Nearly 400 Shirley Ryan AbilityLab supporters convened for the 8th annual Spark! at Rockwell on the River recently, hearing the inspiring and powerful news that the hospital’s signature event had set an extraordinary fundraising record for advancing science and patient recoveries.
Jude Reyes, event co-chair and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab board chair, welcomed attendees, as did Pablo Celnik, MD, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab CEO. Reyes announced to the audience that, together, they had raised more than $5 million for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Prior to dinner, they enjoyed cocktails and Chicago River views as the CoverGirls played high-energy music on electric violins.
Following dinner, guests were treated to an animated and engaging science lesson presented by hospital leaders. Richard L. Lieber, PhD, chief scientific officer, and Cheri Blauwet, MD, chief clinical officer. Together, they discussed the latest care, research and innovations that help patients build endurance.
“It’s something that applies to all of us — that runs the gamut from supporting rehabilitation and recovery to enabling peak performance,” Dr. Lieber said.
Dr. Blauwet, a wheelchair racer, shared her background as a seven-time Paralympic medalist and eight-time winner of the marathons in Boston, Los Angeles and New York. A moving video celebrating patients’ recovery journeys followed.
Guests also enjoyed a performance by the nationally acclaimed Leo Catholic High School Choir. Then, actor and Broadway performer Brett Gray joined the choir on stage as they closed out the evening singing two triumphant songs together.
