FIRST STEP GALA’ S STARS SHINE The Euro-Peds Foundation’ s second annual First Step Gala was held last 11 / 11 at the Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac at Centerpoint. The event raised more than $ 30,000 to help carry out the Foundation’ s mission to enhance the quality of life of children who have gross motor disorders by raising funds and awarding grants that help them receive intensive physical therapy at Euro-Peds National Center for Intensive Pediatric PT.
At 11:11 in the evening, $ 1,111 was awarded in a raffle, based on“ ONE child, ONE therapist, ONE opportunity for mobility, changing ONE life at a time.” There was live entertainment by Garret Schmittling and Painted White Acoustic Duo; a keynote presentation by Dr Partha Nandi of WXYZ-TV7;“ Pacesetter” awards to the D-Man Foundation and the Gandee family, both of whom have supported the common goals of Euro-Peds; and Marty Sheedy, a man born with multiple congenital deformities – a success story we shall visit in an upcoming issue of Innovative Health Magazine.
The cast and crew of ABC’ s groundbreaking ser ies Speechless, about a teenager with CP and his family; and Dr Susan Youngs of the Beaumont Center for Exceptional Families, were also honored, as were other exceptional children and their families.
28
Innovative Health- Winter 2017