Topics of the Week - Archive

November 2, 2007

Thought of the Week

Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you is determinism; the way you play it is free will.
-- Jawaharlal Nehru

Oh What a Night…the 50 th Anniversary Celebration Gala

October 18 th was truly a magical evening as over 140 people from all over the US gathered at the stunning Tribeca Rooftop in New York City to celebrate NTSAD's 50 years of Compassion, Hope & Progress . Researchers, supporters, friends and families, old and new, enjoyed a variety of hors d'oeuvres including delicious sushi and tasty comfort food such as mini-grilled cheeses and burger sliders. Dinner consisted of an out stan ding pear salad and choice of melt-in-your mouth filet mignon or succulent grilled sea bass. The meal was capped off with caramel ice-cream in an edible chocolate cup and an out stan ding warmed apple tart.

Throughout the fantastic meal guests enjoyed family stories and award presentations. Bradley and Sue opened the evening recognizing the many parents and people who have worked together over the last 50 years to build and sustain NTSAD. They acknowledged how far we've come, but that we have a ways to go before we have eradicated these diseases. Stew Altman eloquently discussed his life long struggle with Late Onset Tay-Sachs and the hope, friendship and care provided by Dr. Kolodny, recipient of the Bernard Sachs Memorial Award for Clinical Practice. Ken and Sherri Epstein accompanied by their daughters Jessica and Rachel, who is affected by Canavan, poignantly talked about evolving from devastated parents to strong advocates. Jayne Gershkowitz then presented Abby Meyers, president and founder of National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD) with the Public Conscience Award. And finally, John Crowley shared his family's story and presented Geeta Anand, author of The Cure , with the Generations Award for Public Education and Awareness. With research always part of NTSAD's core mission, Tim Lord spoke passionately about the promising future for revolutionary treatments.

The event raised over $120,000, and the proceeds of the evening will go towards sustaining our many programs that are essential to our mission in support, research and education. We thank the many people involved in organizing and contributing to the evening's success.

A lovely slideshow created by Sarah Mattingly will be posted to the homepage shortly. A photo album of all the photos taken by Sarah Mattingly and Desiree Hopf will be available next week.

Please, remember that you can call the office and speak with Diana or Kim with any concerns,
questions or suggestions - our door is always open!

Diana Pangonis
Interim Executive Director
Diana@ntsad.org
800-906-8723