Residence Inn by Marriott – Philadelphia Bala Cynwyd
Address: 615 Righters Ferry Road Bala-Cynwyd, PA 19004
Telephone: 1- 855-516-1090
To view more photos and learn more about the accommodations, go here.
This year our group will be celebrating TEN years of GWG with a weekend celebration in Philadelphia!
We will be staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia and ending our weekend with a 20’s inspired gala at the Mutter Museum hosted by our very favorite GI – Dr. Neilanjan Nandi!
Residence Inn by Marriott – Philadelphia Bala Cynwyd
Address: 615 Righters Ferry Road Bala-Cynwyd, PA 19004
Telephone: 1- 855-516-1090
To view more photos and learn more about the accommodations, go here.
Once you have registered for the 10 Year Celebration Weekend, you will have already secured your room! We have hotel blocks and will be assigning attendees to rooms with roommates similar to how we do all of our room assignments at annual retreats.
The closest major airport to the hotel is the Philadelphia International Airport, which is about 20 minutes from the hotel.
The medical center closest to the hotel is Roxborough Memorial Hospital.
The closest medical center to the Mutter Museum where we will be having the Gala is Penn Emergency Medicine HUP.
Of course! In fact, we encourage it! You can enter your information and find potential traveling buddies in the travel document.
Yep! Each of the hotel rooms has a kitchen with refrigeration.
Friday Night
Dinner
“Taste of Philly” – beef, chicken, veggie cheesesteaks (cheese on side), pasta salad, potato salad, assorted tastykakes
Saturday
Breakfast
*Scrambled Eggs, French Toast, Mini Hash Browns, Bacon, Oatmeal, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Bagels, Yogurt
Lunch
Hard/Soft Shell Tacos (Beef, Chicken, Mushroom), Avocado Corn Salsa & Tortilla Chips, Salad served w/ Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Dinner
Pizza (assorted cheese, veg, gf), pasta and salads
Sunday
Breakfast
*Scrambled Eggs, Waffles, Breakfast Potatoes, Bacon, Oatmeal, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Bagels, Yogurt
Lunch
Assorted sandwiches & wraps, chips
Dinner
To be served at the Mutter Museum.
You can view the options at girlswithguts.org/calendar/gwggala
Monday
Breakfast
*Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Breakfast Potatoes, Sausage, Oatmeal, Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Bagels, Yogurt
*Hotel breakfast subject to change
In your registration we have collected information about your dietary needs, which we will try to accommodate as best as we can. If there are things you would like to bring to eat, there is a kitchen in each of the hotel rooms for that. Additionally, the hotel offers two restaurants and market. If you have any others questions, please contact us.
Sorry, this event is only for those with a confirmed IBD diagnosis and/or an ostomy.
For this event, your $350 registration fee covers – meals, lodging, and activities. *You will also be responsible for travel to and from the event.
If you are officially registered to attend the 2023 Celebration Weekend, you will be sent liability forms to fill out prior to the event.
*These forms must be completed before attending!
Clothing
Personal Items
Bedding
Friday Night
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
In this interactive session we will discuss how we can look back at our life experiences, and while validating the spicy times identify our strengths, our growth, and what we learned. We will then take time to actively practice using those reflections as fuel for engaging with the present in a way that is in line with the life we want and continue towards our desires for the future.
Dr. Fuss has recently joined the team as faculty at Harvard and as the Director of Behavioral Medicine in IBD at Mass General working clinically with and building programming for IBD patients. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship in adult clinical and health psychology at the Marshfield Clinic in her home state of Wisconsin and her pre-doctoral health psychology residency at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Fuss earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Memphis in Tennessee and her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in her hometown of Milwaukee Wisconsin.
Dr. Fuss’s professional passion for working with GI and colorectal surgery patients is driven by her personal experience as an IBD thriver with Ulcerative Colitis and a J-Pouch. In her clinical work Dr. Fuss utilizes GI psychology interventions to work alongside patients as they adjust to their diagnoses, and face the psychosocial challenges that come with these diagnoses. Dr.Fuss is also involved in various advocacy groups for GI patients, and utilizes her social media platform to spread information about GI psychology. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time at the gym, running long distance races, or curling up at home with her partner and pets reading, listening to podcasts, cross stitching, or watching way too many documentaries.
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? A short look into what we see and tell ourselves, and what is reality. Come be apart of this interactive session and see beyond your outside; notice it always comes from your inside.
Ms. Keyla has had Crohn’s Disease for 2 years and ulcerative colitis for 8 years. Both conditions have left her with a permanent ileostomy bag for 2 years now. She is also a uterine cancer survivor, and care partner to a 13 year old with UC.
