The track was
muddy, the skies were cloudy, but there were smiles all around at the
first annual Chicago-area pulmonary hypertension benefit held in the
International Room at Arlington Park Racetrack on September 14. On
Track for PH…Betting on a Cure drew 300 people and raised more
than $60,000 for research.
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch, an open bar, and excellent
views of the track and the surrounding beauty of the race course. A
silent auction kept guests busy and involved, as did wagering on the
horses of their choice – win or lose. A presentation midway through
the afternoon kept everyone focused on why they were there.
Dr. Stuart Rich, a Chicago cardiologist who treats pulmonary
hypertension, spoke at the event. He remembered that when he first
encountered patients
with PH there was little he could do for them, and their life 
expectancy
was very short. Now, he said, there are many options that give patients
a much-improved lifestyle, and thanks to continued research, better
treatments and even a cure are possible.
Rino Aldrighetti attended the fundraiser and also spoke. He expressed
his gratitude to co-chairs Donna Samuels and Liz Rossi and their committee
for organizing the event and thus furthering the cause of research
into this little-known disease.
Donna, a PH patient, and Liz, the mother of an 11-year-old who was
diagnosed with PH three years ago, were delighted with the turnout
and the financial outcome of their first venture into fundraising.
They credited the success of the event to the hard work of everyone
on the committee, and to the generous support of friends, neighbors,
and businesses in the community. And an added bonus was that everyone
who attended had a delightful afternoon. A future event is being planned,
and Donna and Liz hope to keep the fun in fundraising!
Event Planning Committee
(pictured in story above are
(L-R) Donna Samuels,
Dr. Stuart Rich, Liz Rossi, and Rino Aldrighetti)
###
More on how you can
make a donation or hold your own fund
raiser in support of PHA.
email
