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Join Us for NephCure’s Most Impactful Night of the Year
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel | 2 E 61st Street New York, NY 10065
Thursday, November 12th, 2026 | 5:30pm-10pm
Cocktail Reception • Dinner & Award Program • Fund a Cure • Live & Silent Auction
Countdown to a Cure is NephCure’s premier fundraising gala and the largest event of the year dedicated to advancing progress for people living with rare, protein-spilling kidney diseases.
Each fall, more than 400 dedicated supporters, including patients, families, clinicians, corporate partners, and advocates, gather for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and impact. Our goal is to raise $1 million to accelerate research, expand patient support programs, and ensure that life-changing treatments reach those who need them most.
Attendance by industry representatives is available exclusively through corporate partnership opportunities. Please contact Britta Dornan at bdornan@nephcure.org for more information. Thank you.
Tickets and Sponsorships Now LIVE!
Celebrate Progress. Fuel the Future.
Now in its 22nd year, Countdown to a Cure marks a powerful moment in our mission. Thanks to your support, the first treatments for rare kidney diseases are finally reaching the market. But the work isn’t finished. With your help, we can build on this momentum—driving innovation, improving access to expert care, and pushing toward a future where no family faces rare kidney disease alone.
Sponsor the Gala. Help our Mission.
By sponsoring Countdown to a Cure, you’ll help accelerate breakthroughs in rare kidney disease research and ensure families have access to the care and support they deserve. Your partnership drives meaningful progress and brings us closer to cures.
Be Part of the Movement
Stay tuned for more details on tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and the announcement of this year’s honorees and special guests!
Countdown’s Fund a Cure Family
Each year, Countdown to a Cure shines a spotlight on a special family impacted by rare kidney disease, honoring their story, strength, and resilience while celebrating the community that brings us closer to a cure.
The Garcia Family
Bria Garcia
IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) Patient and Kidney Warrior
Bria Garcia’s journey with kidney disease began in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began reshaping the world. What was initially diagnosed as Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP)—a condition expected to last only four weeks—quickly evolved into a lifelong diagnosis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN).
Facing a critical shortage of pediatric nephrology specialists in New Mexico, the Garcia family navigated years of complex medical care to secure the care and resources Bria needed.
Today, Bria and her family move forward with renewed strength, resilience, and hope. Yet, like so many living with IgAN, the daily uncertainty and lingering threat of a relapse remain. Bria shares her story to shed light on healthcare access barriers and to inspire action toward a cure.
Honoring Our 2026 Award Recipients
At NephCure’s 22nd Annual Countdown to a Cure Gala, we’re proud to recognize two individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication are transforming the future for people living with rare protein spilling kidney diseases.
Alvin Levine Award
Merecedes Colwin
Partner, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani New York
Mercedes Colwin, a highly successful trial attorney, is the founding partner of GRSM’s New York City Office. She handles a wide variety of litigation, including employment law, commercial litigation, class actions, products liability, professional liability, wage and hour class actions, defamation and related First Amendment claims, civil rights violations and criminal law. Widely regarded as a top national legal analyst, she regularly appears on television to discuss critical legal issues affecting the nation.
A proud New Jersey native, Andrew graduated from Penn State University, where he met his wife, Elissa. Together, they live in northern New Jersey with their two children, Carli and Jed.
Andrew is passionate about giving back and actively supports organizations that make a meaningful impact. He currently serves as Treasurer and board member of NephCure Kidney International and has held board role with The Daughters of Miriam Center for the Aged and past president of Preakness Hills Country Club.
Andrew is honored to be recognized and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to support a cause so close to his heart.
Special Guest
Andy Cohen
Emmy Award-winning Host and Executive Producer of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live
Andy Cohen is an Emmy Award-winning host, producer, and author best known as the host and executive producer of Emmy-Nominated “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” Bravo’s late night, interactive talk show. The series is the only live show in late night television and consistently makes headlines with bold interviews viewers don’t see anywhere else. Cohen serves as executive producer on over 11 properties across NBCUniversal. He also has two personally curated channels onSiriusXM “Radio Andy” and “Andy Cohen’s Kiki Lounge,” and his own book imprint, Andy Cohen Books. He has been a New York Times best-selling author five times and hosts CNN’s NYE Special with Anderson Cooper.
Medical Professional of the Year Award
Elaine S. Kamil, MD
Health Sciences Clinical Professor, Step VII, David Geffen School of Medicine; Staff Physician III, Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s
NephCure is proud to honor Dr. Elaine Kamil as our 2026 Medical Professional of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to patients, families, and the advancement of rare kidney disease research.
A pediatric nephrologist and researcher at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, Dr. Kamil has devoted her career to improving the lives of children and families affected by kidney disease. Through her compassionate patient care, clinical research, and commitment to advancing treatment options, she has made a lasting impact on the rare kidney disease community.
A dedicated member of the NephCure community for nearly two decades, Dr. Kamil joined NephCure’s Board of Directors in 2007. Throughout her involvement, she has worked alongside patients, families, physicians, and researchers to advance NephCure’s mission and help drive meaningful progress in research and care.
Her work has included research and clinical trials focused on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), nephrotic syndrome, and other rare kidney diseases, helping pave the way toward better treatments and improved outcomes for patients.
Throughout her career, Dr. Kamil has remained deeply inspired by the patients and families she serves. Their experiences continue to fuel her commitment to finding better answers, expanding treatment options, and building a brighter future for everyone affected by rare kidney disease.
We are honored to recognize Dr. Kamil for her exceptional contributions, longstanding partnership with NephCure, and unwavering commitment to bringing hope and progress to the rare kidney disease community.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
Silver Partners
Bronze Partners
Hero Table Partners
Skanska
Benjamin Moore & Co.
Turner Construction Company
DC9
Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Champion Table Partners
Suffolk Construction
Moments from Countdown to a Cure Past Events
Relive the energy, inspiration, and impact of our past galas—and see the powerful community that’s driving change.
Auction Items
Meet the remarkable individuals whose achievements and contributions have made a significant impact in the rare kidney disease community, and mingle with esteemed guests who add prestige and insight. It’s an evening filled with recognition, inspiration, and networking opportunities you won’t want to miss.
Volunteer
Join us in making a difference at the Countdown to a Cure event! Your involvement will directly contribute to the success of this pivotal event, bringing us closer to a cure for kidney disease. Whether you’re greeting guests, assisting with logistics, or sharing the cause on social media, your efforts will have a lasting impact. Be a part of this inspiring journey to find a cure!
Advocate
NephCure is committed to advocating for policies that improve the lives of rare kidney disease patients and their families. Learn more about our advocacy efforts and policy priorities, including our support for the New Era Bill and other legislative initiatives aimed at advancing research and access to care. Join the NephCure Action Network and be a voice for change.
Frequently Asked Questions
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