Ciara’s Butterfly Bash, A Benefit for Dravet Syndrome Foundation, is our annual signature event where we raise funds for research while honoring an individual or group of professionals who have gone above and beyond in the field of Dravet syndrome and related epilepsies.
This year we are pleased to honor Jack M. Parent, MD. Dr. Parent is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Michigan. He directs the Neuro-development and Regeneration Laboratory, and co-directs the University of Michigan Epilepsy Program. He serves as associate editor at Epilepsy Currents and Experimental Neurology, is a former chair of the Epilepsy Foundation Research Council Fellowships Committee, and serves on the Epilepsy Foundation’s Professional Advisory Board, as well as the Scientific Advisory Boards of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, Global Ischemia Foundation and PCDH19 Alliance. Dr. Parent’s research focuses on stem cell biology and the role of adult neurogenesis in epileptogenesis and brain repair. He has received several research awards, including the AAN Dreifuss-Penry Epilepsy Award and the ANA Grass Foundation Award in Neuroscience.
The Spirit of Hope Award has been presented annually to volunteers whose dedication through service to DSF is truly outstanding and inspiring. This year, we are honoring Mike Meyerson of Absolute Motion and The Keating Family. Mike has donated countless hours to produce and oversee the many videos used to promote DSF and raise awareness of Dravet syndrome and related epilepsies. Mike’s most recent contribution is the video for our new awareness campaign, Consider Dravet, which will premiere at the Bash. The Keating Family has spearheaded Team DSF RACRE (Research and Cure Refractory Epilepsy), consisting of a series of charity runs which benefit DSF. Since its inception in 2011, Team DSF RACRE has raised over $100,000 for research.
The event includes cocktails, dinner, dancing, as well as silent and live auctions. Tickets are $175 per person. Hotel rooms at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich can be reserved at our group rate of $85 per night. More details may be found at our website, www.butterflybash.com.
