The International Room at Arlington Racetrack was all abuzz on September
12, 2004, for the second annual pulmonary hypertension benefit, On
Track for PH...Betting on a Cure. Co-chairs Donna Samuels and Liz Rossi
were delighted with the large turnout of almost 300 people who attended
the event which raised over $80,000 for medical research.
While some gathered around the sumptuous buffet and the open bar,
others perused the offerings in the Silent Auction or stood in line
at the betting window pondering win, place, or show options. But while
they were having fun bidding, betting and imbibing, everyone knew they
were there to support a worthwhile cause, finding a cure for pulmonary
hypertension (PH), a debilitating life-threatening disease.
Congressman Mark Kirk
with Liz and Sarah Rossi
and Rino Aldrighetti |
A presentation midway through the afternoon highlighted the underlying
purpose of the event. Congressman Mark Kirk of the 10th District, an
honored guest at the fundraiser, spoke of his involvement with PH as
one of the first sponsors of H.R. 1316, a bill that will support PH
research. He stressed the importance of a partnership between government-funded
medical research and private organizations like the Pulmonary Hypertension
Association (PHA) and said that groups who sponsor fundraisers like
Betting on a Cure are making a vital contribution.
Rino Aldrighetti, president of PHA, talked about the progress made
in the treatment of PH since 1996 when no drugs were available. Since
then, the FDA has approved three drugs that offer PH patients an improved
lifestyle. He told the crowd that researchers are working on new treatments
and hope eventually to find a cure. Aldrighetti then thanked those
who were responsible for the event for all the good work they have
done to advance the PH cause.
The last races were run, successful bidders gathered up their Silent
Auction items, and Donna, a PH patient, and Liz, the mother of a 12
year old who was diagnosed with PH four years ago, thanked their committee
members for a job well done. Everyone headed home feeling like a winner.
Linda Burdeen, Donna Samuels, Vickie Tenner
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More on how you can
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raiser in support of PHA.
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