At the 2026 A-BE-C Annual Conference in Los Angeles, Thomas was honored with the Courage to Shine Award in recognition of his remarkable journey and dedication to the bladder exstrophy community. In this inspiring reflection, he shares how bladder exstrophy shaped, but never limited, his life. From complex childhood surgeries to earning a PhD, traveling the world, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and becoming a research scientist and patient advocate, Thomas’s story is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis does not define a person’s future. His message offers hope, perspective, and encouragement for patients and families navigating every stage of the journey.

A-BE-C shares groundbreaking survey data from 133 bladder exstrophy families, sparking a historic global collaboration among leading surgeons focused on trust, transparency, and improving outcomes for every child.

The International Bladder Exstrophy Collaborative (IBEC) gathered for its 18th annual workshop. Amidst the intense focus of world-class surgeons from across the globe, we took a moment to honor a man who has spent his career serving the most vulnerable: Dr. Paul Merguerian.

As 2025 draws to a close, the Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community (A-BE-C) reflects on a year defined by expanded global reach, strengthened resources, and meaningful community connections. From international collaboration to new tools for patients and families, the past year underscored the importance of empowering individuals through trusted information and supportive networks.

The Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community (A-BE-C) recently joined international support organizations from around the world for the first-ever Global Congress on Advocacy and Community Collaboration—a landmark gathering dedicated to improving care, awareness, and connection for individuals and families affected by bladder exstrophy.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news that has been months in the making. A-BE-C has officially launched our…

This September, A-BE-C returned to Uganda for our 6th annual surgical workshop at EMERGENCY Children’s Hospital, providing expert surgical care and clinic services for more than 100 children and families from across East Africa.

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Joseph Borer, a world-renowned pediatric urologist and surgeon, as the recipient of this year’s Richard W. Grady Humanitarian Award which was recently presented by Dr. Evalynn Vasquez at the A-BE-C Annual Exstrophy Conference. This recognition reflects not only his extraordinary contributions to the field of urology, but also the compassion, dedication, and humility he brings to every patient and family he serves.

The 2025 Annual Exstrophy Conference was held in Boston, MA and proudly hosted in conjunction with Boston Children’s.

George Hunt III received the 2025 Courage to Shine award at the International Exstrophy Conference in Boston, MA.