From left: Robert Friedman; Aaron E. Miller, MD, Professor of Neurology, and Medical Director, Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai; Blair Underwood; and Fred D. Lublin, MD.
More than 225 donors, patients, faculty, and friends attended the 15th Annual Gala for the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson (CGD) Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai, which was held Thursday, March 2, at The Plaza. The event was chaired by Meruka Hazari, MD, a patient at the Center; her sister, Kernika Gupta, MPH; and their mother, Renu Gupta, MD.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a special award to Blair Underwood, actor, director, and philanthropist, by Robert Friedman, Mount Sinai Health System Trustee and a member of the CGD Center Advisory Board. The award recognized Mr. Underwood’s exemplary contribution to the advocacy community. He shared with the audience that his television show, GIVE, which profiles philanthropic efforts, was created to honor his philosophy that “to whom much is given, much is required.” He went on to say, “I’ve been given a great deal in my 50-something years on this planet. Though I believe ‘giving back’ and ‘being of service’ is a requirement, it also feels good, and it is a joy.”
The evening also featured a panel presentation moderated by Kate Milliken, founder of the website mycounterpane.com. Ms. Milliken interviewed CGD Center patients and caregivers, each with an inspirational personal journey that exemplified the program’s theme, “The Power Within.”
The Clifford H. Goldsmith Award for Outstanding Service was presented to Joan Noto, President of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center Advisory Board. “Through the efforts of generous, committed individuals, such as Joan, we have been able to provide comprehensive, compassionate care and become a worldwide leader in clinical research aimed at ending this disease,” said Fred D. Lublin, MD, Saunders Family Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Center’s Director.