RARE Tribute to Champions of Hope Awards

THE PARTY The blue carpet was rolled out at the City National Grove of Anaheim, where more than 700 patients and advocates convened for Global Genes’ sixth annual RARE Tribute to Champions of Hope Awards. THE GUESTS Gavin Stevens, an 8-year-old born with a rare genetic retina condition that has rendered him blind, kicked off the evening by bringing guests, like Parks and Recreation actor Jim O’Heir, to their feet with a moving rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The standing ovations continued with performances from Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter and leukemia survivor Andrew McMahon, YouTube superstar Sparsh Shah (the Champion of Hope Award recipient) and The Voice’s Stephanie Rice. THE HIGHLIGHTS As guests dined, survivors and advocates shared the ways in which Global Genes has impacted their lives. The organization’s founder and CEO, Nicole Boice, said it best as she quoted the late biotech pioneer Henri Termeer: “Rare disease is not easy, but if we stay committed, and see it through, we can change the world for patients and families everywhere.” It’s no wonder that call to action stirred up more than $1.75 million in funds. -Allison Mitchell

Photos by Reza Allah-Bakhshi