomberg.com,
Investment News and Financial Advisor.
Ehlert has been a member of the Board of Directors of several organizations providing services to children and
adults with special needs including Vice-Chair, National Disability Institute in Washington DC, and Illinois
Special Olympics. She is currently a board member of the Special Olympics Illinois Foundation, Cornelia de
Lange Syndrome (CDLS) Foundation, Integrative Touch, Protected Tomorrows Charities, and the Advisory
Board of Tails for Life.
She speaks on financial planning and on the role of care giving, and completed her book, entitled “The Gift I
Was Given: The Journey of a Caregiver Through the Stages of What Now?, Why Me?, and Ah Ha!
Ehlert’s sister, Marcia, was born with cerebral palsy and inspired Mary Anne’s dedication to helping others
protect their family member’s future. She later became a long-term caregiver for both of her aging parents.
While coordinating the care, along with her other 4 adult siblings, she developed a unique (and entertaining)
perspective on how family members relate to each other in this care giving mode.

14th ATP1A3 Symposium
2026-09-24 08:00 - 2026-09-26 17:00
The French AHC Family Association (AFHA) is honoured and delighted to announce that the 14th ATP1A3 in disease Symposium will take place at the at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in PARIS, France from Thursday 24th September to Saturday 26th September 2026.
Thursday, September 24th, 2026 will be for meeting associations and families concerned by ATP1A3 diseases.

The scientific meeting will be on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September.
Download the Welcome letter by the 2026 Organising Committee

AHCF Family Meeting 2027 - Bigger in Texas. Stronger Together.
2027-06-23 08:00 - 2027-06-26 17:00
Thirty years ago, The AHC Foundation brought families together because they needed more than support — they needed answers. That gathering became the Family Meeting, and over three decades it has grown into a full-fledged conference grounded in research, medicine, and collaboration.
After our most impactful meeting yet in Cincinnati in 2025, we’re heading to Houston in June 2027 to continue what the AHC Foundation does best: connecting families, clinicians, and researchers to move care forward.
📍 Houston, Texas | June 2027
Big Hearts. Strong Bonds. Together in Texas.
