14th Day without Pain Gala was a Success!

It is with grateful thanks that Column of Hope acknowledges the huge success of its 14th annual GALA, held this year at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara in Amherst, New York. With an attendance rocking around 200, this year’s participants not only remain committed to supporting the next “Working Toward a Day Without Pain,” they are already looking forward to next year’s 15th annual celebration, scheduled to return to the Buffalo Hyatt Regency Hotel on October 21, 2017.

This year’s function was especially noteworthy as Dr. Marcus Stoodley traveled from Australia to update attendees on his latest – and significant - research findings, much of which was made possible by generous funding from Column of Hope – Chiari & Syringomyelia Research Foundation. On the morning of October 7, 2016, Dr. Stoodley and Laura Kane-Punyon appeared on AM Buffalo. The following morning, he spoke to local physicians and healthcare professionals, and that night was the keynote speaker at the GALA. His remarks were well received, and welcomed, as he related his recent research findings. Current research, he contends, holds promise for more definitely determining the causes of syringomyelia by advanced MRI scanning that hopefully will be installed in the not too distant future at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo.

According to Bruce and Laurie Tripp, who arrived from Canada to attend their fourth GALA, “This year was especially meaningful given the fact that Dr. Stoodley’s academic findings may soon be reality and a viable move toward determining treatment for our 23 year-old daughter, Jessica, who was diagnosed with idiopathic syringomyelia at the age of 17.” It is the hope of the Tripp’s – and countless others – that Dr. Stoodley’s research will indeed make possible “a day without pain.”

As for the celebratory events on the night of October 8, 2016, the 14th annual GALA lived up to its expectations. Laura Kane-Punyon ably presided over the event. She, along with her parents, Barbara and Mark Kane, and the board of directors, are responsible for spearheading Column of Hope and, with the help of many volunteers and supporters, continue to work tirelessly to ensure it continues. In his talk, Mark led guests through his and Barbara’s multi-year quest to find answers, and treatment, for Laura who endured numerous surgeries in the hopes of lessening pain caused by Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. Mark spoke from the heart. The audience hung on his every word and responded accordingly. Dr. Lee Guterman, Column of Hope’s scientific advisor, offered remarks as well and stressed his encouragement at the promise that some Buffalo physicians will consider putting into practice ideas shared by Dr. Stoodley. Once again, guests enjoyed music provided by the Kane and Punyon family band, the basket raffle, a silent auction and the live auction, all which generously contributed to funding Column of Hope – a Foundation that allocates 100 percent of the net proceeds generated to research.

So for all pre-planners, now is the time to mark your calendars for the 15th annual Column of Hope GALA on October 21, 2017!

-Barbara Woodworth