On May 9, The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation hosted a beautiful day that honored the community and raised important awareness.
The divine Women of Distinction Luncheon put on a platform the outstanding women who have made significant contributions in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
New York Hilton Midtown in New York City hosted hundreds of guests who gathered for the special day that also showcased a truly phenomenal fashion runway show by the incredible talent, Brandon Maxwell. The “Project Runway” judge graciously donated his time to put on the grand display of looks with a promise of a portion of the sales going to benefit the foundation.
The luncheon raised over $1,560,00. Funds will be used to support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to find cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which affects nearly 1 in 100 Americans.
Lori Stokes served as the host for the event. In between truly moving speeches, she took time to recognize the significance of the day and why awareness was more important than ever. Remarkable individuals from various industries who dedicate time and efforts to improve the lives of women and the IBD community were not only applauded but were a source of inspiration to improve the world for the better.
This year’s honorees included:
June and Rochelle Jacobs, 2024 Women of Distinction
Edrice Simmons, VP, U.S. Oncology, AbbVie, Woman of Distinction in Healthcare
Bella Pass, Rising Star Honoree, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 13. Despite ongoing treatment, Bella maintains her daily activities as a high school freshman, including school, sports, and exploring various lifestyle modifications and therapies to manage her condition. Supported by her family, friends, and a dedicated medical team led by Dr. Marla Dubinsky at Mount Sinai, Bella remains optimistic about achieving remission and supporting others in the Crohn’s and colitis community. Her resilience, coupled with her passion for writing and advocacy, drives her determination to thrive.
Be sure to check out HERE for news on their next gala in December.
Photos by Memry/BFA.com and Madeleine Thomas/BFA.com