MyoCon! September 24–27, 2026.
Each year, The Myositis Association (TMA) recognizes individuals whose stories help shine a light on myositis and inspire others living with these rare diseases. As part of our 2026 Heroes in the Fight celebration, we are honored to posthumously present the Patient Ambassador Award to Father Stuart Long, whose extraordinary life continues to bring hope, courage, and awareness to the myositis community.
Father Stuart “Stu” Long was many things throughout his life: a boxer, a college football player, a seeker, a priest, and an inspiration. Perhaps most importantly, he was a person who refused to let physical limitations define him. After being diagnosed with inclusion body myositis (IBM), Father Stu faced the progressive muscle weakness and disability associated with the disease with remarkable determination and grace. Rather than retreating from his calling, he continued to serve others through an active and impactful ministry, demonstrating a resilience that still resonates with people living with myositis today.
Many people first learned about Father Stu through the 2022 Sony Pictures film Father Stu, starring Mark Wahlberg. The biographical drama chronicles his unlikely journey from self-described agnostic and amateur boxer to Catholic priest, portraying with honesty both his personal struggles and his unwavering faith. Importantly for the myositis community, the film does not shy away from depicting the realities of inclusion body myositis and the physical challenges the disease imposed on his daily life. Yet at its heart, the story is one of redemption, purpose, and perseverance. The film reached millions of viewers worldwide, creating a level of awareness about IBM that few could have imagined.
For many in the myositis community, Father Stu’s legacy extends beyond the screen. His life serves as a powerful reminder that a diagnosis does not define a person’s value, purpose, or ability to make a difference. Through his example, countless individuals have found encouragement to continue pursuing meaningful lives despite the challenges of chronic illness. His story has helped foster greater understanding of inclusion body myositis among people who might otherwise never have heard of the disease.
The 2026 Patient Ambassador Award recognizes not only Father Stu’s personal journey but also the enduring impact his story continues to have on raising awareness of myositis. By sharing his experience through film, literature, and the memories of those who knew him, Father Stu has become an ambassador for the myositis community whose influence continues years after his passing in 2014.
Accepting the award on Father Stu’s behalf will be Father Bart Tolleson, his longtime friend, fellow priest, and author of That Was Father Stu: A Memoir of My Priestly Brother and Friend. Father Bart and Father Stu were ordained together in 2007 and shared a close friendship throughout Father Stu’s ministry. Their bond has helped preserve and share Father Stu’s story with audiences around the world. Joining Father Bart at MyoCon 2026 will be Father Stu’s sister, Amy Long Trisdale, along with family members and fellow Montanans whose lives were touched by his ministry and friendship.
Please join us in congratulating Father Stuart Long, posthumous recipient of TMA’s 2026 Patient Ambassador Award.
The Heroes in the Fight Patient Ambassador Award is presented annually to an individual or group that has demonstrated sustained effort and extraordinary success in raising public awareness of myositis diseases.
Recent recipients include U.S. Olympian and beach volleyball professional Tri Bourne, pioneering supermodel Karen Alexander, and Grammy-winning musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Peter Frampton.
Thank you to argenx, the lead sponsor for TMA’s Patient Ambassador Award.
