ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Progress
An evening to celebrate Champions for Care and a Cure
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L-R: Philip Thomas, Chair, Board of Directors, Golden West Chapter; |
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L-R: Larry Baer, President & CEO, San Francisco Giants; |
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| L-R: Liam Mayclem, Emmy Award-winning host and producer of KCBS' "Foodie Chap" Celeste Perry, Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame Inductee/KOFY TV; Fred Fisher, President & CEO, Golden West Chapter |
It was a truly wonderful evening dedicated to conquering ALS as The ALS Association Golden West Chapter celebrated Champions for Care and a Cure. The premiere event was filled with live jazz music by the Abe Train and gourmet dinner at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco. Chapter supporters from all over the country turned out in their finest to raise funds and celebrate those who have made a tremendous impact to the ALS community with the Chapter's annual Essey Award presentation. The Essey Awards are the Chapter’s highest honor, named for one of the founding members of the Golden West Chapter, Richard (Dick) Essey, and are presented to esteemed members of the community for outstanding efforts in the areas of ALS research, philanthropy and public awareness.
The dedicated event committee led by Susan Morris, Vice Chair of Golden West Chapter's Board of Directors, included Linda Della, James Lougheed, Lucy Wedemeyer and Diane Weiser, who left no detail unfulfilled and were able to gather many special items for the event's silent and live auctions. Even the evening's auctioneer, Emmy award-winner Liam Mayclem (KCBS’ “The Foodie Chap”) arranged a special VIP gourmet food tasting in San Francisco. Their commitment and efforts yielded one of the most successful auctions in the Golden West Chapter's history. During the cocktail hour, Honorary Co-Chair Larry Baer, President & CEO of the San Francisco Giants, spoke with the guests, “Thank you all for being here tonight. This is a fight we are all going to fight until there is a cure.”
After welcome remarks from both Sue Morris and the Golden West Chapter's Board Chair, Philip Thomas, the audience was treated to a short film which celebrated many champions of San Francisco and members of the ALS community. Then the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, longtime San Francisco radio/television personality, inductee into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame and seen on KOFY TV, Ms. Celeste Perry then took the stage. “Tonight we’re here to recognize and honor some amazing people, organizations, and companies who are displaying the true championship spirit in the fight against ALS, “ said Perry. “The majority of us know what it’s like to have a family member or friend who has, or has had ALS. That’s our common ground; the reason we’re here. I joined the team when my brother-in-law Howard was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Howard loved life and lived graciously until losing his battle this past August.”
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| Dick Essey receives a special award on behalf of the Essey family, presented by Barb Newhouse, President & CEO, The ALS Association |
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This year, The ALS Association Golden West Chapter celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research and honored Dick Essey and the Essey family for their generous contributions to scientific discovery and advancing the search for a cure for ALS. Since 1996, The ALS Association, in partnership with the American Academy of Neurology, has presented the prestigious Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research, which acknowledges scientists who are making significant contributions in the search for the causes, treatments, and a cure for ALS. The award was created in memory of Sheila Essey, Dick’s beloved wife, who battled ALS for 10 years and died from the disease in 2004. Funded by The Essey Family Fund at the San Francisco Foundation, this acclaimed award is presented each year at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.
“Since its establishment 20 years ago, the Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research has served as a beacon of inspiration while steering the course of The ALS Association’s global research program,” said Barbara Newhouse, President & CEO of the National ALS Association. “For the past two decades, in alignment with our vision – to create a world without ALS – the Sheila Essey Award has been funding the most promising ALS research projects. Among these successes include the only FDA-approved drug for ALS, the discovery of numerous genes responsible for causing familial ALS, and identifying major environmental and genetic risk factors as well as biomarkers that can potentially help understand disease progression and diagnosis. Award winners have also made major contributions to induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and its use in clinical trials, other recipients have pioneered the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as a therapy for human neurodegenerative disease. Many Sheila Essey Award recipients are affiliated with preeminent ALS institutions such as the NEALS Clinical Trials Network and the American Academy of Neurology, and serve as leaders of ALS clinics around the globe.”
“Tonight we celebrate the vision and determination of Dick and the Essey Family and we honor those making significant contributions to the fight against ALS, “said Newhouse. “The entire ALS community is grateful to Dick and the Essey family for their steadfast commitment to scientific discovery. They serve as a model for others to join the fight, as well as provide hope to the thousands of individuals currently living with ALS and to those who will be diagnosed in the future.”
