From Dinner to the World Stage: East Meets West

Exactly one week from now, I’ll be boarding a flight to Hong Kong.
But this time, it’s more than a visit. More than family. More than a conference.

In just a few days, the 15th International Osteogenesis Imperfecta Conference will take place — and for the very first time, it is being held in Hong Kong. To me, that feels like a full-circle moment.

East Meets West — for OI

Ten years ago, in 2014, during a trip to visit family, I found myself sitting at dinner with a respected orthopedic surgeon and dear friend: Michael To. What began as a simple introduction quickly turned into a meaningful and in-depth conversation about Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a collagen-related connective tissue disorder also known as brittle bone disease.

We talked about soft casts, braces, surgical techniques, innovations in care, and the nuances of treatment.
He spoke from the perspective of a medical expert.
I spoke from lived experience — as a patient and advocate.

That dinner was not a coincidence. It was the beginning of a bridge.

A Bridge Between Worlds

In the years that followed, we stayed connected. We exchanged knowledge, insights, and challenges. Ideas traveled back and forth between Europe and Asia. What started as a conversation between two people grew into something much larger — a bridge between continents within the global OI community.

“East meets West,” Michael said from day one.

And now, in 2025, I see those words brought to life.
What once began as a brainstorming session over dinner has evolved into international collaboration at the highest level.

And the most special detail?

The conference is being held at the exact location where our conversation began ten years ago.

International OI Conference 2025

The fact that East and West are now officially united during the International OI Conference 2025 on Hong Kong Island feels symbolic — as if that bridge has been sealed.

Kudos to Michael and his team for the flawless organization. For the warm welcome extended to Europe. And above all, for their humility and openness in sharing knowledge.

The standing ovation on day three was more than deserved.

Reflection

Looking back, it moves me to realize how a small connection on the other side of the world could grow into something so significant.

The biggest bridge I could have imagined — one I had the honor of helping to build — has become reality.

Grateful. Humbled. Proud.

I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Because in the end, OI is about connection. About sharing knowledge. About improving quality of life — together.

Power Of Reflection Foundation is committed to making an impact on quality of life and advancing research for collagen-related connective tissue disorders.