The 14th Annual Research Update and Awards Luncheon
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The clinic team poses on the day of the luncheon; PHOTO CREDIT: ROBERT E. PATTERSON
On Sunday May 31st, The ALS Hope Foundation hosted its annual Research Update and Awards Luncheon at the Marriot Philadelphia West in Conshohocken. Close to 100 people from the ALS Hope Foundation community were in attendance, including PALS, their families, the clinic team, advocates, and supporters.
Our guest speaker was Dr. Richard Bedlack, Director of the Duke ALS clinic and founder of ALS Untangled. Dr. Bedlack spoke to us about his latest research project on ALS reversals. There are rare instances in which a person with ALS stops progressing or even gets better. His clinic, along with 20 others worldwide have teamed up to understand these ALS reversals and, perhaps, make them happen more often with the help of clinical trials and the social network Patients Like Me. Dr. Terry Heiman-Patterson, President of the ALS Hope Foundation, took the stage after him and explained the ALS Hope Foundation's newest programs and our most recent and exciting research projects.
After her update, Dr. Heiman-Patterson presented the awards. The Sunrise Award was given to Dan Pellegrino for having demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the ALS Hope Foundation by tirelessly supporting its mission and fundraising. Dan tragically lost his battle with ALS on November 21, 2014, but his dedicated family continues to support our efforts. They accepted this award on his behalf.
several honorees pose with dr. heiman-patterson and the mda/als center of hope team; Photo Credit: Robert E. Patterson
The Courageous Heart Award is reserved for those who have taken a proactive role in the fight against ALS, advocating for PALS and supporting the ALS Hope Foundation while courageously battling ALS themselves. Our Courageous Heart winners for 2015 were Dennis Casey, Sharon Corosanite, H. Todd Kelly, Denise Richards, and Karen Gallimore. We would like to again thank you for everything that you do to keep hope on the horizon! Your courage inspires us all.
The Community Hope Award was given to Doug Fowler and to Ram Consulting in recognition of their outstanding support and dedication to the ALS Hope Foundation. Finally, the Extraordinary Honoree Award was given to Bernie Parent in appreciation for his service and dedication to promoting ALS awareness. His efforts and continued support are greatly appreciated. We also acknowledged our Horizon Honors, a title given to individuals or organizations who have helped to keep hope on the horizon by contributing or raising over $1,000 in 2015.
All honorees and speakers inspired everyone in attendance. May we all remember their courage and their dedication as we continue to keep Hope on the horizon!
