Jamie Barrand | Oct 29, 2015

New York gala honors efforts to aid lupus fight

Efforts to improve the quality of life of children, individuals and families affected by lupus were recognized at the Lupus Foundation of America’s Evening of Hope New York City Gala on Oct. 22.

Evening honorees included Siegelvision President and CEO Alan Siegal who received the Visionary Award for his efforts to brand not only the Lupus Foundation of America, but lupus itself. He had worked with companies and organizations such as 3M, American Express, the National Basketball Association, Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Air Force.

Hudson’s Bay Co. Office of the Chairman Executive Assistant Fran Tsimoyianis and her son, Holy Cross High School Director of Service Learning  Dimitri Tsimoyianis, were presented with the Barlin Family Award for making major contributions to lupus awareness and advocacy throughout New York City and the country.

Josie Pierce, 17, who suffers from lupus, and "Pretty Little Liars" actor Ian Harding were co-hosts for the evening that included appearances by Meghan Linsey, who competed in NBC’s "The Voice," and actress Whoopi Goldberg.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. 

The Lupus Foundation of America boasts the first - and only - dedicated program to research the effects of lupus on children and adolescents. The proceeds from the gala will go toward lupus research.

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