Father Stuart Long, inspiration for the Mark Wahlberg film Father Stu, will be posthumously honored at MyoCon 2026
ST. LOUIS, MO, UNITED STATES, September 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Myositis Association (TMA) is proud to honor inspiring leaders in myositis advocacy, research and care through the 2026 Heroes in the Fight awards to be presented in a celebratory gala on September 26 in St. Louis.
The celebration is part of MyoCon 2026, TMA’s annual Global Myositis Patient Conference, held September 24–27 in St. Louis. The conference brings together hundreds of people with myositis along with care partners, clinicians and researchers from around the world to share knowledge and support those affected by this rare group of diseases.
Patient Ambassador Award – Father Stuart Long
TMA will posthumously honor Father Stuart Long, affectionately known as Father Stu, with its Patient Ambassador Award, recognizing the lasting impact his life and story have had on awareness of inclusion body myositis (IBM).
Long was the focus of the 2022 Sony Pictures biopic Father Stu, with Mark Wahlberg portraying him in an inspirational story of resilience and redemption. An American boxer, college football player and agnostic who converted to Catholicism, Long became a priest for the Diocese of Helena, Montana, before passing away in 2014 from complications of IBM.
Long refused to let physical limitations define him. After being diagnosed with IBM, he faced the progressive muscle weakness and disability associated with the disease with determination and grace. He continued to serve others through an active and impactful ministry, demonstrating a resilience that still resonates with people living with myositis today.
The award will be accepted by Father Bart Tolleson, author of That Was Father Stu: A Memoir of My Priestly Brother and Friend. Members of Long’s family and Montana parishioners will join Tolleson to remember Father Stu and celebrate his legacy at MyoCon 2026.
Past recipients of the award include U.S. Olympian and beach volleyball professional Tri Bourne, supermodel Karen Alexander and Grammy-winning musician Peter Frampton.
Heroes in Research Award – Conrad (Chris) Weihl, Washington University School of Medicine
TMA is proud to recognize Conrad (Chris) Weihl, MD, PhD, as the 2026 recipient of The Heroes in Research Award, honoring his longstanding contributions to neuromuscular research and his commitment to people living with myositis. He is a professor of neurology, head of the neuromuscular section and director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Weihl’s career exemplifies the spirit of this award through his groundbreaking research, clinical leadership and mentorship of the next generation of scientists and physicians.
Much of his work focuses on IBM, the most common acquired muscle disease in people over age 50 and one of the most challenging forms of myositis to treat. Recognizing the need for specialized care, Weihl recently established a clinic devoted to people living with IBM. It brings together multidisciplinary expertise to address the complex physical, functional and emotional challenges associated with the disease while also creating opportunities for patients to participate in research that may shape future treatments.
Weihl is a past chair of TMA’s Medical Advisory Board, a 2013 recipient of a TMA research grant, and a longtime supporter of the myositis community. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Neuromuscular Disorders, the official journal of the World Muscle Society, where he helps guide and disseminate important advances in neuromuscular research.
Heroes in Healthcare Award – Hospital for Special Surgery Scleroderma, Vasculitis and Myositis Center
TMA is pleased to recognize the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Scleroderma, Vasculitis and Myositis Center with the 2026 Heroes in Healthcare Award. Located in New York City, the Center has built a nationally recognized program that combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge research and extensive patient support services.
HSS’s holistic approach to care includes expert medical treatment and services that help individuals and their families navigate the challenges of living with a chronic, often complex disease.
HSS founded the Myositis Support Group in 1997, and the group remains a vital resource of encouragement, education and community for people living with myositis. TMA is especially proud of the strong connection between the HSS Myositis Support Group and TMA’s national support group network, reflecting a shared belief that no one should face myositis alone.
The award will be accepted by David R. Fernandez, MD, PhD, rheumatologist in the HSS Division of Rheumatology, and Suzan Fischbein, LCSW, Myositis Support Group Coordinator and Senior Social Work Coordinator II in the HSS Department of Social Work Programs.
Marianne Moyer Myositis Leader Award – Catherine (Kitty) Trejo
This year’s Marianne Moyer Myositis Leader Award recipient is Catherine (Kitty) Trejo, a longtime supporter and volunteer in the myositis community. Trejo co-founded the TMA NorCal Support Group with Rich Stevenson in 2001 and currently serves as co-leader of the TMA Rainbow Affinity Group. She lives with polymyositis and is a retired physician who has volunteered with TMA for more than two decades.
The Marianne Moyer Myositis Leader Award recognizes TMA volunteers who lead the way in our myositis community by helping others. Moyer helped TMA create the Keep In Touch (KIT) groups, mentored many emerging support and affinity groups and served in leadership roles including TMA Board of Directors Chair.
Attending the MyoCon 2026 Heroes in the Fight Awards Celebration
The Heroes in the Fight Awards Celebration will take place at 6 p.m. CDT on Saturday, September 26 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.
For information or to obtain a press pass, contact media@myositis.org.
TMA is grateful to the following sponsors for their support of myositis heroes:
argenx (lead sponsor for TMA’s Patient Ambassador Award), Abcuro, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Octapharma and Priovant.
About The Myositis Association
The Myositis Association is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by myositis through education, support, advocacy and research. TMA is committed to fostering a sense of community that empowers individuals to live their best life. https://www.myositis.org/
Anne Johnson
The Myositis Association
media@myositis.org
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