The Jeremy H. Boal Endowed Fund: A Legacy of Compassion and Care at Mount Sinai

In a touching ceremony attended by family, friends, and colleagues, the Mount Sinai Health System recently announced the establishment of the Jeremy H. Boal, MD, MSH ’96, Endowed Fund in recognition of Dr. Boal’s extraordinary career and enduring impact. The Fund ensures vital support for the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctors Program, which Dr. Boal co-founded in 1995 with Drs. David Muller and Laurent Adler, and the Hospice and Palliative Care Fellowship at the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine.

From his training as a Brookdale Fellow to his leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System, Dr. Boal’s career exemplifies a deep commitment to improving health care for the most vulnerable. He played a pivotal role in Mount Sinai’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and championed initiatives addressing access to care.

“I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of Mount Sinai in so many ways. I’ve had clinical, academic, operational, and strategic responsibilities. I’ve been responsible for maintaining and improving the quality and safety of the entire Health System at times. It’s been a joy to have had the chance to do all of those things and learn so much.”
–Jeremy H. Boal, MD, MSH ’96

In 2023, Dr. Boal received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the neurodegenerative disease commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Yet, even as he stepped down from his formal roles at Mount Sinai to focus on his health, Dr. Boal remains dedicated to a lifelong pursuit of compassion, empathy, and care as an active advocate for medical aid-in-dying legislation. Read Dr. Boal’s recently published essay here.

(Update: as of June 9, 2025, the New York State Senate passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act, the first time this has happened since the legislation was introduced in 2016. If signed into law by Governor Hochul, New York will become the 12th state to authorize this end-of-life care option.)

 

In His Own Words: Dr. Boal Reflects Upon a Career of Curiosity and Compassion

“I came to Mount Sinai in the early nineties as a second-year internal medicine resident. During my residency, I was curious about a number of patients in our practices who clearly needed care but were missing appointments. David Muller and I came up with the idea to use some elective time to track down some of these patients and ask them if we could go visit them in their homes to try to figure out what the gaps were in accessing care.

Even as busy as residencies are, I was developing this incredible curiosity and passion for understanding how the system works or doesn’t work and figuring out how to make it work better. That’s how the Visiting Doctors Program was started—with the intention of creating a clinical platform to bring care to patients in our communities who had great difficulty or simply couldn’t come to the hospital or our practices to get care.

When we proposed this idea to our residency director, Dr. Larry Smith, our chair of medicine, Dr. Barry Coller, and to other leaders, there was an interest and a willingness to explore it with us while recognizing that it was a daunting goal.

The response we got was: “let’s figure this out, and if you hit roadblocks, come tell us and we will help you.” It was a combination of us and our curiosity and our desire to make things better. And being lucky to be at a place like Mount Sinai that embraces taking on hard challenges. Mount Sinai has always been a place of profound curiosity and a willingness to try new things.

Since then, the program has operated continuously, caring for tens of thousands of New Yorkers all over Manhattan, significantly impacting those most vulnerable and at risk of losing access to care.

Being at Mount Sinai for most of my career and then having a chance to step away gave me an opportunity to gain a lot of insight into what makes Mount Sinai truly unique and truly special. In addition to the intense curiosity that is part of Mount Sinai’s DNA, another key characteristic is an absolute commitment to excellence and an intolerance for mediocre outcomes. If you work at Mount Sinai, you’re working at a place where we demand the best possible outcome for every patient and for our communities. And we are not afraid to be clear about that, we’re not afraid to take on really tough challenges.

Over the years, we’ve become a health system with many assets, hospitals, ambulatory sites, and virtual care, but we’ve never lost track of our vital mission and values. COVID was an extraordinary challenge and bearing witness to so much pain and suffering and so much loss transformed us as an organization. We had to flatten our hierarchy even more, create a structure where we could react and proactively act to address unpredictable challenges, at the speed at which they were occurring and experiment our way forward. This approach allowed us to save many more lives and protect our staff to a much greater degree.

