Setting Scoliosis Straight Brings Stars to Light at Pyramid Club
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler
Setting Scoliosis Straight presented Starstruck Gala on a rainy Saturday in May at the Pyramid Club, sponsored by Harms Study Group. Known for its sky-high networking of elites and even the notorious playground for the Hollywood illuminati, this charity black tie even was supporting discoveries in spinal deformities with one of Philly’s best views around.
From someone who suffers with the disease and just underwent a lower lubmar scoliosis fusion in February at Jefferson Hospital under the cautious eye of Dr. Joshua Heller, neurosurgeon, this was an event near and dear to my heart. If you want to learn more about scoliosis surgery, I delved into it on my personal blog.
Finding out about this event from one of our supporters, Drew Callaghan Photography, we immediately emailed the co-founder, Jennifer Marco Padilla, whose teenage son is overcoming his struggle with scoliosis by bracing and running his heart out at track and field. We were excited and anxious to attend as it marked the end of the official 3-month fusion healing period. The rain delayed us a bit with bridge outings but we got there, a little wet but ready to meet others just like us.
These adorable Higgy Bears and friends were the hit of the night. Stuffed animals for children (or adults) who look and feel like they do was brilliant and we ended up taking one home!
We also immediately fell in love with this scoliosis fashion, complete with crooked spine. Later we found out there was a scoliosis fashion show, read on for more info!
Co-founder Jennifer Marco Padilla and her beautiful family of boys.
Only the best smoked salmon at the Pyramid Club!
Other delectable meats were available as well to make a snack plate before the main event.
No snacks are complete without cheese!
We had to sneak in and take photos of people taking photos!
Many doctors from all over the Philadelphia region and beyond attended the event.
Thank you for supporting a great cause!
The sky was still grumbling and raining at the beginning of the night.
Philadelphia looking cloudy and rainy on a Saturday early evening.
It was a family affair for this group of party goers.
These young beauties came out to support their cousin who had surgery and is thriving.
The rain returns…
And the sun finally breaks through the clouds.
Friend Connor Bryant runs into an old friend at the gala. Philly really is a small town sometimes!
A lovely and friendly couple attended the event. And as most people attending, someone has had surgery or someone in their family has had it.
Miss Teen New Jersey insisted we take a photo together. She has been fully fused from the hips to her neck and asked how far out I was from surgery. I mistakenly told her 4 months (it was only 3 at this time) and she exclaimed how she couldn’t even function until 6 months! I felt flattered and encouraged that Jefferson was the right choice for me.
Finally the sky broke and that lovely blue sunset sky allowed us to see how beautiful Philly looks like from high above.
The sky breaks through in hues of pink and yellow, allowing us to see the expansive city.
This couple was posing for photos in front of the expansive wine collection so we jumped in as well.
One of the award recipients poses with her mother, looking tall, straight and lovely in white.
We soon are summoned to the award recipient room and are stunned by these lovely gowns on the equally lovely and gracious ladies.
Our mashed potato bar model filling up a cocktail glass with option of sweet potato too!
City Hall and the river looking lovely in sunset blue!
A slew of lovely ladies pose for a picture before the program begins.
Co-founder Jennifer Marco Padilla kicks off the ceremony with a bouquet of beautiful flowers.
Guests listen intently to the president and chairman of Setting Scoliosis Straight as he discusses latest techniques.
We took a sneak peak at the sirloin beef while everyone was occupied and planned our stomach accordingly.
Pasta is a good way to soak up the wine (and mixed drinks) served at the gala.
More lovely ladies supporting each other which was what it was all about.
A slew of people were introduced including Kelly Andersen, honored by: Patrick Cahill, MD, CHOP.
Lindsay Gordon was honored by Jack Flynn, MD, CHOP.
Jarrod Padilla was honored by Joshua Pahys, MD, SHRINERS.
Courtney Burns was honored by Amer Samdani, MD, SHRINERS with a Higgy Bear too.
Haley Gelberg was honored by Suken Shah, MD, NEMOURS.
Caleigh Stednitz was honored by Suken Shah, MD, NEMOURS.
A slew of doctors and their loving wives smiled for the camera.
The DJ for the gala gets schooled during a quick break.
Everyone is back up, eating and drinking at the many stations after the announcements. Not pictured, a tucked away photo booth that we somehow missed! D’oh!
Guests began taking advantage of the city at twilight with its sparkling lights as a background.
Talking to the brother of Lindsay Gordon, Zach Perdun, we learned that she is the founder of Strut for Scoliosis, the fashion line and there was a fashion show coming up next.
The fashion show begins with the outfit we spotted earlier with the spine print, our favorite of the night.
And it looks even cooler from the back!
This young lady was rocking a comfy, run around the city outfit.
Because ladies with extra curves like a little looser top, these outfits offered a bit more coverage.
Another comfy option offered a cold weather option and looked soft and fuzzy.
You know the night is coming to a close when the desserts are served.
Snack sized and easily popped in your mouth, these creamy confectionaries were a delight. In fact, the whole night was a delight and we can only imagine how much fun it will be when fully healed!
