Review and Photos of the 17th Annual Working Toward a Day Gala, Lighting the Way to a Cure

Seventeen years and counting! That is how long Column of Hope (COH) and its predecessor have efficiently planned, and impeccably carried out, annual galas dedicated to Working Toward a day Without Pain. At the most recent gala, held on the night of October 26, 2019, over 200 attendees gathered in the ballroom of the Buffalo Hyatt Regency Hotel & Conference Center to “…make a difference, stop the pain, find a cure, and change people’s lives.” Laura Kane-Punyon

Several accomplishments were highlighted at the gala, including, but not limited to: raising the cumulative amount for research approaching $1,000,000, publication of 32 peer-reviewed research studies, hosting a three-day international medical conference that drew physicians and neuroscientists from five continents, co-sponsoring eight Western New York CME programs at which renowned experts reviewed the latest Chiari (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) developments, and coordinating two visiting professor programs to educate and interact with residents, fellows and attending physicians at the University at Buffalo’s Department of Neurosurgery. While listening to live music performed by the accomplished Column of Hope Band, attendees had ample opportunity to sample luscious appetizers while participating in a silent auction and raffle before being seated to listen to remarks made by local, and active, COH supporter, neurosurgeon Dr. Renée Reynolds and Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, both experts in treating patients with Chiari and syringomyelia - two debilitating and painful neurological disorders.

Mark Kane, COH co-founder, and daughter Laura Kane-Punyon presented an updated overview of research funded by COH and thanked COH’s many contributors and volunteers. A delicious and elegantly prepared dinner was followed by a scrumptious dessert enjoyed while lucky individuals delighted in receiving their winning auction items – among them Jessica Tripp, who traveled from her home in Ottawa, Canada to attend the gala.

The evening ended with a live auction, led by auctioneer extraordinaire, Eric Monahan, who prompted, urged and encouraged participants to spend freely and as a result raised a substantial amount of money that will go toward COH’s continued important research activities. And while a date has not yet been designated for the 18th Annual Working Toward a Day Without Pain Gala, this year’s attendees eagerly await that news.

To see gala photos, taken by photographer Ria Tafani, please go to https://www.riatafaniphoto.com/Clients/Gallery2011/Column-of-Hope/Gala-2019/

Barbara Woodworth