The Elpis Awards

What a great night! Some 300 people enjoyed the first Elpis Awards Saturday night in Philadelphia, as the NephCure Foundation honored kidney transplant donors and recipients on the 50th anniversary of kidney transplantation.

Attendees traveled from all over the East Coast to see an emotional awards presentation and video featuring the donors and some of their recipients. Seeing and hearing the stories of those who gave and received the gift of life touched everyone in a special way.

NephCure also honored two doctors at the Elpis Awards: Dr. Bernard Kaplan from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has treated kidney patients for over 30 years in a caring and nurturing manner. In addition, Dr. Lloyd E. Ratner was recognized for his advances and innovations in kidney transplants. Dr. Ratner is on staff at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Medical Center, and he worked formerly at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

We also heard from a special guest - Dr. Josephine Briggs, of the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) who provided an update on the latest research involving FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.

Keynote speaker Ed Hearn , a three-time transplant recipient and inspirational speaker who was a member of the 1986 World Series Champion New York Mets, spoke in his unique fashion. Ed provided hope and encouragement to the Elpis Award audience and potential kidney donors.

Finally, we viewed a video tribute to the true heroes of the evening: donors and their recipients! This was followed by our Elpis Awards recipients receiving their awards on stage.

The party phase then kicked into gear with a reception and two types of auctions: a silent auction and a Chinese auction. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and made new acquaintances while renewing some old ones.

Whether or not you were able to attend, please know that your support and commitment is appreciated and needed. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and please remember the NephCure Foundation and all those who gave the gift of life.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the Elpis awards and the auctions!