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NEW YORK, NY – May 7, 2019. The 10thannual Lupus
Luminary Luncheon for Science honored the accomplishments of
luminaries transforming lupus and other arenas. Campbell
Brown, VP of Global News Partnerships at Facebook was
recognized as a Woman of Achievement and lupus research
supporter. This year’s Woman of Achievement in Clinical
Research Award went to exceptional scientist and beloved
physician, Anca Askanase, MD, MPH.
Dr. Askanase is Director of the Columbia University Lupus
Center and serves on the Steering Committee of the Lupus
Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) created by Lupus
Research Alliance affiliate Lupus Therapeutics.
In accepting her award, Dr. Askanase commented, “I am
dedicated to helping my patients overcome the many
challenges lupus presents, but more treatments and a cure
are urgently needed. The work the Lupus Research Alliance
supports is critical in the path to new drug development,
and volunteers are needed to participate in clinical
research testing potential treatments.”
Sharing her experiences as a woman trying to make a mark in
journalism, Ms. Brown noted how inspired she was by all the
women in the room. “I’m so deeply moved by your resilience,
your strength and persistence. Whatever your dream, if you
hang in there and believe in yourself, it can happen.”
The interview with Ms. Brown was conducted by John
Schiumo, VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Global
Strategy Group. The iconic luncheon was held once again at
landmark hotel, The Plaza. Guests and visitors to the
website, LupusResearch.org enjoyed opportunities to bid in a
silent auction featuring handbags donated by top designers
and enter a drawing for the highly exclusive Hermes Kelly
bag.
“Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this signature event has
raised millions for lupus research,” noted Lupus Research
Alliance CEO and President, Kenneth M. Farber. “It
has always spotlighted the achievements of women who excel
in their field. This year, we are emphasizing the
contributions to innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that
align with the mission of the Lupus Research Alliance.”
Also recognized at the luncheon were people with lupus who
go above and beyond to raise awareness of the disease among
their communities by participating in events, fundraising,
advocacy, speaking engagements and social media: Candy
Brown, Shanelle Gabriel, Amanda Greene,
Tiffany Peterson, and Brittany Salazar.
Past Women of Achievement served as this year’s honorary
luncheon co-chairs: Former First Lady of New York State and
accomplished author Matilda Raffa Cuomo; Brett Heyman,
Founder of fashion company Edie Parker; and Veronica
Vargas Lupo, Associate Partner, IBM.
NY’s
Leaders Turn Out for Lupus
Hundreds ofprominent women and men from New York’s fashion,
society, media, entertainment, publishing, philanthropic and
lupus communitiessupported the event.Many members of the
Lupus Research AllianceBoard of Directors wereactively
involved in the luncheon includingBrenda Blackmon,
Jennie DeScherer,Katey Driscoll,and Carol
Weisman.Bonnie Lautenberg, Heidi Fiske, Fern
Kaye Tessler, Grace Spring, and Teri Wilford Woodwereamong
the dedicated philanthropists in attendance.
Supporters from the
fashion industry included:Karen
Giberson, President of the Accessories Council;
representative from Chanel Shannon De Vine; and AKRIS
Store Director GordanaJelic.
About Lupus
Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects
millions of people worldwide. More than 90% of people with
lupus are women; lupus most often strikes during the
childbearing years of 15-45. African Americans, Latinx,
Asians and Native Americans are two to three times at
greater risk than Caucasians. In lupus, the immune system,
which is designed to protect against infection, creates
antibodies that can attack any part of the body including
the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.
About the Lupus Research Alliance
The
Lupus Research
Alliance
aims to transform treatment while advancing toward a cure by
funding the most innovative lupus research in the world. The
organization’s stringent peer review grant process fosters
diverse scientific talent who are driving discovery toward
better diagnostics, improved treatments and ultimately a
cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance’s Board
of Directors fund all administrative and fundraising costs,
100% of all donations goes to support lupus research
programs.
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