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Pocket-books Full of Miracles for People with Lupus
New York’s Prominent Philanthropists Raise
Thousands at
S.L.E. Lupus
Foundation
Luncheon
Two outstanding women were honored for their long-time
support of the work of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation:
Matilda RaffaCuomo, Former First Lady of New York State,
Founder and Chair of Mentoring USA National/International
and author of the new book The Person Who Changed My Life,
and Mary E. Belle, President, Licensing at The Jones
Group
which includes iconic
lifestyle brands such as Anne Klein, Jones New York
and Nine West. Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies,
opera
legend and S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Board member Jessye
Norman honored
Mary Belle while Governor Mario Cuomo had the special
privilege of presenting his wife with her award.
“My wife exemplifies a woman of achievement in every aspect
of her life, and I have been proud of her association with
the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation,” said Governor Cuomo. “She and
Mary Belle are truly deserving of this recognition.”
Matilda Cuomo commented, “All of us have been impacted by
both men and women of achievement. For my book, 80 of
the country’s notables in fashion, Hollywood and politics
shared stories about a mentor who had greatly influenced
them,” said Matilda Cuomo. “My first mentor was my
fourth-grade teacher who gave me direction and helped shape
my life. But there is one special lady – Jennie DeScherer --
without whom I might never have appreciated the challenges
involved with lupus. Jennie is truly an inspiration to all
of us. She juggles her roles as a wife and mother while
coping with a debilitating disease and simultaneously making
a valuable difference for others by serving on the Board of
the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation to support the science and
services for all people with lupus.”
“It is difficult to see the people I care about, both family
and friends, wrestle with this terrible disease, and my hope
in serving on the Board of the Foundation is that one day
others will not have to suffer. Until then we strive to
make their lives easier today.” said honoree Mary Belle.
“Unraveling the mysteries of lupus will help the millions
suffering with the more than 80 other related autoimmune
diseases.”
Who’s Who of Attendees Touched by People
with Lupus
In addition to Governor Cuomo, several members of their
family including Dr. Margaret Cuomo, Maria Cuomo Cole
and Cristina Greeven Cuomo were among the audience
recognizing Matilda’s contributions. Additional S.L.E. Lupus
Foundation Board members in attendance include Founder and
Vice President Susan Golick; President Richard
DeScherer; Jennie DeScherer; Bonnie Englebardt
Lautenberg, wife of Senator Frank Lautenberg and
Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Global Head of Diversity and
Inclusion at Credit Suisse. Also from the Foundation’s Board
were Fern Tessler; Betsey Selkowitz; Carol
Weisman and Kate Kelly.
Working Miracles
The event turned generously donated designer and celebrity
handbags into pocket-books full of miracles; a silent
auction raised funding for the science needed to find a cure
for lupus as well as the necessary services to help patients
live with the disease day-to-day.
“The funds raised today literally work miracles for those
faced with lupus,” said Margaret Dowd, Executive Director,
S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. “We are able to offer direct
support services to patients, send children with lupus to
summer camp and provide families with emergency assistance.
And on the science side, many discoveries in lupus have been
made possible by research grants funded by the Foundation.”
About Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE), or lupus,is a chronic, complex and serious autoimmune
disease affecting more than 1.5 million Americans. In lupus,
the immune system, which is designed to protect against
infection, creates antibodies that attack the body’s own
tissues and organs -- the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs,
blood, skin, and joints. Lupus is difficult to diagnose,
difficult to treat, and a leading cause of premature
cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke among
young women.
About the
S.L.E. Lupus Foundation
Formed over 40 years ago, the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation
leads
the nation in providing direct patient services, education,
public awareness, as well as funding for innovative lupus
research on the national level. The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation
is a member of the
Lupus Research Institute
National Coalition of patient groups throughout the country.
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