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Top: (From left) Dr. Timothy Cloughesy, Mrs. Judi Kaufman and Dr. John C. Mazziotta. Bottom: Lyric Carlsberg (left) raised research funds at the event with her lemonade stand, in memory of her father, musician Kevin Carlsberg. She is pictured with Samantha Cloughesy (right), daughter of Dr. Timothy Cloughesy. Photos: Tonya Wise |
On September 27, 2014, the UCLA Department of Neurology celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Art of the Brain with a gala at UCLA Schoenberg Hall. Founded and hosted by brain-cancer survivor Judi Kaufman, Art of the Brain celebrates brain-cancer patients and pays tribute to those who have succumbed to the disease. This year’s event, themed “The Art of Survival: Honoring Our First Responders,” raised more than $400,000 to support the UCLA Neuro-Oncology program under the direction of Dr. Timothy Cloughesy (RES ’91, FEL ’92).
Dr. John C. Mazziotta (RES ’81, FEL ’83), chair of the UCLA Department of Neurology, the Frances Stark Chair in Neurology, vice dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and UCLA associate vice chancellor, presented Kaufman with a milestone-achievement award to thank her for founding the event and to honor her 15 dedicated years of hosting the fundraiser.
Dr. William Yong (MD ’91, FEL ’98) received the Johnny Mercer Foundation Research Award, which honors a physician-scientist who has made notable contributions to brain-cancer research. Brain-cancer survivor Craig Newland was honored with the Judi Kaufman Founder’s Responsibility Award, given to those who demonstrate a commitment to activities benefiting brain-cancer research and treatments.
This year’s benefit included the inaugural Art of the Brain Art Show, which displayed the artwork of brain-cancer survivors who had been paired with artists to help the survivors capture their life experiences. The evening also included special performances by String Theory, a collaborative ensemble of musicians and dancers, and singer Michael Aurit. Attendees availed themselves of 28 different gourmet food and dessert stands. To date, Art of the Brain has raised more than $6.6 million to help fund brain-cancer research.
