A night of fun and dancing raised more than $150,000 for The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The 15th annual “Blue Tag Gala” raised more than $150,000 to support patient care and cutting-edge research at CHOP’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.
The event, which was held on October 17 at the Hyatt at the Bellevue, featured dinner and dancing and more than 60 silent auction items. NBC10’s Jacqueline London was the emcee for the Gala.
“The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at CHOP is one of the most advanced care and research centers for sickle cell disease in the nation,” said Madeline Bell, president and CEO at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Since 2000, the Blue Tag Gala has raised more than $1 million to fund groundbreaking research and clinical support for children diagnosed with the disease. Today, we thank the hundreds who attended this year’s event and helped to make it a resounding success.”
Sickle cell disease is one of the most common hereditary blood disorders in the U.S. The disease is characterized by chronic anemia, pain and complications that can lead to stroke and organ damage.
The Blue Tag Gala is the largest recurring fundraiser for The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at CHOP. With sufficient philanthropic support, CHOP is just two years away from the first clinical trial of in utero stem cell transplantation, which would revolutionize treatment for sickle cell disease and other immunodeficiency disorders.
Photo Credit: Mel Epps
