New York City Lights Up for Lupus Awareness

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, October 8, patients, caregivers, researchers, celebrities and supporters gathered at Gotham Hall in New York City for the Lupus Foundation of America's Evening of Hope National Gala. The event raised critical funds needed to support the Foundation's mission and its comprehensive programs to end the brutal impact of lupus. Earlier in the day, the Foundation's Global Ambassador Julian Lennon flipped the switch to illuminate the world-famous Empire State Building tower lights purple in celebration of the evening and to call attention to the need for increased awareness and investment in lupus research.

Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon and Jed Whedon (co-creators and executive producers of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) were honored with the Barlin Family Award for their ongoing support and efforts to increase public awareness of lupus and the lives that it affects. Prof. Dr. Iris Loew-Friedrich, Executive Vice President, Biopharma Development Solutions & Chief Medical Officer, UCB received the Corporate Leadership Award for the company's pioneering research in the development of new treatments for lupus and commitment to improving the quality of life for those living with the chronic disease.

"This has been a remarkable day for lupus awareness," said Sandra Raymond, President and CEO, Lupus Foundation of America. "The community of individuals with lupus, researchers, industry and celebrities have come together to shine a light on the impact of this disease and raise resources for research and recognize those who have made significant contributions to this cause." 

Tessanne Chin, recording artist and Season 5 winner of NBC's The Voice, closed the evening with a powerful performance of Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing, bringing the crowd to their feet. Other notable Gala guests included Whoopi Goldberg and Ian Harding (actor, ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars).

"The Empire State Building shining purple for lupus awareness is a beacon of hope for the millions of people around the world affected by this disease. We know that with greater awareness, comes greater support for lupus research," said Julian Lennon, Lupus Foundation of America Global Ambassador. 

The Gala was made possible thanks to sponsors including Pfizer Inc; UCB; Ariel Investments, LLC; Greenberg Traurig; LLP, Lilly; Saks Fifth Avenue; and Christine Smith and Ben Andrews.

About Lupus
Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive and can be fatal, yet research on lupus remains underfunded relative to diseases of similar scope and devastation. 

About the Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America