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| L-R: Harris Barton, Honorary Co-Chair, Three-Time Super Bowl Champion San Franicsco 49ers; Senor Chief Eric Amador; Robert Blum, President & CEO of Cytokinetics |
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The 2016 Commitment to a Cure Award was presented to Cytokinetics. Inc, for championing ALS drug development, supporting ALS awareness, and enhancing the quality of care for people living with ALS and their families. Today, Cytokinetics is the only company conducting a Phase 3 clinical trial for ALS, called VITALITY-ALS. It is a large multi-national clinical trial designed to assess their compound, Tirasemtiv, for its effectiveness on measures of respiratory function and muscle strength in people with ALS. Additionally, clinical data and plasma samples will be collected through this clinical trial to further biomarker studies and develop a model to predict the course of ALS disease progression.
“Everyone always talks about ‘heroes’ (as it relates to players) like Stephen Curry, Madison Bumgarener, and Joe Montana,” said Honorary Co-Chair Harris Barton, three-time Super Bowl Champion from the San Francisco 49ers. “But in my mind, what Cytokinetics is doing for the ALS community is the work of heroes and legends.”
“On behalf of my colleagues at Cytokinetics, I want to thank the ALS Association Golden West Chapter and the Essey Family for this award,” said Robert Blum, President & CEO, of Cytokinetics. “This is a proud moment for our company and we are truly honored to be recognized by the very people with ALS and their families who inspire us every day with their courage.”
The 2016 Spirit Award was presented to Matt Chaney, for his extraordinary determination and efforts in the areas of advocacy, fundraising, and public awareness. Since his ALS diagnosis in 2000 at the age of 40, Matt has participated in many local and national efforts including: Major League Baseball’s “4ALS” initiative with the San Francisco Giants; the California Tax Check off, which raised over $600,000 for ALS research; many youth community outreach efforts including the “Runs for ALS” Lafayette Little League campaign; and the Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS and Walk.
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| Matt Chaney, 2016 Spirit Award winner, with brother-in-law David Miller and wife Liz Chaney |
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The award presentation was led by his brother-in-law, David Miller, who shared, “Matt is a man of spirit and action -- whether he is advocating, leading a committee, fundraising, teaching, or just being the tremendous man that he is. So don’t go crying in your beer about Matt’s condition. Because while you were wallowing in your sorrows, he just beat you in bocce….again.”
Matt accepted the award with his wife, Liz, and two sons, Dylan and Brian, by his side. “With the thousands of patients, families, and friends that are in this battle with ALS, I am truly honored to be this year’s recipient,” said Matt, in written remarks that were read by his sons. “In the world of ALS, I have been very fortunate. My physical activities have been cut way back, not just because of the effects of the disease, but because of fear of breaking the strictest rule in our home- no emergency room visits. ….Until the research that you are helping to fund has found a cause, treatment, and cure, I will continue to never give up and never give in.”
Finally, Fred Fisher, Golden West Chapter President & CEO took the stage to present the 2016 Commitment to Care Award to Kaiser Permanente Northern California for launching new multidisciplinary ALS clinics to provide coordinated, expert care and treatment of people with ALS. “Mahatma Gandhi once said that ‘a champion requires three things: a desire; a dream; and a vision’,” said Fisher. ”So it’s no surprise that each one of these is a part of the story that has earned Kaiser Permanente Northern California this tonight. Their collective energies have resulted in Kaiser Permanente Northern California launching four new multi-disciplinary clinics, with plans for more to come.”
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| Fred Fisher, Golden West Chapter President & CEO presents the 2016 Commitment to Care Award to Dr. Lynda Lam and team from Kaiser Permanente. |
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As the team from Kaiser, made up of Drs. Lynda Lam, Chip Rath, Will North, Aaron Lewis, and Robert Greenberg, took the stage, there was a surprise announcement. The ALS Clinic at Kaiser San Rafael had received the distinction of being an ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center of Excellence- the first in Northern California.
“On behalf the almost 8,000 physicians, along with 50,000 staff and soon to be 4 million members, I am honored by the recognition of the Golden West Chapter,” said Dr. Robert Greenberg, Physician-in-Chief of Kaiser San Leandro. “The brilliant and evidence-based care provided by Drs. Lam, Lavery, Lewis, and North is complemented greatly by many dedicated clinical staff…..Our future efforts will include collaboration with The ALS Association.”
Proceeds from this event will provide funding for The ALS Association Golden West Chapter’s mission critical priorities in care services, public policy, and cutting-edge global research toward treatments and a cure for ALS. To view more photos from this event, please visit our flickr page. To make a gift, please visit www.ALSChampions.org.
