The Envision Gala, emceed by actress Bonnie Hunt and co-chaired by Janet Ruchim and Dr. Michael Ruchim, raised more than $1.6 million for the improvement and development of the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Foundation. The June 3 event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, will use the proceeds to support the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Fellowship, the Digestive Health Foundation (DHF) BioRepository and 10 additional research studies. The funds raised will allow diagnosis, prevention and treatment for digestive diseases and conditions that negatively impact the lives of more than 70 million people.
The IBD Fellowship allows additional training in gastroenterology under the direct supervision of the IBD Fellowship program director Dr. Stephen B. Hanauer. The mission and goal of the IBD Fellowship is to have students gain the knowledge, experience and confidence to diagnose and treat patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The DHF BioRepository is the newest research program supported by the Digestive Health Foundation. This revolutionary and innovative tissue bank will increase the analysis and exploration of digestive diseases and other medical conditions across the globe.
Learn more about the Digestive Health Foundation and more upcoming events here.
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Rebeca Ballesteros is a Make It Better intern and a soon-to-be senior at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. While working toward a bachelor’s degree in English/Communication, she enjoys reading books by her favorite authors Jodi Picoult and Emily Giffin.
