Skating For A Cure
The night was perfect for the first Ice-skating to Cure Epilepsy (ICE) event which was held in Chicago on December 17, 2006. It was sponsored jointly by the Epilepsy Therapy Project (Epilepsy Therapy Project) and CURE (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy) of Chicago. The evening began at the historic Chicago Cultural Center where the premier screening of the new documentary for PBS -- Epilepsy: In Search of Effective Therapies was held in the Claudia Cassidy Theater. The documentary was supported by Epilepsy Therapy Project. The film highlights the vital need to advance new therapies for people living with epilepsy.
As the screening ended, the audience gathered in the beautiful Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Rotunda for a dinner of Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza served by Connie’s Pizza. The view of Chicago’s Millennium Park was a fitting backdrop as everyone enjoyed the pizza.
Chanda Gunn, the USA Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Goaltender and Epilepsy Therapy Project and epilepsy.com spokesperson was on hand to sign sports cards and add her skating expertise. The Olympic Bronze medalist was popular with children and adults alike as she shared her enthusiasm and experiences with the guests. As the dinner came to a close, Chanda led everyone across the street to the McCormick-Tribune Ice Skating Rink in Millennium Park.
The clear, forty-five degree evening was perfect for skating. Many of the guests donned skates and joined Chanda on the ice. Although the rink was reserved for the ICE event, many people who were passing by were drawn in and generously donated to the Epilepsy Therapy Project and joined in the skating. The group on the ice numbered more than one hundred as the evening progressed. The outpouring of support was greatly appreciated. The staff of the McCormick-Tribune Ice Skating rink was wonderful and more than willing to help. It was a great opportunity to share information about the Epilepsy Therapy Project and raise awareness about epilepsy.
We would like to thank all of our supporters. Special thanks to the Gold Sponsors, Ovation Pharmaceuticals, Stephen and Mary Jo Schuler of Final Finish Properties, and Abbot Pharmaceuticals.