The 2019 Sugar Soirée, which took place on the evening of November 2, was truly the “cure for the common gala.” It was a spectacular event bringing together many of CHI’s most beloved supporters in the most beautiful and fitting setting — The Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The Mütter is America’s finest museum of medical history and many consider it the “birthplace of American Medicine.”
Tony Dokoupil, the co-host of “CBS This Morning” was our fantastic Master of Ceremonies. Tony told the CHI story in the most compelling terms, while honoring outstanding members of the CHI community. The following awards were given:
BE MY SUGAR UP-AND-COMING RESEARCHER AWARD – Amanda Ackermann, MD, PhD
Pediatric Endocrinologist, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
BE MY SUGAR EXTRAORDINARY VOLUNTEER AWARD – Kristen Carlberg, Glen Ridge, NJ
BE MY SUGAR COURAGE AWARD, Yildiz and Ulaş Baş, Adana, Turkey
The keynote speaker for the evening was Max Aronoff-Sher. Max shared the experience of being born with HI and living with it through his childhood and early teenage years. He is an incredibly effective and articulate speaker.
At the Sugar Soirée, about $200,000 were raised to support the work of CHI to:
- Help patients gain access to specialized treatment, medications, supplies, and cope with the burden of living with a rare disease
- Advance new novel clinical research and support the patient-powered research project, the HI Global Registry
- Raise vital awareness of the condition to prevent prolonged hypoglycemia that can lead to brain damage and death
A glass was raised for Dr. Charles A. Stanley, in recognition of his years working as one of the world’s foremost hyperinsulinism researchers and clinicians at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The superb Chairmen of the event were Turaya Bryant Kamau and Nicholas Kamau. Dr. and Mrs. Charles Stanley were the Honorary Chairmen.
CHI is so grateful to all who supported and attended the evening. The event was sponsored by:
