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Countdown To A Cure Raises $536,000

An evening of music, performances, awards and fun culminated with over $536,000 being raised in The NephCure Foundation’s  fight against the kidney disease Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Nephrotic Syndrome at “Countdown To A Cure: Broadway at the Ballpark.” 

Held on Thursday, December 8 at CitiField, Countdown To A Cure featured performances by Hollywood and future Broadway stars, as NephCure celebrated the theme Broadway at the Ballpark. American Idol favorite Robbie Rosen performed hits like "New York, New York," while students from the Broadway Dance Center opened the evening with the theme song from "42nd Street" and later entertained attendees with various dance routines. 

After watching a very emotional video, hosts Gary Spitalnick and WBAB radio personality Fingers led the charge in the reverse auction portion of the event, raising over $100,000 as guests donated as much as $25,000 on the spot. The live auction, which included passes to see the taping of Behind the Actor’s Studio with the cast of Glee, an absolutely adorable Cockapoo dog and other great items raised an additional $75,000.  Other great memorabilia and gift baskets raised even more money, while the night was capped with Barbara Chicco of Baldwin, NY, being selected as the winner of a brand new Ford in NephCure’s Key For A Cure sweepstakes.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE COUNTDOWN VIDEO.

“This was a tremendous evening that generated an overwhelming amount of support,” said NephCure Executive Director Henry Brehm. “From the volunteers’ support to the sponsors and generous donors; to the patient families and doctors in the room, Countdown To A Cure is a great event that raises awareness for these rare kidney diseases. Thank you everyone who made this event a success.”

NephCure Ambassador, former NCAA All-American women's college basketball star and FSGS patient, Dawn Evans, was honored with the NephCure Service Award at the event for her efforts in raising awareness in the fight against FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome and for raising the spirits of the thousands of patients living with these kidney diseases. A Clarksville, TN, native, Evans was diagnosed with FSGS late in 2009 during the start of her junior season at James Madison University. Despite a kidney function around 20 percent, she continued to play the sport she loved and joined forces with The NephCure Foundation, visiting with patients and their families after each game. 

“Dawn has been an inspiration to patients and families,” said Brehm, who also read a message to Evans from fellow NCF Ambassador Alonzo Mourning at the event. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for everything she has done for the thousands of people suffering from FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.” 

Evans finished her career as the Colonial Athletic Association’s all-time leading scorer and among the nation's points-per-game leaders in her final two seasons. She led the Dukes to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, back-to-back conference titles and was the CAA Player of the Year her senior season. In addition to All-American honors, she was a Wooden Award and Lowe’s Senior Class Award finalist and winner of the 2011 V Foundation Comeback Player of the Year Award. 

“I am honored that NephCure recognized me,” said Evans. “However, I truly feel that each and every patient I have met in my journey has inspired me to keep up the fight until one day we find a cure for FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.”

Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS are conditions that affect the tiny filtering mechanisms in the kidney.  The result is that beneficial protein is spilled from the kidney into the urine and lost.  Over time this condition can result in renal failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.  The cause for Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS is not known, and there is no cure.

The NephCure Foundation is the only organization solely committed to seeking a cause and cure for NS and FSGS.  Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, Nephcure aims to