An evening to celebrate Champions for Care and a Cure
|
|
|
L-R: Philip Thomas, Chair, Board of Directors, Golden West Chapter; |
|
|
|
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L-R: Larry Baer, President & CEO, San Francisco Giants; |
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|
|
| L-R: Liam Mayclem, Emmy Award-winning host and producer of KCBS' "Foodie Chap" Celeste Perry, Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame Inductee/KOFY TV; Fred Fisher, President & CEO, Golden West Chapter |
It was a truly wonderful evening dedicated to conquering ALS as The ALS Association Golden West Chapter celebrated Champions for Care and a Cure. The premiere event was filled with live jazz music by the Abe Train and gourmet dinner at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco. Chapter supporters from all over the country turned out in their finest to raise funds and celebrate those who have made a tremendous impact to the ALS community with the Chapter's annual Essey Award presentation. The Essey Awards are the Chapter’s highest honor, named for one of the founding members of the Golden West Chapter, Richard (Dick) Essey, and are presented to esteemed members of the community for outstanding efforts in the areas of ALS research, philanthropy and public awareness.
The dedicated event committee led by Susan Morris, Vice Chair of Golden West Chapter's Board of Directors, included Linda Della, James Lougheed, Lucy Wedemeyer and Diane Weiser, who left no detail unfulfilled and were able to gather many special items for the event's silent and live auctions. Even the evening's auctioneer, Emmy award-winner Liam Mayclem (KCBS’ “The Foodie Chap”) arranged a special VIP gourmet food tasting in San Francisco. Their commitment and efforts yielded one of the most successful auctions in the Golden West Chapter's history. During the cocktail hour, Honorary Co-Chair Larry Baer, President & CEO of the San Francisco Giants, spoke with the guests, “Thank you all for being here tonight. This is a fight we are all going to fight until there is a cure.”
After welcome remarks from both Sue Morris and the Golden West Chapter's Board Chair, Philip Thomas, the audience was treated to a short film which celebrated many champions of San Francisco and members of the ALS community. Then the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, longtime San Francisco radio/television personality, inductee into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame and seen on KOFY TV, Ms. Celeste Perry then took the stage. “Tonight we’re here to recognize and honor some amazing people, organizations, and companies who are displaying the true championship spirit in the fight against ALS, “ said Perry. “The majority of us know what it’s like to have a family member or friend who has, or has had ALS. That’s our common ground; the reason we’re here. I joined the team when my brother-in-law Howard was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Howard loved life and lived graciously until losing his battle this past August.”
|
|
| Dick Essey receives a special award on behalf of the Essey family, presented by Barb Newhouse, President & CEO, The ALS Association |
|
This year, The ALS Association Golden West Chapter celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research and honored Dick Essey and the Essey family for their generous contributions to scientific discovery and advancing the search for a cure for ALS. Since 1996, The ALS Association, in partnership with the American Academy of Neurology, has presented the prestigious Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research, which acknowledges scientists who are making significant contributions in the search for the causes, treatments, and a cure for ALS. The award was created in memory of Sheila Essey, Dick’s beloved wife, who battled ALS for 10 years and died from the disease in 2004. Funded by The Essey Family Fund at the San Francisco Foundation, this acclaimed award is presented each year at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.
“Since its establishment 20 years ago, the Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research has served as a beacon of inspiration while steering the course of The ALS Association’s global research program,” said Barbara Newhouse, President & CEO of the National ALS Association. “For the past two decades, in alignment with our vision – to create a world without ALS – the Sheila Essey Award has been funding the most promising ALS research projects. Among these successes include the only FDA-approved drug for ALS, the discovery of numerous genes responsible for causing familial ALS, and identifying major environmental and genetic risk factors as well as biomarkers that can potentially help understand disease progression and diagnosis. Award winners have also made major contributions to induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and its use in clinical trials, other recipients have pioneered the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as a therapy for human neurodegenerative disease. Many Sheila Essey Award recipients are affiliated with preeminent ALS institutions such as the NEALS Clinical Trials Network and the American Academy of Neurology, and serve as leaders of ALS clinics around the globe.”
“Tonight we celebrate the vision and determination of Dick and the Essey Family and we honor those making significant contributions to the fight against ALS, “said Newhouse. “The entire ALS community is grateful to Dick and the Essey family for their steadfast commitment to scientific discovery. They serve as a model for others to join the fight, as well as provide hope to the thousands of individuals currently living with ALS and to those who will be diagnosed in the future.”
