Our Chordoma Community Day series brings connection, learning, empowerment and hope right to your doorstep.
Chordoma Community Day attendees will learn practical tools and strategies for navigating life with chordoma, hear inspiring stories from our community, and have the life-changing opportunity to make lasting friendships with others affected by chordoma who live in your area. You'll also learn about the latest in chordoma treatment and research.
We look forward to seeing you, expanding and deepening our community ties, and creating a space where everyone affected by chordoma feels supported and included.
The registration fee for this event is $50, which includes refreshments, snacks, breakfast, and lunch. If you need assistance with the cost of registration, please contact us at events@chordoma.org.
Additional Note: The Team Chordoma: 5K/10K/half marathon will take place nearby on Sunday, October 5. We encourage attendees to consider participating in both events if you're able to as it promises to be a meaningful, fun, and memorable weekend! Learn more and register here.
Agenda
The agenda is a work in progress so please check back periodically and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated. Preview the draft agenda here.
Session topics will include:
- Living with chordoma
- Connecting with others
- Chordoma research and treatment updates
- How to get involved
Confirmed speakers:
- Survivor and co-survivor experiences: Sharon Berlan, Steven Mandel, Lauren Mulholland, and Megan Stewart will share their experiences with chordoma and hopes for our community going forward.
- Dr. Lisa Ruppert, rehabilitation medicine specialist at MSKCC, will discuss management strategies for chordoma side effects.
- Dr. Daniel Sciubba, neurosurgeon at Northwell Health, will provide an overview of and insights into chordoma spine surgery.
- Dr. Chandra Sen, neurosurgeon at NYU Langone Health, will share an overview of and insights into skull base surgery.
- Dr. Mark Yarmarkovich, Associate Professor at NYU Langone Health, will give an overview on cancer immunotherapy and chordoma research.
- Chordoma Foundation staff members including Josh Sommer, Dr. Dan Freed, Andrea Locke, Dani Pike, and Kenny Brighton will provide updates on CF research, survivorship resources, and ways you can help drive our shared mission forward.
There will also be a dedicated Meet & Connect session to share, ask questions, and get to know others in the chordoma community.
What to know
Location and time
The Westin Jersey City Newport
79 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Saturday, October 4, 2025
8:30am - 4:30pm EST
Lodging
Westin Jersey City Newport (Same venue as the event)
Nearby hotels
- DoubleTree by Hilton (0.1 mile)
- Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City (0.5 mile)
- Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District (0.6 mile)
Parking
The Westin Jersey City Newport offers daily valet and self-parking (SP+ Newport South Garage) options. Please note that parking is not included in the registration fee.
Additional event
The Team Chordoma: 5K/10K/half marathon will take place nearby on Sunday, October 5. We encourage attendees to consider participating in both events if you're able to as it promises to be a meaningful, fun, and memorable weekend! Learn more and register here.