CONNECTED 2025 || TED: Conversations & Story

TED & the Conversations that Matter
4–5 PM PT | 7–8 PM ET

Session Description:

Facilitated by TED patient Dr. Nathaniel Jellinek, this session opens the door to one of the most challenging aspects of life with thyroid eye disease: how to talk about it. Whether it’s navigating difficult conversations with your doctor, family, friends, or employer, the visible changes caused by TED — including eye bulging, swelling, or facial changes — can make communication feel overwhelming. With insights from two TED specialists and two TED patients, this session will explore honest, compassionate ways to advocate for your needs and foster understanding. The final 15 minutes will feature a physician-curated Q&A drawn from the Zoom Questions.

Facilitator:

Dr. Nathaniel Jellinek, MD (TED patient & physician)
Dr. Nathaniel Jellinek is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, as well as a patient with thyroid eye disease. Dr. Jellinek has shared his story and presented at the United States House of Representatives in support of TED funding. He is actively involved in patient advocacy, having an ongoing battle with TED and negotiating insurance/payor roadblocks and challenges, among other issues.

Medical & Patient Panel:

Peter A.D. Rubin, MD, FACS
Dr. Peter Rubin is an ophthalmic plastic surgeon based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, specializing in the medical and surgical care of conditions affecting the eyelids, orbit, and tear drainage system. With extensive expertise in thyroid eye disease, Dr. Rubin is recognized for his skill in restoring both function and appearance for patients facing complex eye disorders.

David A. Weinberg, MD, FACS
Dr. David Weinberg is a fellowship-trained orbital and ophthalmic plastic surgeon and neuro-ophthalmologist based in Concord, New Hampshire. Having worked in both academia and private practice for the past 37 years, he has provided medical and surgical care to a multitude of thyroid eye disease patients. Dr Weinberg specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the periocular region. Stemming from a passion for teaching, clinical research and providing optimal care for his patients, he co-founded and has been president of the New England Oculoplastic Society (NEOPS) for the past 30 years.

Betsy Fader, TED Patient
Betsy Fader, a philanthropy professional and Ironman triathlete (until TED put a stop to her racing), lives in New York City. She was diagnosed with TED in September 2024 and, despite living in a city known for excellent doctors and specialists, found herself waiting for months to get care. When finally being seen, Betsy discovered that her doctor had little time for her questions. Being new to TED, she was desperate to connect with other people with TED to learn from their experiences, with the hope that they could help her understand what was happening to her eyes and vision.

Joe LoVerde, TED Patient
Mr. Joe LoVerde is a TED patient, first diagnosed in October of 2023. He experiences double vision so severe that he wears an eye patch over his left eye to function in the world. Mr. LoVerde has received steroid infusions, orbital radiation and Tepezza. He likes to keep current on treatments TED. Mr. Loverde enjoys the opportunity to share his experiences to help those dealing Thyroid Eye Disease.

Q&A Curator:

Shaili Davuluru
Shaili Davuluru is an aspiring ophthalmologist and fourth year medical student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. As a Dean’s Research Scholar in oculoplastics, Shaili dedicated a year to researching insurance-related and patient perceived barriers in thyroid eye disease diagnosis and management. She is passionate about patient advocacy and improving access to ophthalmic care, especially for patients with TED, inspiring her involvement in TED Community Organization.

TED as a Call to Action: Writing a New Story
5–6 PM PT | 8–9 PM ET

Session Description:

What if your diagnosis wasn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of a new one? In this powerful conversation, TED patient Dr. Nathaniel Jellinek and psychologist Dr. Albert Freedman explore how to shift the TED narrative — from one of powerlessness to one of personal agency and meaning. Grounded in the idea of the Hero’s Journey, this session invites patients to reframe their experience, participate fully in their own healing, and surround themselves with community, education, and support. The final 15 minutes will feature a physician-curated Q&A drawn from the Zoom Questions.

Facilitator:

Medical Guest Expert:

Dr. Albert Freedman
Psychologist, Consultant, Keynote Speaker & Father

Dr. Albert Freedman is a psychologist and public speaker who specializes in supporting individuals and families affected by rare diseases, including thyroid eye disease. Through counseling, education, and advocacy, he helps patients navigate the emotional and practical challenges of living with complex medical conditions, fostering resilience and hope.

His son, Jack, lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy for 26 years. He learned a great deal from Jack and everyone who supported his family over the years. Dr. Freedman used what he learned from Jack in his professional training as a psychologist, in his early experience as an educator to provide counseling and consultation to families, and in his advocacy with organizations, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and schools.

Q&A Curator:

Josh Rancourt
Josh Rancourt has over 25 years in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech, and Biomarker industries. He has held positions in sales, commercial and medical training and development, and field medical affairs for companies ranging in size from big pharma to small startups. The majority of his focus has been in autoimmune disease across rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, neurology, and endocrinology. His research has focused on biomarkers of osteoporosis, autoimmune inflammatory disease, and changes in hematologic parameters with JAK inhibitors. He is currently the Sr. Director of Field Medical Affairs for Immunovant’s Endocrinology therapeutic area.