I’ve had the chance to spend decades working with extraordinary people on the most important mission of all: to create a world in which everybody can live the longest and healthiest, most disability-free life possible. There’s a unique ecosystem at Mount Sinai. It’s grounded in its values and in this commitment to collaborative discovery that allows for the creation of miracles, of extraordinary change. I’ve been witness to that for decades. I’m blown away by what our medical school creates. I’m blown away by what our hospitals and our ambulatory environments create and what they deliver. There’s just a fire in the belly of this organization to not accept the status quo. And that fills me with joy and gratitude.”

The above is excerpted from an interview with Dr. Boal upon receiving the 2024 Jacobi Medallion, the highest award bestowed upon a member of the Mount Sinai community.

 

“We celebrate Dr. Boal for what he has done, but also for who he is; for his clinical brilliance, his leadership, his tenacity, his kindness, his thoughtfulness, his friendship, his fervent belief in equity, and for simply doing the right thing for everyone around him every time—even during the most difficult circumstances.”

Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Professor and Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Distinguished Chair, Mount Sinai Health System

“Jeremy’s empathy for people and human suffering is the foundation that drove all of the work that he’s done over the course of his career. He has such empathy for human suffering. There are no awards for that.”

David Muller, MD, MSH, ’95, Dean Emeritus for Medical Education, Director, Institute for Integrity and Justice in Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Co-founder of MSVD with Dr. Boal


About the Jeremy H. Boal, MD, MSH ’96, Endowed Fund

Through the establishment of the Jeremy Boal Endowment, Mount Sinai not only celebrates Dr. Boal’s remarkable achievements but also fortifies the future of initiatives that embody his values. This fund is a cornerstone for advancing health care delivery and education, ensuring our most vulnerable patients receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.

The Fund supports the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctors Program and the Hospice and Palliative Care Fellowship at the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine.

While certain aspects of the Visiting Doctors program’s invaluable work are covered by insurance, many vital services—such as social work and caregiver support—depend on generous philanthropic contributions. The Jeremy Boal Endowed Fund ensures the sustainability of this transformative program, allowing it to amplify its reach and magnify its impact on the lives of homebound individuals and their caregivers. Generous support from donors helps Mount Sinai continue to be national leaders in home-based primary care.

About the Mount Sinai Visiting Doctors Program

Now in its 30th year, the program serves more than 1,000 homebound patients annually, providing compassionate, multidisciplinary care that addresses complex medical and social needs. The MSVD team—comprising physicians, nurses, social workers, and dedicated administrative staff—delivers personalized, multidisciplinary care directly to patients in their homes. This innovative approach encompasses not only physical examinations and medical management but also helps patients navigate essential resources and support systems, enabling them to remain in the comfort of their own homes. By doing so, MSVD has set a national standard in home-based primary care.


About the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship

Additionally, the endowed fund supports the Brookdale Fellowship, fostering the next generation of leaders in geriatrics and palliative medicine. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness and is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment. This fellowship empowers physicians to meet the distinctive needs of ill and/or aging populations, an area where Dr. Boal has made significant strides. His legacy serves as a powerful inspiration for emerging clinicians, researchers, and advocates dedicated to providing holistic and compassionate care.


To learn more or contribute to the Jeremy Boal Endowed Fund, please contact Bryce Shaffer, Associate Director of Development, at bryce.shaffer@mountsinai.org or 929-637-3399. Together, we can honor Dr. Boal’s legacy and continue his mission of transforming care for generations to come.

Empowering Women’s Health: Highlights from the Dubin Breast Center’s Annual Fact vs. Fiction Luncheon and Symposium

On May 12th, the Dubin Breast Center hosted its annual Fact vs. Fiction Luncheon and Symposium at the Metropolitan Club, providing a platform to discuss advancements in breast cancer care and women’s health. A distinguished panel of experts from Mount Sinai engaged an audience of more than 200 attendees, including Dubin Breast Center advisory board members, patients, families, and friends, with their insights into the latest innovations and emerging trends in breast health.

