DCC FAQ

The debra Care Conference (formerly the Patient Care Conference) is a national gathering created specifically for the Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Community. Held every two years in different cities across the U.S., the event brings together individuals with EB, their families, advocates, and care providers for learning, connection, and collaboration.

Attendees have the opportunity to hear directly from leading clinicians, academic researchers, and organizations working toward improved treatments and a cure for EB. Bandage manufacturers and distributors also participate, offering hands-on demonstrations of products and care solutions.

Just as important, the conference creates meaningful space for the EB Community to meet new families, reconnect with long-time friends, and spend time together. debra of America hosts playrooms and engaging activities for children, along with opportunities for the entire family to socialize.

The debra Care Conference (DCC) benefits the entire EB Community and offers learning opportunities for individuals and families as well as medical professionals interested in learning more about EB care. Sessions cover topics that aid in the overall health and well-being of an individual with EB. There is also time built-in to network, connect and have fun with peers! Whether you and your family are attending for the first time, or have attended many of our conferences in the past, you will find the DCC rewarding.

The 2026 debra Care Conference will be held Sunday, July 26 – Wednesday, July 29 (with hotel stays through Thursday, July 30) at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, conveniently located near LAX for easy travel access.

Venue:
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
5855 W Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045

The conference is scheduled in late July to accommodate varying school calendars across the country, and the selected venue ensures an easily reachable, cost-effective option for attendees. The venue serves as both hotel and our conference meeting space, and the property offers fully indoor, temperature-controlled meeting space and guest rooms.

Our conference registration includes hotel accommodations and arrangements are made through debra of America directly.

Registration will open on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Your hotel stay is included when register for the conference. debra of America handles the hotel booking for you.

The Los Angeles Airport Marriott serves as both our conference center and hotel.

As long as you are comfortable, we are happy! There is no specific dress code for the conference. Please be sure to avoid attire with any inappropriate language or images. Check out the debra Online Shop if you would like to order EB awareness related apparel prior to the conference.

Visit the debra Shop 
 

EB Family Rate Package ($250 a night)

• The conference package rate covers one hotel room for up to 4 people. This fee covers your hotel room, conference meals, and full access to all DCC programming for every registered attendee in your party. Most families choose to stay all four nights, bringing the total cost to $1,000.

Exception – Families of 5 with an Infant

• Families of 5 including an infant may register under the standard package and stay in one hotel room, as a crib may be added.

• A crib must be requested in advance as needed. Please email DCC@debra.org.

• This is the only exception to the EB Family Package for parties of 4.

Families of 5 or More (Non-Infant)

• Families of 5 or more (without an infant) will be required to reserve a second hotel room.

Hotel room capacity limits are set by the venue and must be followed.

General Registration Rate 

General Registration is for medical professionals, researchers, advocates, and individuals or parties who are not have EB or a family member with EB. The conference package rate is $400 per night, and covers both your hotel room (for up to 4 people) as well as conference meals & full access to all DCC programming for every registered attendee in your party. 

The first 100 EB Families to register for the 2026 debra Care Conference will receive a digital $25 Uber/Uber Eats gift card, thanks to support from Uber and the LAX Marriott. Recipients will be notified each Friday until the 100 has been reached. One gift card per family/group registration only. Digital gift cards will be distributed via email to the main registrant once registration closes, in July 2026.

Yes, the following meals will be covered, and is included in the registration cost:

Sunday, July 26: Dinner

Monday, July 27: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday, July 28: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday, July 29: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

To ensure we accommodate all attendees, please notify us via email at DCC@debra.org if you have any dietary restrictions or religious dietary requirements. Thank you for your cooperation.

No, travel is not covered under your DCC registration.

If you are flying in, the closest airport is LAX and it is just a few minutes from the hotel. The hotel provides a free airport shuttle.

If you are driving, the hotel will offer discounted self-parking fee of $20 per day for DCC attendees. Parking fees are paid directly to the hotel at checkout. This fee is not included in your conference registration.

In order for us to properly assist and serve all those attending our conference, every member of your party must be registered. Registration allows us to plan the conference sessions appropriately, pay for provided meals and other associated events, and track conference attendance.

Registration for each member of your party is mandatory. Each attendee will receive their all-entry pass (conference badge) to the conference and related activities upon check-in at the DCC. Conference badges will be required to be worn at the conference at all times.
 

Coming soon.

Registration and full payment must be made by June 15, 2026.

