Gala 2012 Review, Barbara Woodworth

On October 13, 2012, nearly 300 “persons with a purpose” gathered at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. The occasion - the Tenth Annual “Working Toward a Day Without Pain” Gala. This spectacular fund raising event included a sumptuous dinner, hundreds of fabulous auction items and a plethora of current information about Chiari malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM). Since 2004, when Column of Hope – Chiari & Syringomyelia Research Foundation (www.ColumnofHope.org) was founded by Barbara and Mark Kane (Buffalo, NY), Kevin Stringer (Chicago), and Jeff Miller (Connecticut), this organization has spread the word about, and funded, research exploring the causes of these debilitating neurological disorders. To date, Column of Hope (COH) has raised in excess of $500,000.00 at the annual gala, which goes directly to research.

In his opening remarks, Mark Kane welcomed attendees and skillfully “walked” them through the evolution of COH, highlighting his family’s first-hand experience with Chiari and syringomyelia and the dedication of Dr. Lee Guterman, who serves as the organization’s scientific advisor. Later in the evening, the Kane’s daughter, and soon to be first-time mom, Laura Kane-Punyon, reflected on her experiences dealing with Chiari and syringomyelia. Recent COH accomplishments and other COH-funded research, including that currently in progress in Oslo, Norway, were mentioned too.

Focusing on the “HOPE” in Column of Hope, persons touched by these medical conditions are committed to facilitating the medical community’s interest and determination in finding the causes and ultimate cures to these conditions that affect approximately 300,000 Americans. As persons involved with COH for the past two years, Dr. and Mrs. William Woodworth, together with their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Tripp, learned of CM and SM after their granddaughter/daughter was diagnosed with syringomyelia. Unfamiliar with either condition prior to receiving this unsettling news, it was meeting Barbara and Mark Kane that gave rise to their dedication to join others in Working Toward a Day Without Pain. “HOPE, as well as information, is what COH had given us and for that we’re grateful,” says Laurie Tripp. “Attending the Gala really puts a ‘face’ on Chiari and syringomyelia. It’s inspiring to see those affected by these conditions join together and enjoy the opportunity to mix, mingle and learn with others who share a similar interest and goal.”

Through the Kane family and COH, the Woodworths and Tripps gathered a wealth of information, much of it from research conducted by Dr. Marcus Stoodley of Australia, one of the world’s foremost researchers in this area. Attending this year’s Gala - their second - both couples were appreciative of the opportunity to personally hear from Dr. Stoodley. As keynote speaker, Dr. Stoodley explained and updated the significant progress he and his research team have made over recent years, much with financial help provided by Column of Hope. Winner of the prestigious 2012 John Mitchell Crouch Fellowship, awarded by The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, a recent Stoodley team study developed the first mechanism enabling the observation of spinal fluid exiting from the syrinx. This tool is expected to be critical for future studies aimed at preventing and treating SM. Progress was also reported regarding research into a related disorder, arachnoiditis.

As for those in attendance, enthusiasm was visible when the date of the next “Working Toward a Day Without Pain” Gala was announced. On October 26, 2013, a similar or even greater gathering of “persons with a purpose,” including physicians in numerous disciplines, will gather again at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo to take part in, and support, the eleventh annual Gala, sponsored by Column of Hope.