The event was led by visionary Mount Sinai Health System Trustee, Eva Andersson-Dubin, MD, who established the Center in 2011, alongside Elisa Port, MD, FACS, Chief of Breast Surgery and Director of the Center. Among the highlights was the inspiring story of Vanessa Rissetto, a Dubin Breast Center patient, registered dietitian, and CEO of Culina Health. Her journey resonated deeply with the crowd, illustrating resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Watch Vanessa’s full story in the event recording here:

In her opening remarks, Dr. Port painted a vivid picture of the Center’s advancements, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence in preventive breast care. “We continue to harness new technologies so that AI works for us, not instead of us,” she stated, reassuring the audience that their mammogram experience would remain personal—“You will never show up and be greeted by a robot.”

“We treat more than just breast cancer; we care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit,” Dr. Port affirmed, setting the tone for an engaging discussion. The panel, which included esteemed Mount Sinai experts Susan S. Khalil, MD, Laurie Margolies, MD, FSBI, FACR, Jeffrey I. Mechanick, MD, PhD (hc), Georges Naasan, MD, Amy Tiersten, MD, and Christina Weltz, MD, explored vital topics ranging from gynecological care and IVF to the cognitive changes that accompany menopause and the innovative role of AI in imaging.

Their diverse insights created a rich tapestry of perspectives on women’s health throughout every stage of life, making the event not just informative but truly transformative. Together, they illuminated a path in women’s health care that prioritizes innovation, compassion, and holistic well-being.

In post-event communications, Drs. Port and Andersson-Dubin encouraged attendees to share the video with friends and family, and we hope you will do the same.

Outlined below are some of the essential insights presented at the event and featured in the video:
  • Gynecologic Care: Dr. Khalil discussed the management of menopausal symptoms, emphasizing a precision approach and the importance of understanding the most bothersome symptoms and tailoring treatment accordingly. Options include non-hormonal medications for vasomotor symptoms, hormonal treatments, and addressing vaginal symptoms with moisturizers, lubricants, and pelvic floor physical therapy.
  • Weight Management: Dr. Mechanick discussed the role of GLP-1 medications in reducing the risk of breast cancer. He explained that these medications, originally developed for diabetes, have shown effectiveness in weight loss, which is crucial as excess weight is a known risk factor for breast cancer. He emphasized the importance of a healthy eating pattern, regular exercise, and progressive resistance training to preserve muscle mass and reduce cancer risk. Dr. Mechanick also highlighted the need for personalized conversations with doctors about using these medications.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Dr. Tiersten discussed the importance of neoadjuvant (essentially “pre-surgery”) therapy in breast cancer treatment. She explained that administering systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, before surgery allows doctors to see how well the treatment works. This provides crucial information about prognosis and helps determine the best post-surgery treatment plan. Dr. Tiersten emphasized that this approach is particularly beneficial for HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer patients, as it significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
  • Chemo Brain: Dr. Naasan explained that cognitive symptoms around menopause are common and may be related to a loss of estrogen. He noted that these symptoms are typically mild and often go away later. Dr. Naasan also mentioned that breast cancer treatments, particularly those that lower estrogen, can contribute to cognitive changes and what some patients refer to as “chemo brain.”
  • Heart Health: The experts underscored the importance of cardiovascular health in breast cancer patients. Dr. Margolies noted that AI algorithms are being developed to detect breast artery calcifications, which can indicate cardiovascular disease risk. This is crucial as more women are dying from cardiovascular disease than from breast cancer.
  • AI Imaging: Dr. Margolies also discussed the advancements in AI imaging, particularly in mammography. AI algorithms are improving in detecting smaller cancers and reducing false positives. They are also used to compare with prior images and detect cardiovascular disease risk.
  • IVF: Drs. Khalil and Weltz discussed the role of IVF in breast cancer patients, noting that IVF is often performed in conjunction with an aromatase inhibitor to keep estrogen levels down—an approach that is effective in preserving fertility while minimizing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

About the Dubin Breast Center
From our inception, the Dubin Breast Center has had an enduring mission to treat and care for every patient regardless of their ability to pay, in a tranquil, soothing environment designed to promote healing, with compassionate caregivers who are with them on every step of their medical journey. We treat everyone individually and holistically, intending to alleviate fears and worries, enrich lives, and support well-being.

