Knuckle Ball

The Joe Niekro Foundation hosted Knuckle Ball, its annual fundraising gala Nov. 3 at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. The 177 guests raised in excess of $100,000 to support research and awareness of brain aneurysm, AVM and hemorrhagic stroke.

Chicago White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar was the evening’s keynote speaker. Farquhar is a ruptured brain aneurysm survivor.

Patients Choice Award recipients included Felipe C. Albuquerque, M.D., Barrow Brain & Spine; Peter J. Sunenshine, M.D., Banner Health; Bernard R. Bendok, M.D., Mayo Clinic; and Kerry Knievel, D.O., Barrow Neurological Institute.

Sean Hanafi presented the evening’s auction, and Carey Peña was the emcee. Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the advancement and expansion of the foundation’s Patient Services and Education Program, as well as the establishment of a localized clinical research grant for applicants in the Phoenix area.

The Joe Niekro Foundation was founded by Natalie Niekro, daughter of professional baseball player Joe Niekro, who lost his life suddenly from a cerebral brain aneurysm in October 2006.

PHOTOS COURTESY JOE NIEKRO FOUNDATION

Sandy and Jim Foor; Carey Peña

Michael Maez and Diana Fischer

Dr. Kerry Knievel and guest with Dr. Peter and Jaimie Sunenshine

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