PARK RIDGE, Ill. – For individuals with Down syndrome, life expectancy has more than doubled – from 25 to 56 years – in the last 30 years. With medical care that focuses on their special needs, like that uniquely offered by the Adult Down Syndrome Center (ADSC) at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, adolescents and adults with Down syndrome lead productive lives and are contributing members of society.
With growing demand for additional health and wellness services, Lutheran General Hospital will host Gala 2010: Groovin’ and Growin’, its annual fundraising event on Oct. 2, 2010 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the ADSC and will help fund a new, larger facility in order to provide medical care for more patients and to provide additional services to improve their health and well-being.
The oldest and largest clinic of its kind in the nation, the ADSC provides a full range of services including primary medical care, nutrition counseling and psychosocial services to adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. Brian A. Chicoine, M.D., world-renowned medical director of the clinic, and his dedicated staffhave cared for more than 4,500 patients since its inception in 1992. The Center is a national model of health care for adults and adolescents with Down syndrome.
Lutheran General Hospital’s 2010 Gala, emceed by Chicago Comcast SportsNet broadcaster, Chris Boden, will feature live music by the Stanley Paul Orchestra and an extensive silent auction. One of the premier silent auction items is a three-night stay for two guests at the Grand Palladium Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico donated by Travel Gallery, Inc.
Boden joined Comcast SportsNet in 2007 primarily handling feature reporting duties on SportsNite along with hosting the network’s Blackhawks studio coverage on Blackhawks Pre-Game Live as well as Blackhawks Post Game Live following all CSN Blackhawks telecasts during last season’s Stanley Cup-winning season. Boden, who grew up in Burbank, Ill. attended Luther South H.S. where he played football, ran cross country and track, and was a member of the 1980 Class A state basketball championship team.
For Lutheran General Hospital Gala 2010: Groovin’ and Grown’ registration information, contact Christy J. Santos, director, development , Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Advocate Charitable Foundation, 847-723-8682.