We see between 180 and 200 patients a day. In 2024, our team provided 12,000 mammograms, operated on 900 women and men, and proudly provided cold-capping services to 500 women. The Center recently surpassed 400,000 patient visits, encompassing imaging, surgery, and treatment services.

Philanthropy is essential in advancing our bold and ambitious vision. It ensures that the Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute is one of the premier breast cancer treatment centers in New York City and beyond.

Mount Sinai’s 40th Annual Crystal Party Honors Dean Dennis S. Charney, MD

Accented by a sparkling springtime sunset overlooking the Hudson River, the Mount Sinai Health System held its 40th annual Crystal Party celebration at Pier Sixty in Chelsea Piers on May 20.

The evening was a smashing success, raising $5 million and bringing together more than 960 guests including family, friends, Health System leadership, Trustees, staff, and other supporters. This year’s event, which was chaired by Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz and Jana Pasquel de Shapiro and Adam Shapiro, honored Dennis S. Charney, MD, who will step down on June 30 after 18 years of leadership and service as the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs.

“Dennis has been a transformative leader for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,” Trustee Joel Ehrenkranz told the crowd. “When he became Dean in 2007, the School was well-respected. Today, after 18 years of Dennis’ leadership, the Icahn School of Medicine is one of the best medical schools in the country.”

During the event, it was announced that the Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment at Mount Sinai would be renamed the Dennis S. Charney, MD Depression and Anxiety Discovery Center to honor Dr. Charney, a preeminent expert in neurobiology who has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of human anxiety, fear, depression, and resilience. Having played a key role in the discovery of new treatments for mood and anxiety disorders, Dr. Charney was recently named one of the 2025 TIME 100 Most Influential People in Health for his breakthrough treatments for depression.

Attendees were captivated by a video tribute that painted an intimate and inspiring portrait of Dr. Charney’s remarkable journey and impactful legacy.

Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer and Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Distinguished Chair of the Mount Sinai Health System, saluted Dr. Charney as someone who “personifies Mount Sinai’s sense of mission and our spirit of invincibility,” adding that “his success is widely recognized, far beyond the halls of Mount Sinai.”

Much to the delight of Dr. Charney—an avid New York sports fan—Dr. Carr then queued up personalized video tributes from New York Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera and New York Knicks legend Walter “Clyde” Frazier.

“Congratulations on 18 winning seasons as Dean of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,” Rivera said. “And I thank you and your team for all the jobs that you have done to advance science and medicine and bring blessings and good health to all New Yorkers. All New Yorkers congratulate you. You are the best, Dennis.”

Frazier flashed his two NBA championship rings and congratulated Dr. Charney with his familiar, inimitable flair. “They tell me that you were quite the basketball player back in the day—dishin’ and swishin, boundin’ and astoundin’ opponents across Long Island,” Frazier said. “But I appreciate that you brought your greatest game to medicine and science. Kudos and bravos for sure, for 18 years of grandeur, as Dean of the School.”

“Dennis Charney is to science and medicine what every professional sports team would love to have: An all-star player, coach, and general manager—all wrapped up in one exceptional person,” said Richard A. Friedman, Co-Chairman of the Boards of Trustees at the Mount Sinai Health System.“

“Mount Sinai has an extraordinary commitment to serving its community,” said Adam Shapiro, also a Trustee of the Health System. “Sinai reaches far and wide to serve over six million patients per year. It serves people in need, and it serves them with the same compassion and cutting-edge care that all patients receive. Its exemplary standards are those of a world-class academic medical center. And many of those standards were set by Dennis Charney.”

In his remarks, Dr. Charney referenced the 1904 opening of The Mount Sinai Hospital’s first building on Fifth Avenue and how its then-president, Isaac Wallach, characterized Mount Sinai as a “House of Noble Deeds.”

“This holds true today,” said Dr. Charney, who will remain on the faculty at the Icahn School of Medicine and plans to continue writing, researching, and mentoring. “Our team has the talent. We have the drive. We have the spirit of collaboration. And we have the technology. These are the essential elements that will enable us to keep climbing the mountaintops of scientific discovery—and to write new chapters of biomedical innovation in the epic history of this House of Noble Deeds.”

