Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI) hosted its second annual sugar sHIndig, on October 8, 2016 at the Fort Worth Science & History Museum. At the sugar sHIndig, HI Families explored the award-winning museum to their hearts’ content and were treated to an incredible benefit concert given by the talented international recording artist and HI dad, Hamilton Loomis.
Check out our slide show of the event! (and scroll down for more information)
The family fun day was also a vehicle for raising awareness of hyperinsulinism (HI) and diabetes caused by HI, as well as highlighting the work done by the Cook Children’s Hyperinsulinism Center and CHI to improve the lives of those living with this rare disease. The event was a very successful fundraiser, bringing in $50,000 to support the work of CHI to increase timely recognition of hypoglycemia to reduce brain damage and death, find better treatments and a cure, and support HI patients and their families every step of the way.
The family fun day also included a Texas BBQ lunch, a silent auction, and a unique live auction of baked items from locally renowned pastry chefs and cake makers.
The Emcee for the Awareness and Awards Program portion of the event was country music artist and recent Texas Regional Radio & Music Association Humanitarian Award winner, Sonny Burgess. Awards were given to two CHI Superstars. Dr. Paul Thornton, Medical Director and Endowed Chair of the Cook Children’s Hyperinsulinism Center and lead author of the recently published “Hypoglycemia Guidelines for Infants and Children,” received the CHI Be My Sugar Medical Excellence Award. Dr. Paul Thornton spoke on the importance of adopting guidelines for the management and evaluation of prolonged hypoglycemia. This work, done in conjunction with the world’s leading experts in pediatric endocrinology, is VITAL to reducing brain damage and death from the condition. Dr. John Kinzell was the recipient of the CHI Be My Sugar Innovation Champion Award. He received this award for his tireless efforts to help CHI achieve its mission through innovative collaboration among industry, clinical researchers and the patient community.
The event was made possible by CHI’s generous sponsors including: Cook Children’s, BioMarin, XOMA, GM Financial and all the individuals who have donated to CHI.
The event was the result of the hard work and support of the incredible sugar sHIndig Benefit Committee members:
Heather and Jeff Fish
Drs. Davelyn and Bret Hood
Ann and John Kinzell
Ricci Mace and Dr. Paul Thornton
Janet and Gabe Medrano
Amanda and Doyle Motes
Julie Raskin and Mark Gross
Sheri and Rick Takac
Teresa Tipton
Lisa and Henry Truong
