NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly
merged Lupus Research Alliance celebrated its debut at the
Inaugural Gala, uniting the three world leaders in lupus research
as the driving force for better treatments and a cure. In just one
night, the country's largest lupus fundraising event raised over
$2.5 million – with every dollar
going directly to support lupus research. The
organization unveiled its iconic new symbol in grand style, marking
its identity as the catalyst, champion and creator of scientific
innovation in lupus and autoimmune disease.
Lupus Research Alliance Chairman and CEO of the New York Jets,
Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV, co-hosted the evening with
Vice-Chair Richard K.
DeScherer, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer,
Bloomberg L.P. along with founding Board members Robert Pittman, Chairman and CEO,
iHeartMedia, Inc. and Carol
Weisman, long-time supporter and lupus patient. As
emcee, Emmy-winning journalist, lupus advocate and devoted mom to
her daughter with lupus, Brenda
Blackmon charmed the crowd with her vivacious
warmth.
Freda-Lewis Hall, MD,
DFAPA, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Pfizer Inc for
their ongoing dedication to improving lupus treatment. "Our
commitment to patients with lupus is tied closely to our mission to
develop new, safe and effective therapies, especially where there
is high medical need. We are proud to collaborate with the Lupus
Research Alliance because together we are stronger and smarter than
either of us alone."
"We recognize Pfizer tonight as an exceptional partner in the
lupus community," said Mr. Johnson. "The company's vision closely
aligns with our own – to apply the finest science to improve health
across the globe. And we share a deep commitment to work not just
for the patient, but with the patient to develop the best possible
treatments."
All 18 members of the Lupus Research Alliance Founding Board of
Directors were honored for their visionary leadership in uniting
the Alliance for Lupus Research, Lupus Research Institute and
S.L.E. Lupus Foundation into one organization with a singular quest
to free the world of lupus through the power of science.
"Tonight we recognize the leaders who spearheaded this historic
merger," noted Mr. DeScherer. "Every person on our Board either has
lupus or cares deeply about someone who does. That personal
connection is transformed directly into action to accelerate the
emerging science we need to find better treatments and a cure."
Watch this video to experience the enthusiasm of the 600
guests in the room as the new symbol and identity of the new Lupus
Research Alliance came to life in its very first public
appearance.
About Lupus
Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune
disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90% of
lupus sufferers are women, mostly young women between the ages of
15 to 44. Women of color are especially at risk. In lupus, the
immune system, which is designed to protect against infection,
creates antibodies that attack the body's own tissues and organs --
the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.
About the Lupus Research Alliance
Born from the merger
of three organizations with a common belief in the potential for
science to overcome lupus, the Lupus Research Alliance is at the
forefront of driving innovative research that can make a difference
for people living with the prototypical autoimmune disease. With
that shared conviction, the Board of Directors promises to fund all
the organization's administrative and fundraising costs, ensuring
that 100% of all public donations go directly to funding research
programs to realize our vision of a world free from lupus.
More information can be found at www.lupusresearch.org.
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SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance