Star-studded evening featured Tamron Hall, Halsey, and Honored LRA Founder
Robert Wood Johnson and Verizon
Chairman and CEO Hans
Vestberg
NEW
YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024
Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) Breaking Through Gala raised
nearly $3 million for lupus
research, bringing the hope for a world free of lupus closer with
every dollar. Emceed by two-time Emmy Award-Winning host and
bestselling author Tamron
Hall, the evening included a commanding performance by
GRAMMY® nominated genre-blending singer, songwriter, and
activist Halsey.
In welcoming the 500 guests, Tamron
Hall explained why she continues to support the Lupus
Research Alliance. "Almost everyone in this room knows what it
means to live with lupus only too well – you cope with it every
day, or you see its effects on someone you love – and sometimes
that's even harder to bear," Hall commented. "I too watch several
people I am close to struggle with this disease. Like you, I am
here tonight, helping increase disease awareness and raise funds
for the most promising research because that is how we can best
help the people we care so much about."
This spring, Halsey bravely revealed her lupus diagnosis,
raising broad public awareness among 30+ million Instagram
followers and beyond, referring them to the Lupus Research Alliance
to learn more. On the heels of releasing a powerful album about
struggling with chronic illness, including lupus, Halsey shared her
lupus journey with Gala guests before
performing.
"Opening up about my own lupus diagnosis a few months ago has
brought me a sense of comfort, knowing I'm now part of such a
passionate and supportive community," said Halsey. "I hope
that through my music, I can help amplify the strength we all share
and the brighter future we're working toward."
LRA President and CEO Albert T.
Roy commented, "This year's Gala celebrates the Heart of
Innovation – inspiring words that eloquently convey why so many
support the work of the LRA. Our organization was founded and
continues to be fueled by people like this year's
co-honorees The Honorable Robert Wood Johnson and
Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans
Vestberg who believe in the power of science and
technology as the best way to help those living with lupus. Our
mission is driven by that kind of passion, getting to the very
heart of what causes lupus and bringing forth innovative
discoveries that are transforming lives."
Why improved treatments are still so urgently needed was
poignantly illustrated by speaker Jenny
Zwick along with her husband and Board member Spencer
sharing how lupus has affected their lives.
Special Supporters Recognized for Contributions
Mr. Roy also thanked Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez for their support as Gala
Honorary Co-Chairs along with the event Co-Chairs: Ira
Akselrad, President of The Johnson Company and Lupus Research
Alliance Board Chair; Bob Pittman,
Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc.; and Spencer J. Zwick; Co-Founder and Managing
Partner of Solamere Capital.
Philanthropist and Honorary Gala Co-Chair Michael R. Bloomberg addressed the audience
in a special videotaped message of enduring support for the lupus
cause as well as a tribute to the organization's late Board of
Directors Co-Chair Richard K.
DeScherer who passed away this past year.
Robert Wood Johnson Honored for Founding the LRA to Improve
the Future for Daughter Jaime
LRA Founding Chairman The Honorable Robert Wood Johnson started the Lupus
Research Alliance (then the Alliance for Lupus Research) in 1999 to
find answers when his daughter was first diagnosed with lupus as a
young child.
Ambassador Johnson explained, "Back then, there was not even one
treatment developed for lupus and few scientists were working in
the field. Funding more research to improve treatment was clearly
critical, not just for my daughter, but for millions more. I am
proud that our work laid the foundation for two of the three
current lupus-specific treatments, and for many more now in
clinical development."
Honoree Hans Vestberg Recognized for Verizon Support of Lupus
Research
As Chairman and CEO of Verizon, Hans Vestberg was also honored
for the company's long-standing commitment to furthering lupus
research. In addition to many years supporting the LRA Walk program
directly, Verizon is a cornerstone sponsor of the New York Jets,
contributing to the Jets Foundation which is committed to the LRA
as one of its primary causes.
In addition to thanking the speakers on stage, Mr. Roy also
applauded the entire lupus community who donate for LRA-funded
research, advocate for federal research funding, raise disease
awareness and participate in clinical research – all doing what
they can to improve current treatment and ultimately free the world
of lupus. He also pointed everyone's attention to the lighting of
the iconic Empire State Building which lit up NYC's skyline in the
colors of lupus research – purple and red.
About Lupus
Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune
disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In lupus, the
immune system, meant to defend against infections, produces
autoantibodies that mistake the body's own cells as foreign,
causing other immune cells to attack organs such as the kidneys,
brain, heart, lungs and skin, as well as blood and joints. Ninety
percent of people with lupus are women, most often diagnosed
between the ages of 15-45. Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian and
Pacific Islander people are disproportionately affected by lupus
and more likely to experience severe lupus symptoms.
About the Lupus Research Alliance
The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental,
non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization
aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus
research, fostering diverse scientific talent, and driving
discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and
ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's
Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs,
100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs. For
more information or to donate to lupus research, visit the LRA at
LupusResearch.org and on social media at: X, Facebook,
LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance
