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Ray of Hope committee members (left to right): Janet Trombly, Patricia Conway, Denise Crisafulli, Debbie Trombly, and Chris DiNapoli. Missing, Scarlett Kinley. |
Ray of Hope Benefit Raises Over $100,000 for Parkinson’s Disease
Over 200 people gathered at Albany’s Fort Orange Club on April 24, to attend Albany Med’s inaugural “Ray of Hope” benefit. The event raised over $100,000 in support of The Chris DiNapoli Parkinson’s Research Endowment benefiting the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Albany Medical Center. Five dedicated women and friends of Chris DiNapoli founded this event with Chris to honor her years of living with Parkinson’s and to keep much-needed Parkinson’s disease research money in the Capital Region.
Chris DiNapoli was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 17 years ago at age 46. The mother of four beautiful children, she was involved and active. In her own words, “Life was good.” Her initial diagnosis was presented with little hope. However, Chris placed her faith in Albany Med’s Dr. Stewart Factor, former professor of neurology and Riley Family Chair in Parkinson’s Disease at the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, and the staff of the Center who gave her honest but hopeful care and information.
Today Chris lives an almost normal life thanks to a successful deep brain stimulation surgery and medication therapy. But it is her positive attitude combined with the love and support of her friends, family, and her husband Jim that has carried her through every step of the way.
Despite recent scientific advances, the cause of Parkinson’s disease is still poorly understood and there is no known cure. With more than one million Americans living with Parkinson’s, research is critical to finding better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
Eric S. Molho, M.D., current professor of neurology and Riley Family Chair in Parkinson’s Disease at the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, leads a clinical research team that participates in national and international drug trials and is dedicated to developing better treatments and finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