Proceeds raised at the Crystal Party fund a variety of programs and departments across the Icahn School of Medicine and the Mount Sinai Health System. Thank you for your support.

Celebrating Visionaries in Prostate Cancer Research at the 2025 Gala

On Thursday, April 10th, the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology hosted its annual Prostate Cancer Research Gala at New York’s storied Rainbow Room in Manhattan. The evening celebrated the extraordinary patients, physicians, scientists, and caregivers committed to advancing prostate cancer research and care. Raising close to $1.3M, the event was a testament to the power of community and shared purpose.

“As we stand here tonight, remember that each step, each discovery, and each act of generosity propels us towards a better future. Together, we’re igniting hope and transforming challenges into victories. I invite you to join us in this ongoing journey. Every bit of support brings us closer to a day when prostate cancer is a story of the past, not a battle in the present,” said Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, Chair of the Department of Urology at the Mount Sinai Health System and the Kyung Hyun Kim, MD Professor of Urology at Icahn Mount Sinai, who spearheaded the gala and directs the Center of Excellence.

At the event, Sybil and David Yurman were honored with the Visionary Award for their exceptional commitment to philanthropy and dedication to improving men’s health. Dr. Tewari praised the Yurmans’ unwavering support of the Mount Sinai Health System, highlighting their role as true visionaries in the field.

The third annual Steven Southwick, MD Memorial Award was presented to Natasha Kyprianou, PhD. Named after renowned researcher and scientist Steven M. Southwick—a leading expert in psychological trauma and human resilience, who passed away in 2022 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer—this award recognizes outstanding achievements in prostate cancer research. Dr. Kyprianou was recognized for her focus on groundbreaking research that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the fight against prostate cancer.

“What really drives research is what drives me since I was very young—the effort to reduce suffering of any kind… Not only to give back, but to do whatever we can as scientists, as physicians, as human beings—to help reduce the suffering of other people,” Dr. Kyprianou said of her passion for advancing scientific discovery for prostate cancer.

Ash Tewari, Sybil Yurman, David Yurman

It is estimated that more than 300,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and more than 35,000 will die from this devastating cancer. The Prostate Cancer Research Gala is one of Mount Sinai’s signature fundraising events, providing the opportunity to celebrate our generous community of donors and partners committed to finding a cure.

Becoming a World Changer: How Scholarship Support is Shaping the Future of Medicine at Mount Sinai

When Ramone Brown first arrived as a student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, he received a journal that included the words “Icahn School of World Changers at Mount Sinai.”

The symbolism was inescapable.

“It’s a powerful statement,” Brown said, “but one that captures the spirit of the institution.”

That spirit resonates strongly for Brown, who is a beneficiary of Mount Sinai’s Enhanced Scholarship Initiative, or ESI, which is aimed at expanding opportunities for students from underprivileged or disadvantaged backgrounds with a demonstrated financial need.

A second-year student and native of Jamaica, Brown was chosen to be the student speaker at the Mount Sinai Student Scholarship Reception at The Mount Sinai Hospital on May 1. Before a group of more than 40 donors, student scholarship recipients, and the Icahn School’s leadership, he articulated how impactful ESI is—and continues to be—for recipients like him.

“As a student interested in orthopedics, I’ve been inspired by many giants in the field, like Dr. Alexis Colvin, and I’ve embraced the medical mantra ‘See one, do one, teach one,’” Brown said, referring to the School’s Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. “This philosophy challenges us to learn with humility, act with purpose, and pass on our knowledge to uplift others. Your support through the ESI has allowed me to embody this.”

The Student Scholarship Reception is a unique opportunity for select faculty and scholarship recipients to socialize with the generous donors whose support makes efforts like ESI possible. Members of the Mount Sinai Boards of Trustees in attendance included Joel Ehrenkranz and Robert Friedman and his wife, Dr. Elissa Gretz-Friedman.

Those gathered also heard remarks from Dr. Steven Lev, a scholarship donor and alumnus of the Mount Sinai Medical School’s Class of 1988; Dr. David Thomas, the Icahn School’s Dean for Medical Education; and Dr. Dennis Charney, who will retire at the end of this academic year after serving as Dean of the School since 2007.

