San Diego Chapter Chapter Events Celebration of Hope Gala

Dr. Don Cleveland, Dr. Holly Kordasiewicz, and Honoree, General Mike Neil

Click here for pictures from the 2012 Celebration of Hope Gala.    Password: HDSA

November 2012

Dear Friends,

This years Celebration of Hope Gala was a magnificent evening.

Padre broadcaster Jerry Coleman introduced Mike Neil, 2012 Guthrie Award honoree and decorated Vietnam War veteran. The" General" related that he knew how to fight the enemy on the battlefield but with Huntington’s disease it's much harder.

Honorees Dr. Don Cleveland and Dr. Holly Kordasiewicz spent a few minutes explaining their discoveries into the causes and treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases especially Huntington’s. There is HOPE in the Huntington’s community.

We are thankful to Catherine Garcia, anchor of NBC 7's weekly news, who donated her time and talents to host our Gala.  Attention was exceptionally keen as Catherine interviewed affected HD family members Kristen Bentz and Taylor and Alexa Shaffer whose mom's have HD.

Personally, I have never worked with a more dedicated group of volunteers and I am especially proud to be a part of this Chapter. We worked hard to provide a fun, entertaining and informative evening in the tradition of our past Galas, and I believe we delivered on that mission. Attendance and revenue surpassed our goals, raising approximately $150,000 for HDSA.

A sincere thank you to all sponsors and families and friends who attended this years Celebration of Hope Gala. We hope all in attendance will spread the word and attend next years Gala. 

George Essig

President, San Diego Chapter