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| L-R: Harris Barton, Honorary Co-Chair, Three-Time Super Bowl Champion San Franicsco 49ers; Senor Chief Eric Amador; Robert Blum, President & CEO of Cytokinetics |
|
The 2016 Commitment to a Cure Award was presented to Cytokinetics. Inc, for championing ALS drug development, supporting ALS awareness, and enhancing the quality of care for people living with ALS and their families. Today, Cytokinetics is the only company conducting a Phase 3 clinical trial for ALS, called VITALITY-ALS. It is a large multi-national clinical trial designed to assess their compound, Tirasemtiv, for its effectiveness on measures of respiratory function and muscle strength in people with ALS. Additionally, clinical data and plasma samples will be collected through this clinical trial to further biomarker studies and develop a model to predict the course of ALS disease progression.
“Everyone always talks about ‘heroes’ (as it relates to players) like Stephen Curry, Madison Bumgarener, and Joe Montana,” said Honorary Co-Chair Harris Barton, three-time Super Bowl Champion from the San Francisco 49ers. “But in my mind, what Cytokinetics is doing for the ALS community is the work of heroes and legends.”
“On behalf of my colleagues at Cytokinetics, I want to thank the ALS Association Golden West Chapter and the Essey Family for this award,” said Robert Blum, President & CEO, of Cytokinetics. “This is a proud moment for our company and we are truly honored to be recognized by the very people with ALS and their families who inspire us every day with their courage.”
The 2016 Spirit Award was presented to Matt Chaney, for his extraordinary determination and efforts in the areas of advocacy, fundraising, and public awareness. Since his ALS diagnosis in 2000 at the age of 40, Matt has participated in many local and national efforts including: Major League Baseball’s “4ALS” initiative with the San Francisco Giants; the California Tax Check off, which raised over $600,000 for ALS research; many youth community outreach efforts including the “Runs for ALS” Lafayette Little League campaign; and the Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS and Walk.
|
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| Matt Chaney, 2016 Spirit Award winner, with brother-in-law David Miller and wife Liz Chaney |
|
The award presentation was led by his brother-in-law, David Miller, who shared, “Matt is a man of spirit and action -- whether he is advocating, leading a committee, fundraising, teaching, or just being the tremendous man that he is. So don’t go crying in your beer about Matt’s condition. Because while you were wallowing in your sorrows, he just beat you in bocce….again.”
Matt accepted the award with his wife, Liz, and two sons, Dylan and Brian, by his side. “With the thousands of patients, families, and friends that are in this battle with ALS, I am truly honored to be this year’s recipient,” said Matt, in written remarks that were read by his sons. “In the world of ALS, I have been very fortunate. My physical activities have been cut way back, not just because of the effects of the disease, but because of fear of breaking the strictest rule in our home- no emergency room visits. ….Until the research that you are helping to fund has found a cause, treatment, and cure, I will continue to never give up and never give in.”
Finally, Fred Fisher, Golden West Chapter President & CEO took the stage to present the 2016 Commitment to Care Award to Kaiser Permanente Northern California for launching new multidisciplinary ALS clinics to provide coordinated, expert care and treatment of people with ALS. “Mahatma Gandhi once said that ‘a champion requires three things: a desire; a dream; and a vision’,” said Fisher. ”So it’s no surprise that each one of these is a part of the story that has earned Kaiser Permanente Northern California this tonight. Their collective energies have resulted in Kaiser Permanente Northern California launching four new multi-disciplinary clinics, with plans for more to come.”
|
|
| Fred Fisher, Golden West Chapter President & CEO presents the 2016 Commitment to Care Award to Dr. Lynda Lam and team from Kaiser Permanente. |
|
As the team from Kaiser, made up of Drs. Lynda Lam, Chip Rath, Will North, Aaron Lewis, and Robert Greenberg, took the stage, there was a surprise announcement. The ALS Clinic at Kaiser San Rafael had received the distinction of being an ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center of Excellence- the first in Northern California.
“On behalf the almost 8,000 physicians, along with 50,000 staff and soon to be 4 million members, I am honored by the recognition of the Golden West Chapter,” said Dr. Robert Greenberg, Physician-in-Chief of Kaiser San Leandro. “The brilliant and evidence-based care provided by Drs. Lam, Lavery, Lewis, and North is complemented greatly by many dedicated clinical staff…..Our future efforts will include collaboration with The ALS Association.”
Proceeds from this event will provide funding for The ALS Association Golden West Chapter’s mission critical priorities in care services, public policy, and cutting-edge global research toward treatments and a cure for ALS. To view more photos from this event, please visit our flickr page. To make a gift, please visit www.ALSChampions.org.