She is also an internationally published runway and print model as well as an ambassador for Color of Crohn’s and Chronic Illnesses as well as Patients Rising, 2 non profits that help improve healthcare for chronic illness and rare disease communities.
After being diagnosed with Stage 2 Colorectal Cancer on July 24, 2015, Kimberly Holiday-Coleman, her hubby of 24 years, and their children realized life as they once knew it, would change, but had no idea how immeasurable that change would be.
Since her diagnosis, cancer treatments, and ostomy placement surgery eight years ago, Kimberly has embraced her second chance at life. She became a published author, inspirational speaker, community advocacy award recipient, Fight Colorectal Cancer Ambassador, modeled in Melbourne Fashion Week, International Burlesque performer, and traveled solo internationally. She was also featured in the Dove #showus online project on Instagram which highlighted her ostomy pics from an Australian Book Project.
Today, Kimberly offers her perspective on self-acceptance, building community, her stoma-Toodles, and finding joy/peace in life after trauma, cancer, and life with an ostomy.
Launched in December 2021, the Penn Women’s Fully Integrated Rectovaginal Symptom Team (FIRST) Clinic is a multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic led by Dr. Farzana Rashid Hossain (Gastroenterology) in partnership with Dr. Nicole Saur (Colorectal Surgery) and Dr. Pam Levin (Urogynecology). This team’s additional key collaborators include Dr. Pickett-Blakely (GI Nutrition – who are on site in clinic), Lisa Sator (Physical Therapy), and Dr. Nancy Mohsen (Radiology) amongst other services. 
Patients with a range of pelvic floor issues (including defecatory disorders, prolapse, incontinence, fistulas) are assessed at a single site by the core team together in unison with the final management plan a result of shared decision-making with the patient resulting in efficient, high quality, and impactful one-stop care.
Dr. Farzana Rashid (Hossain) is an Adult Gastroenterologist and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. As a British-born American, Dr. Rashid grew up in Midwest, USA and earned her medical degree at the University of Sheffield, U.K. She completed her Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and her adult Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine at which time she focused her training on IBD completing an IBD rotation at Harvard (Massachusetts General Hospital). 
She currently serves as the Director of Women’s GI Health for Penn Medicine and with Dr. Pam Levin and Dr. Nicole Saur, launched and continues to direct the care of complicated patients with rectovaginal symptoms and defecatory conditions through the Penn Women’s FIRST clinic. Dr. Rashid has been committed to patient education and advocacy through organizations such as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF) and the Philadelphia Commission for Women.
Dr. Pamela Levin is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in the Division of Urogynecology. She joined the Penn Medicine faculty in 2013 following completion of her fellowship training in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Duke University. Dr. Levin is a Delaware Valley local who grew up and currently resides in South
Jersey. Her academic interests include medical education and wellness. She serves in a variety of capacities at the Perelman School of Medicine and was recently appointed Program Director for the Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Administratively she is active in the Penn Community, acting as the Director of Wellness for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Director of the Penn Medicine Washington Square Multispecialty Gynecology Practice and member of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Professionalism Committee, amongst other committees.
Dr. Levin’s clinical practice includes care of complex obstetrical lacerations as the founder and Director of the Penn Postpartum Recovery Clinic. She also has special expertise in the care sequelae of female genital cutting, management of vaginal conditions following gynecologic cancer treatment and surgical care of rectovaginal fistula. With Dr. Farzana Rashid and Dr. Nicole Saur, she launched and directs Penn Women’s FIRST (Fully Integrated Rectovaginal Symptom Team) for the care of complicated rectovaginal symptoms and defecatory conditions. Dr. Levin is passionate about multidisciplinary care and improving the quality of life for her patients and colleagues.
Erica Pettke, MD, MPH, FACS is a Colon and Rectal Surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania. 
She has completed general surgery training in New York City and colorectal surgery training in Seattle.
While her practice includes general colorectal surgery she has a particular interest in the surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease, minimally invasive surgery and surgical education.
On the final night of our 10 Year Celebration weekend, we will get DOLLED UP or down to have a toast and end our weekend highlighting all of the ways YOU have helped us to get where we are today!
We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped get us here. Our story, our history and our future are all paved by our amazing community and sisterhood!
We will have hors d’oeuvres and drinks followed by a a short program hosted by Dr. Nandi, a tour of the Mutter Museum and an opportunity to take a walk through the last 10 Years of GWG!