Dean Thomas provided an overview of the new ASCEND curriculum that was rolled out for first-year students last fall, while Dean Charney provided a broader overview of how well the School is positioned to face the future now that he’s stepping away from a leadership role.

But the overarching theme of the evening was ESI and the opportunities it provides to students like Ramone Brown—opportunities that otherwise might not have existed.

Opportunities to become world changers.

“Becoming a physician at Mount Sinai means seeing the interconnectedness of medicine, research, and the patient experience,” Brown told the attendees. “It means doing what we committed to in our oath to enhance the lives of our patients. And it means reaching back to teach and inspire the next generation of talented students.

“Your generosity has given me the opportunity to live out this mission. Because of you, I’m not just learning how to be an orthopedic surgeon—I’m learning to be a physician leader, an advocate, and a change-maker. But the work is far from done.”

A Night of Magic and Medicine: Highlights from the 23rd Annual MS Center Gala

On March 6, more than 200 members of the Mount Sinai community and guests gathered for the 23rd Annual MS Center Celebration, an event that brought magic, generosity, and inspiration to the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. This highly anticipated evening once again raised crucial support for The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai, drawing together a passionate community dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by MS.

Dr. Ilana Katz Sand, Associate Director of the Center; Dr. Stephen Krieger, Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Anthony Rosa, Founder and CEO of Runway 7 Fashion, Advisory Board Member of the Center, and the designer behind the MS-themed lab coats showcased at New York Fashion Week, co-chaired the event.

Attendees were welcomed to the evening’s program by Fred D. Lublin, MD, Director of the Center and Saunders Family Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine, and Aaron Miller, MD, Medical Director of the Center and Professor of Neurology. Heartfelt remarks were delivered by Meruka Hazari, MD, a patient with MS and Advisory Board member of the CGDC. After a video featuring grateful patients, Dr. Katz Sand and Dr. Krieger, who sported one of Mr. Rosa’s designer lab coats, took the podium to address what the Center and patient care has meant to them. Additionally, Christina Kovacs, Director of Brand & Sponsorships for Runway 7 Fashion, and Mr. Rosa’s mother, Elizabeth, whose late son, Ralph, battled MS for 23 years, addressed the audience on behalf of Mr. Rosa, who could not attend. They spoke of their deep connection to the cause.

The night was capped off by an incredible performance by David Gerard, a renowned mentalist and magician, who once again captivated the audience with his mind-bending skills.

While the entertainment thrilled guests, the heart of the evening was its mission: raising $500,000 in vital funds to advance patient care, groundbreaking research, and innovative education at the Center. With more than 6,000 patients depending on its services, the need for continued support has never been greater.

Dr. Krieger reflected on his participation in the celebration, “After attending the CGD Gala for 20 years, it was an honor to co-chair and speak at the event. My remarks to ‘find the good we can do’ in the lives of everyone with MS who we care for, to envision their best possible outcomes and seek this with scientific advancements and also with empathy, generosity of spirit, and beneficence – really encapsulates our clinical mission at the CGD Center. I asked those in attendance to think about the good they can do for the Center, and although when I said ‘to be clear, this is a call to action’ it got a good laugh, I also hope that it inspired people to dig deep and contribute to our mission, as we can’t succeed without the philanthropic support that our gala provides.”

Thanks to the generosity of donors over the years, gala proceeds have developed and sustained transformative initiatives such as the C. Olsten Wellness Program, launched in 2020 by Dr. Katz Sand. This program takes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to improving the quality of life and long-term outcomes for people living with MS. Funds raised also play a critical role in supporting pioneering research and training future MS specialists.

In Dr. Katz Sand’s words, “It was truly an honor to serve as co-chair for this incredible event. We are extremely grateful to our wonderful community for helping us ensure the night’s success. We could not do the critically important work we do every day without this amazing support!”

The evening was a tremendous success, reinforcing the Center’s unwavering commitment to revolutionizing MS care and offering hope to thousands of patients and families.