2013 Celebration of Hope Dinner-Chicago

In the spring of 2004, Barry Kahn, Dr. Kathleen M. Shannon and a group of committed volunteers and advocates, held the very first Celebration of Hope in Illinois, a fundraising event that supported programs in the area of Huntington’s research and education.

Past honorees have included, Robert Knuepfer, Partner, Baker & McKenzie; Juan A. Ochoa, CEO, Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority;  Mary Richardson-Lowry, Partner, Mayer Brown Ltd; Barbara Thomas, CEO, National Black MBA Association; Melissa Batchell, Partner, Goldberg Kohn, Judy De Angelo, President, JADE Carpentry, Art Shay, world renown photographer and researchers from Rush University Medical Center, among many others.

For tickets click here

 Huntington's Disease (HD) is a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder that results in a  loss of cognitive, behavioral and physical control, and for which, presently, there is no cure and only one FDA-approved treatment for a symptom of HD. HD slowly diminishes the affected individual's ability to walk, think, talk and reason. Symptoms usually appear in an individual between 30 and 50 years of age and progress over a 10 to 25 year period.  Eventually, a person with HD becomes totally dependent upon others for his or her care. More than 30,000 people in the United States are currently diagnosed with HD.  Each of their siblings and children has a 50 percent risk of developing the disease.  Although medications can relieve some symptoms in certain individuals, research has yet to find a means of conquering or even slowing the deadly progression of HD.  

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the largest 501(c) (3) non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s Disease. Founded in 1968 by Marjorie Guthrie, wife of folk legend Woody Guthrie who lost his battle with HD, the Society works tirelessly to provide HD research, education, advocacy and family services. Notably, HDSA funds the Center of Excellence at Rush University Medical Center, where people with HD and their families receive comprehensive medical, psychological and social services, in addition to physical and occupational therapy and genetic testing and counseling.

The Celebration of Hope is held at a leading venue in Chicago. The 2013 event will be held on October 26, 2013 at Marcello's Lincoln Park, Chicago.

The gala event includes a first-class, three-course dinner and an extensive silent and live auction. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Celebration of Hope Awards, which are bestowed annually upon honorees who have committed themselves to better their community through significant professional, civic and charitable contributions.  This year we are honoring long-time Illinois Chapter board members and volunteers, Barry and Marilyn Kahn.

The gala event is attended by 150-200 people, mostly representing the corporate sector. Individuals who attend are primarily HD family and friends from the Chicago and surrounding areas.

CELEBRATION OF HOPE DINNER

• o Enclosed is my check made payable to HDSA in the amount of $                                                         

• o Please charge my credit card:    o Visa               o AMEX     o MasterCard    in the amount of $                    

Credit Card Number                                       CVV #(on back of card)                   Expiration Date

Name As It Appears on Card (Please Print)                                         Signature                                                   

Mailing Address                                     Email address                                        Telephone Number                    (required for credit card receipt)

Checks should be made payable to HDSA AND MAILED TO.

HDSA – PO Box 72 – Richland, MI 49083

All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. 

HDSA operates under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. 

HDSA EIN #:  13-3349872

 For further information, please contact Deb Boyd at

269-629-5452 phone – 269-629-4205 fax or dboyd@hdsa.org

Your tickets will not be mailed.  Your name and tickets will be held at the door.