Arizona Rare Disease Outdoor Event - Pinal County 2026
About this Event
Arizona Rare Disease Outdoor Event - Pinal County 2026
Join us Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 7:00–11:00 AM in Apache Junction, Arizona for a free, family-friendly outdoor wellness morning designed especially for the rare disease, chronic pain, and rural Arizona community. This accessible outdoor event features guided hikes (an intermediate trail and a flat/easy accessible option plus seated nature observation), expert talks on whole-genome sequencing for rare disease diagnosis and healthy eating on a budget, iPain-led sessions on managing pain through movement and nature, and open-house naturopathic/wellness stations.
Resource tables with practical tools, guides, and support materials stay open all morning so everyone—including those with limited mobility—can participate at their own pace.
All activities emphasize inclusivity, shade/rest areas, short distances, and adaptive options. Light healthy snacks and hydration will be provided. The entire event is free and open to the public—patients, caregivers, families, and community members are all welcome. Hosted by iPain as part of its Rural Rare Disease Project, this morning is your chance to connect, learn practical strategies, enjoy the Arizona outdoors, and leave with resources you can use right away.
RSVP today to help us plan for you—space is limited for the guided hikes. We can’t wait to see you under the desert sky!
Agenda
🕑: 07:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration, welcome & resource tables open
🕑: 07:20 AM - 07:30 AM
7:20–7:30 Opening remarks
Host: Ken and Barby
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Guided Hikes and Meditation
Host: Rhonda Mattachione
Info: • Intermediate/harder trail
• Flat/easier accessible trail (or seated nature observation for limited mobility)
• Intermediate/harder trail up the Ussery Mountain.
• Flat/easier accessible nature trail through yard.
• Meditation/Sound Vibrations
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:00 AM
Hydration, healthy snacks & exhibitor mingling
Info: Light budget-friendly bites that are MAHA and resource tables. Pick up the resources you need to live stronger and better.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:40 AM
Living Free: Pain Solutions That Help Rare Patients Reclaim Freedom
Host: Dr. Adam Siwek, D.O.
Info: Living Free: Interventional Pain Solutions That Help Rare Disease & Chronically Ill Patients Reclaim Life and Community. Presented by Dr. Adam Siwek, DO – Double Board-Certified Interventional Pain Physician, Freedom Integrated Healthcare / The Pain Center of Arizona. In this practical and hopeful session, Dr. Adam Siwek shares how modern interventional pain treatments; with specialized individualized care, neuromodulation, and minimally invasive procedures which can meaningfully reduce suffering for people living with rare diseases and complex chronic pain. Attendees will learn realistic options that help restore function, independence, and the ability to participate more fully in family life, outdoor activities, and community. Drawing on his experience helping patients across Arizona, Dr. Siwek emphasizes accessible strategies that support “living free” even in rural settings, offering both medical insight and encouragement for patients, caregivers, and advocates.
🕑: 09:40 AM - 10:10 AM
Whole Genome Sequencing for Rare Disease Diagnosis
Host: Barby Ingle, BSc
Info: Whole Genome Sequencing for Rare Disease Diagnosis - Presented by Barby Ingle, BSc – Vice President, International Pain Foundation (iPain); rare disease patient advocate, best-selling author, and chronic pain educator. In this 30–35 minute talk followed by Q&A, Barby Ingle demystifies whole genome sequencing and explains how this powerful diagnostic tool is transforming the journey for people living with rare and undiagnosed conditions. Drawing on her own lived experience and years of advocacy, she covers when and why sequencing can provide answers, what patients and families should know before testing, how results can open doors to better care and community support, and practical next steps available right here in Arizona. Attendees will leave with clearer understanding, realistic expectations, and renewed hope that answers, and a path forward, are increasingly within reach.
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Nourishing Body & Spirit: Holistic Wellness, Nutrition & Integrative Therapies
Info: Nourishing Body & Spirit: Holistic Wellness, Nutrition & Integrative Therapies for Rare Disease and Chronic Pain. Presented by Rachel Cowell-King, L.Ac, LMT – Wellness Within, Apache Junction. In this practical, hands-on segment, Rachel Cowell-King shares accessible naturopathic and wellness approaches that support people living with rare diseases and chronic pain. Drawing from acupuncture, therapeutic massage, herbal medicine, nutrition, breathwork, sound healing, and nature-based grounding practices, she offers simple, evidence-informed tools to reduce stress, ease inflammation, improve energy, and restore balance of mind, body, and spirit. Attendees will leave with realistic self-care strategies, nutrition tips, and integrative options that complement conventional care, empowering them to feel more supported and resilient in daily life and outdoors.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Hydration, healthy snacks & exhibitor mingling
Info: Hydration, healthy snacks & exhibitor mingling
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:00 AM
Closing remarks
Host: Ken and Barby
Info: Thank-you's, info on future events, optional group photo.
Where is it happening?
USD 0.00