I am Jearlean Taylor from Baltimore, MD. I am cancer survivor, double ostomate, fashion model, author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and ostomy advocate. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (Rhabdomysarcoma) at 3 years old. I was cancer-free a year after my diagnosis and treatments, but left having ostomy surgery which resulted with permanent colostomy and urostomy since the age 3.
Difficult moments we often associate with life experiences. Our situations, life challenges, and unforeseen circumstances does not have to dictate who we are or who we can become. I couldn’t imagine back then becoming advocate in ostomy and cancer community, travel sharing my journey of hope, and being a difference maker. Well, God had other plans for me to be the “voice” to help others.
My ostomy journey featured on numerous news/media affiliates; CBS News, Fox News, Inside Edition, Good Morning America, Essence Magazine, Time Square (NY) & Baltimore Billboard, The Today Show and
more.
WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Jearlean maintains a website (check out her documentary, book and ostomy styles), and has an active social media presence check her out on Facebook at Jearlean Taylor, IG @msjearleantaylor, and Twitter @jearleantaylor OR @jearleanpgb
Ever since being diagnosed with IBD, I have relied on online and in person communities of women to help me navigate my experience. From diagnosis to career changes to pregnancy and motherhood, there have been unique challenges along the way that were made easier thanks to this support. I have spent years using my own platform to drive connection and advocacy, but I wanted to be able to make even more of an impact. By volunteering with Girls with Guts I have the opportunity to help more women feel connected and find purpose in their story.
When I am not volunteering with Girls With Guts you can find me going on adventures with my kids. I have two little ones so we are usually at the library, checking out a new park, or finding a new activity to try. I also really enjoy traveling and we are big Disney fans so you will catch us hanging out in Disney World whenever we get the chance. If I do have a few minutes to myself, you can find me reading or trying out new beauty products – both at the top of my list for self care activities!
Michelle has a website with an active blog (check out her page on pregnancy and IBD), an active IG @crohnicallyblonde, and maintains a Podcast!
Yes! Your lodging, meals, and all activities are covered. All attendees will also receive an event t-shirt and swag bag full of lots of other goodies.
At every retreat we have small sessions where you get to talk to a group about a specific topic. The topics will vary, but may include:
Elizabeth Kestel – events@girlswithguts.org
Alicia Aiello – president@girlswithguts.org
This is a semi-formal event with an encouraged 20’s attire. With that said, we welcome anything you feel most comfortable in!
6:30PM: DOORS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
6:45-7:45PM: COCKTAIL HOUR, HORS D’OEUVRES & SELF GUIDED TOURS FOR THE MUTTER MUSEUM
8PM: DINNER IS SERVED
8:30PM: EVENING PROGRAM BEGINS
9PM: DESSERT AND COFFEE IS SERVED
10PM: END OF EVENING
The closest medical center to the Mutter Museum where we will be having the Gala is Penn Emergency Medicine HUP.
We will have 2-3 food stations that will serve:
CLASSIC MOD
FARM
We will also have several hors d’oeuvres available:
And for dessert “little bites” we will have:
Each guest will also receive two drink tickets for either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages! After that, a cash bar will be available.
We have chosen a menu to try and accommodate all diets/be IBD/ostomy friendly – however, we can’t guarantee that all dietary restrictions or needs will be addressed.
If you have a very specific dietary restriction or need, please contact Elizabeth at events@girlswithguts.org
The Mutter Museum does not allow photography of their exhibits.
Given the continued concerns with COVID-19 and its evolving variants, GWG’s Board is taking precautions to ensure the safety of all attendees at the Celebration Weekend. To mitigate risk we will provide hand sanitizer, and masks during the Celebration for those who wish to utilize them. As part of registration, we will also be asking all attendees to sign a Health and Safety Waiver and an assumption of risk.
This waiver asks that those attending have or will receive full COVID-19 vaccination (we consider two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s to be fully vaccinated) or to test within 72 hours of attending the weekend.
Additionally, this waiver will ask that those attending the Celebration acknowledge that COVID-19 and its variants are highly contagious and that a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where there are people in attendance. Risk of exposure at the Celebration may result from action and inaction of others who are also attending the weekend or the end of weekend Gala.
Don’t worry. We have a policy for this! Unfortunately, due to the deposit we have to put down, we can only offer refunds up to a certain period.
If you have to cancel up to 60 days prior to the Celebration Weekend you can receive a full refund.
If you have to cancel between 60 and 30 days prior to weekend you can receive a 50% refund.
Unfortunately, due to our deposits and costs no refunds will be given after 30 days prior to the weekend.
If you need to cancel after the 30-day mark, please contact us at info@girlswithguts.org and we will provide you with a donation receipt for the full amount of your registration fee. Sorry, no exceptions.
