Visionaries in the Fight Against Lupus Honored at Lupus Foundation of America Gala

The evening spotlighted the changing landscape of lupus research and awareness with cutting-edge biomedical research and communication platforms opening doors for new opportunities to educate the public about lupus and advance new treatments. Lupus advocate, Allie Gutshall, shared her personal  story and sense of urgency and hope for new treatments that will improve the quality of life for people with lupus. Dr. Susan Manzi, the Lupus Foundation of America's Medical Director and Chair, Department of Medicine, and Director of the Lupus Center of Excellence at Allegheny Health Network, highlighted groundbreaking research on stem cells as a potential treatment for lupus. 

"Our honorees are true visionaries in the fight against lupus," said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. "It is only fitting that we honor their many achievements, as we look forward to the future with hope, innovation and determination to end the cruel mystery that is lupus."

Richard Rosenbaum, Executive Chairman of Greenberg Traurig, LLP received the Hope Award for the company's generosity and long-standing support of lupus research and education. Greenberg Traurig, is a unified international law firm of approximately 2000 lawyers and 38 offices around the globe. Rosenbaum's support of the cause is also deeply personal as his sister is also living with lupus.

Tim Nolan, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Lifetime, LMN & FYI networks received the Hope Award. Nolan's support was driven by his husband who has lupus, and as a leader in the entertainment and media industry he has helped to direct resources and support to increase awareness and understanding of lupus. He was instrumental in the creation of the Foundation's KNOW LUPUS national multi-media campaign, which to-date has educated more than 625 million about the impact of lupus on individuals and their families.  

The Foundation presented the Barlin Family Award to Ian Harding, star of Pretty Little Liars and Lupus Foundation of America Celebrity Awareness Ambassador. Harding's mother is living lupus.  He has been involved with the Foundation for several years participating in public awareness campaigns, Walk to End Lupus Now ®events and raised more than $100K for lupus research and education. The program closed with a fun and interactive performance from the acapella group VoicePlay.

The Lupus Foundation of America's National Gala is an Evening of Hope honoring outstanding individuals who have been champions for those living with lupus and their families. The Foundation thanks its generous supporters and sponsors including: GreenbergTraurig; Pfizer; InsomniaTV and Piper Jaffray. The Gala raises critically needed funds to advance the Foundation's mission and its comprehensive programs of research, education, and advocacy. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.lupus.org/gala.

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.

Media Contacts:
Maggie Maloney, [email protected], 202-212-6766
Tracy Cooley, [email protected], 202-349-1155

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SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America

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http://www.lupus.org