Registration for the conference includes hotel stay, so your hotel room will be paid for when you check-in. The hotel will still request your personal credit card to be presented during check-in. This credit card number is put on file only for any possible incidentals charges you make during your stay. This includes amenities such as room service or long-distance phone calls. Therefore, you must bring a personal credit card to the hotel for these standard purposes.

debra of America is able to cancel your registration and provide a refund up until June 15, 2026 (credit card charges incurred for cancellation process will be charged).

Beyond that date, we are unable to give refunds because costs relating to hotel stays, meals, and other conference-related expenses have already been incurred.  

Yes. debra of America will offer a limited number of DCC Newcomer Grants to help first-time attendees attend the conference. These grant will cover 100% of conference registration and hotel accommodations (travel expenses are not included). Individuals with EB or primary caregivers who live in the continental United States and who have never attended a debra Care Conference are eligible for this grant.

The application period will run from February 15 to March 31, 2026. We will share the application link on our website and via email/social media beginning February 15.

In addition, several supporting organizations that may offer their own financial assistance programs for both new and returning attendees. Please email DCC@debra.org if you like to more information as it becomes available.

The 2026 debra Care Conference will take place at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, a fully indoor, temperature-controlled hotel and conference center located just minutes from LAX. The property offers spacious meeting rooms, comfortable guest accommodations, multiple onsite dining options, and easy access for families traveling from across the country.

The hotel is designed for convenience, with elevators, wide hallways, and accessible room layouts that support the diverse needs of the EB Community. Attendees will be able to move between sleeping rooms, sessions, meal spaces, and event activities without needing to go outdoors.

This hotel allows up to 4 people per one hotel room (a fifth person is allowed ONLY if they are an infant that will be sleeping in a crib).

After you register, please email dcc@debra.org to let us know you’d like adjoining rooms and the names of the primary registrant of each room, and we will submit your request. The hotel will do their best to accommodate this request.

If you require rooms earlier or later than the dates included in our room block, please contact dcc@debra.org to coordinate your longer stay.

Yes. The hotel offers discounted self-parking fee of $20 per day for DCC attendees. Parking fees are paid directly to the hotel at checkout. This fee is not included in your conference registration.

The closest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located just a few minutes from the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. The hotel provides a complimentary airport shuttle, running regularly between LAX and the property for easy, stress-free transportation.

Yes, the hotel provides a complimentary airport shuttle, running regularly between LAX and the property.

The agenda is being finalized. Check back soon for list of topics and sessions covered.

The DCC is designed to bring our EB Community together, and we offer a full lineup of opportunities to connect, unwind, and enjoy the experience. In addition to a full line-up of education sessions, each evening will feature a special social event, including the DCC Celebration: 2026 debra of America Gala on Sunday July 26th, where attendees can celebrate and come together in a festive setting.

Throughout the conference, participants can also join support groups and community meet-ups, offering meaningful spaces to share, learn, and connect with others who understand life with EB.

For children, the DCC offers a fully programmed Kids Zone, with dedicated play areas, activities, and special guests to keep young attendees engaged and supported. More Kids Zone Info >>

Please email DCC@debra.org if you are interested in presenting or speaking at the conference.

Opportunities are available across multiple partnership levels, each offering visibility, engagement, and tailored benefits. More Sponsor & Exhibitor Info >>

Definitely! Merchandise from the debra Shop will be available for purchase on-site at the conference.

Purchase debra Shop items now

Yes! Our conference would not be possible without the support of our generous donors.

Make a donation 
 

Absolutely! Our conference would not be possible without the generous contribution of volunteer time and talents. Please email DCC@debra.org to sign-up.

Please note, we cannot offer discounted registration rates, free hotel rooms or travel aid for volunteers. 

Use our special hashtags #debraCareConference and #WeFightEB when you’re sharing your comments, questions, photos, and stories about the conference on social media.  

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Yes. All registered EB families/parties attending the conference are automatically included. There is no additional cost beyond your conference registration.

The evening will include:
• A seated dinner
• Community awards recognizing leadership and impact
• Entertainment
• Meaningful reflections and connection as we unite for the conference

Holding the gala during the DCC allows us to bring the entire community together in one place, giving more people the opportunity to participate.

Yes,  optional fundraising elements that support debra of America’s programs will be included, but remains optional throughout the evening. There is no additional cost to you to attend this event. 

Yes. You’re welcome to attend the gala even if you’re not attending the conference. Gala-only tickets will be available for purchase. Details forthcoming.