This black-tie event will increase awareness of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and fundraise to build cures for PSC and other complex diseases
PITTSBURGH, PA - Jul 21, 2016 - Curable, a non-profit research accelerator that applies engineering approaches to medicine, today announced that its annual GAME CHANGER Gala will be held from 5:30-10 p.m. ET on July 30 at the Heinz Field UPMC Club in Pittsburgh, PA. The after-party, featuring trumpeter Rico DeLargo, will continue until midnight.
During the Gala, Curable will present awards to board member Coach Mike Ditka, organ donor advocates Jared and Cameron Wohl of the Wave Set, and transplant surgeon Dr. Byers Bud Shaw, Jr. for their contributions to the PSC community. Mayor Peduto will also attend to officially proclaim July 30 Mike Ditka Day.
There are an estimated 50,000 patients with PSC in the U.S. today. No one knows what causes this disease, and there are currently no effective medical therapies.
Robert Redfords son, James Redford, will be the keynote speaker sharing his story of living with PSC, having two liver transplants, and making a documentary film about organ donation. Jahine Arnold, former player for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers, will speak about his struggle with PSC. Arnold is the only NFL player, other than Walter Payton, to have been diagnosed with PSC and will need a liver transplant to survive as his disease advances.
Three Broadway stars - Philip Hernandez, who played both Jean Valjean and Javert in Les Miserables, pianist and conductor Michael Eisenberg, and Alli Mauzey, who played Glinda in Wicked - will entertain the 500+ guests.
Further information about the Gala and registration details are available at
https://www.signup4.net/public/ap.aspx?EID=SAVE62E&OID=130
.
Sponsors of this years event include Art for Yinz, the Carroll Family Foundation, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Color Perfect Printing, Deep River Snacks, Disney, Ditka's Restaurant, doTerra Essential Oils, Event Source, Giant Eagle, ITxM, and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. They are joined by Kristabella Wedding and Event Photography, Larry Klu Sports Art, Lovas Photography, Mallory's Massage, Matt Meade Photography, Paints by Kait, Pittsburgh DJ Company, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Regeneron, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Sycamore Gas, The Beauty Xpert, The Physical Therapy Center, Thomas Jordan Gallery, and UPMC/UPMC Health Plan.
About Curable
Curable is a non-profit research accelerator that applies engineering approaches to medicine. It was founded in 2014 as SAVE JON to build a cure for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), the life-threatening disease afflicting CEO Dr. Lisa Boyettes younger brother Jon. In the process, Curable created an organizational blueprint that can be successfully applied to other diseases affecting underserved patient populations. For more information, please visit
www.curable.org
or follow us on Twitter @curable_org.