From its inception in 1987, NARSAD has awarded over $219 million in scientific grants to support brain disorder research. Over $15.6 million of NARSAD’s research funding has been awarded to Southern California scientists. The Silver Ribbon is internationally recognized as being symbolic for support of individuals with all forms of brain disorders.  NARSAD Southern California has chosen to organize the annual Silver Ribbon Symposium and Gala as a way to recognize those who have contributed to improving the plight of those with neuropsychiatric disorders, to provide an educational service to the community, and to raise funds for NARSAD’s scientific research grants program.

The free-to-the-public 2007 Silver Ribbon Symposium, to be held at UCLA on December 2nd, will feature four NARSAD Investigators, including one who is a NARSAD Scientific Council Member.   Dr.Tyrone Cannon, Ph.D. (University of California, Los Angeles) will be acting as Moderator with Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University) as the Key Note Speaker.  In addition, there will be four lectures: "Early Symptoms and Prevention of Psychosis" by Dr. Carrie Bearden, Ph.D. (University of California, Los Angeles), "How Thinking and Behavior Become Disorganized in Schizophrenia" by Dr. Cameron Carter, M.D. (University of California, Davis), "Cognitive Impairments in Bipolar Disorder" by Dr. David Glahn, Ph.D. (University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio), and "Why Do Alcoholism and Depression Often Go Together?" by Dr. Carol Prescott, Ph.D. (University of Southern California).

At the fundraising 2007 Silver Ribbon Gala, to be held at the Beverly Hilton on December 3rd, will be emceed by Dr. Drew Pinsky.  Silver Ribbon Awards will be presented to Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison and Connie and Steve Lieber.  Dr. Jamison is a Johns Hopkins professor of psychiatry and one of the foremost experts on bipolar disorder, which she has helped to de-stigmatize through her best-selling autobiography, “An Unquiet Mind”.  She has been named one of the "Best Doctors in the United States" and was chosen by Time magazine as a “Hero of Medicine”. Annette Bening will be presenting the award to Dr. Jamison.  Connie and Steve Lieber will receive a Silver Ribbon Award for 20 years of devotion, unfailing dedication and philanthropic support to NARSAD and mental health research.  In addition, Connie concludes her long time volunteer NARSAD presidency during this 20th Anniversary year, and thus well-deserved appreciation of her commitment, leadership and years of hard work will be acknowledged.  Hal and Patsy Hollister will present the award to the Liebers.

Entertainment during the Gala includes “Mysteries of the Mind,” a WordTheatreä production created exclusively for NARSAD with performances by Gary Dourdan (“CSI”), John Heard (“The Sopranos”), Camryn Manheim (“Ghost Whisperer”), Samantha Mathis, Richard Schiff (“The West Wing”), Brenda Strong (“Desperate Housewives”), and Jon Tenney (“The Closer”).  In addition, two pieces of art will be auctioned live and over 50 pieces will be featured as part of a silent auction.  The live auction will include “Lotus Blooming in Difficult Times” by Meghan Caughey, which is the centerpiece of this year’s invite, as well as a painting completed during the course of the evening by Thom Bierdz.  The Silent Auction will feature works created by and on behalf of artists with brain disorders (courtesy of NARSAD Artworks) as well as unique tile art created by Mike Wallace, Angelica Huston, Joe Pantaliano among others.

Please support NARSAD by attending the 2^nd Annual Silver Ribbon Gala or submitting a Tribute Ad to share your congratulations and appreciation of our very deserving 2007 Silver Ribbon Awardees and get a chance to hear NARSAD Investigators speak by attending the 2^nd Annual Silver Ribbon Symposium.  Click Here to Support the Event

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© NARSADSoCal.org 2007