Why We Exist
Conrad Smiles is a not-for-profit entity supporting research to improve the understanding and treatment of Pediatric Non-Fatal Drowning (PNFD), now known as Conrad Syndrome.
About Conrad Smiles
We want all children who survive a non-fatal drowning accident to achieve their maximum potential – no limits!
Our mission is to drive the medical community to provide comprehensive information with a focus on treatments and interventions that promote a healthy and productive life.
For Pediatric Non-Fatal Drowning Research
Our organization was established after Conrad Tullis acquired PNFD when he survived a drowning accident at 17 months of age.
Conrad Smiles supported the first research project to assess Pediatric Non-Fatal Drowning in children who survive a drowning accident. The study, led by Dr. Peter Fox, founder and head of the UT Health Science Center’s Research Imaging Institute, studied the brain patterns of Conrad and other children with his condition to understand what is “working.” The research will help thousands of children catch the hope for a brighter future.
““Conrad Smiles has never been just about Conrad. It’s so no other mother will have to be told to withdraw care or institutionalize her child.””
Liz Tullis, Founder
Liz Tullis was the Director of Strategic Planning at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute and the Director of Operations for the San Antonio Partnership for Precision Therapeutics. She began her career as an international consultant, working with companies on strategic business planning. She then worked in institutional business planning for Bank of America. Liz founded Conrad Smiles to bring a spotlight to the understudied condition of Pediatric Non-Fatal Drowning (PNFD) to help her son Conrad and all the children who survived a drowning accident.
Conrad In The Spotlight
See the impact Conrad’s story has made on people all over the world.
The Research Behind It All
The prevailing thought amongst medical care providers is that recovery from PNFD is too difficult if not impossible, but Conrad Smiles offers hope. The first research project to assess pediatric non-fatal drowning cases has been introduced by Conrad Smiles and the results have been groundbreaking.
We are also supporting the first research project to assess pediatric non-fatal drowning cases. The study is led by Dr. Peter Fox, founder and head of the UT Health Science Center’s Research Imaging Institute and involves a special type of MRI called resting state functional MRI. The research is looking to find patterns and understand how the brain is “working” compared to a child without injury.
How Conrad Smiles is Involved
Managing the Pediatric Non-Fatal Drowning Registry (registration, communication, logistics).
Publicizing findings to promote awareness and raise funds.
Recruiting neurologists/pediatricians/researchers to partner in the application of the findings into the medical treatment and care of PNFD patients.
Funding pilot studies in support of larger grant applications.
Hope For Minds
Team Luke Hope for Minds is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with a brain injury and give hope to their families through support and education. Team Luke Hope for Minds provides financial grants for items such as equipment, home renovations, therapy, treatments, and adaptive vehicles, as well as educational resources, mental health and emotional support services, and most importantly, HOPE.
Visit www.teamlukehopeforminds.org for more information.
Stories Of Hope
Real stories of heroes and survivors.
His life will be remembered in the hearts of many for years to come and his story leaves a legacy that continues. Read more about Conrad’s life and legacy.