A Night of Celebrating Champions
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona hosted the annual Inchstones: A Celebration of Champions on April 13 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn and Resort. The definition of a champion is a person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition. But what if the rival is a disability? That’s the challenge faced by the thousands of people living with a disability who receive services through UCP of Central Arizona. Nicole Anderson and Joann Stevens co-chaired this event, and they hold more in common than their roles for this year’s gala. Married to brothers, they are each the mom of a child with a disability. Nicole’s daughter Alexandra has been diagnosed with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic syndrome. Joann’s son Max was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and he experienced a stroke during the second trimester of her pregnancy. Both receive life-changing services through the same provider – UCP of Central Arizona.
Carey Pena, founder and CEO of Inspired Media 360, emceed the event.
During the program, former Circle K executive Geoff Haxel shared the heartwarming story about how the partnership between Circle K and UCP began and introduced Tim Tourek, the new vice president of Circle K, Grand Canyon Division, and the important team leaders that have partnered with UCP over the years. Rich and Karie Dozer presented the annual Laura Dozer award to Dr. Michael C. Kruer for his care and healing of children with cerebral palsy and his international research collaborations to improve the quality of life for an untold number of children. Armando Contreras, CEO of National United Cerebral Palsy, shared remarks and celebrated the platinum anniversary with a special video of the organization’s legacy.
Guests enjoyed a delicious 3 course dinner while listening to the energizing music by the string quartet Urban Electra.
PHOTOS COURTESY UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF CENTRAL ARIZONA
Representatives from Circle K
Carey Pena
Urban Electra
Suzy Peel, Brenda Hanserd, Heather Heller and Nancy and Chuck Smith
JoAnn, Max and Colin Stevens
