The Hepatitis B Foundation held its annual gala, a fundraiser that celebrates the nonprofit’s people and achievements, earlier this year at The Warrington.
Gilead Sciences Inc. was the premier sponsor of the well-attended event, which attracted more than 250 local community and business leaders along with scientists and public health experts from around the country.
Among the evening’s highlights were an award presentation to the Foundation’s two distinguished honorees for 2023. Dr. Stephan Urban was awarded the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize for his contributions to the field of hepatitis B and hepatitis D research and Dr. Su Wang received the Community Commitment Award for her outspoken advocacy and dedication to the hepatitis B community.
Both honorees were surprised with video montages of their colleagues delivering messages of congratulations and heartfelt thanks.
Urban, who has a Ph.D., is a distinguished professor and globally recognized virologist at Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany. His research led to the creation of bulevirtide, the first and only drug approved to treat hepatitis D, which is a serious co-infection that occurs only in people living with hepatitis B.
Prior to the gala, Dr. Urban presented a seminar that morning about his research at the Hepatitis B Foundation in Doylestown.
Dr. Wang is a practicing physician, extremely prominent global advocate and person living with hepatitis B. She is medical director of Viral Hepatitis Programs at the Center for Asian Health at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J.
A member the Hepatitis B Foundation’s Board of Directors, Wang became the foundation’s first Senior Advisor for Global Health earlier this year.
She is immediate past president of the World Hepatitis Alliance, a patient-led international organization whose mission is to harness the power of people living with viral hepatitis to achieve its elimination. Dr. Wang also has served on countless committees and boards in an effort to bring the lived experience of those with hepatitis B to the forefront.
She delivered a powerful acceptance speech in which she highlighted the work of the Foundation and the need to get those with lived experience in front of decision makers.
“I’ve come to think of all of us who work in hepatitis as a tiny family,” Wang said. “Maybe because hep B is so neglected that we bond as we fight this battle together. We feed off of each other’s passion and grit.
“And I’m very grateful for the Hepatitis B Foundation for creating a place where people living with hep B are seen, for showing us that we can prevent liver cancer and early death, that we can live long and healthy lives.
“Thank you for bringing into the light what has been in the darkness for too long, for speaking out on behalf of us, for fighting for our rights, for fighting for a cure, and for never giving up. Thank you for creating a home for us. A home for me. And my one wish for everyone living with hepatitis B to see that they are part of this family.”
Foundation President Chari A. Cohen, said: “We were thrilled to have so many of our loyal supporters and staff come together to honor the great people who have made major contributions to the fight against hepatitis B and hepatitis D. We owe a huge thank you to everyone who came, participated in the silent auction, donated and shared well-wishes with our distinguished guests.”
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero and Bucks County Commission Chair Bob Harvie spoke admiringly about the Hepatitis B Foundation and its mission, plus its sister organizations, the Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center.
Santarsiero surprised Dr. Cohen, with a Pennsylvania Senate plaque recognizing her elevation to president of the Hepatitis B Foundation.
Generous donors and sponsors of the Foundation gave a total of almost $180,000. The guests enjoyed a great variety of casino games and a robust silent action.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
