Bone Bash, the 27th Annual Testimonial Dinner & Gala, Announced!

July 16, 2009

The Bone Bash, the 27th Annual Testimonial Dinner & Gala

November 7, 2009 - Hilton Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA -- The Arthritis Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter is thrilled to announce the Bone Bash, the 27th Annual Testimonial Dinner & Gala, will be November 7, 2009 at the Hilton Pittsburgh Grand Ballroom.

This year, we have the pleasure of honoring Dr. Freddie Fu, a nationally recognized orthopedist, who is commited to the arthritis community through advocacy and his commitment to patients. Dr. Fu’s breakthrough surgical procedures are recognized across the country and his spirit for helping the arthritis community is contagious. 

Dr. Paul Caplan will be receiving our Lifetime Achievement Award for his over 75 years of practice in Rheumatology.  He retired in the Spring of 2009 at the age of 96 and continues to be a leader in the arthritis community.  He dedicated his life to helping people affected by arthritis.  Dr. Caplan was a rheumatologist that related to his patients on a personal level and made it his mission to give them relief from the disease. 

 Pam Schanwald, CEO of The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center, will be honored with our First Annual Heart-in-Hand Award for her work in pediatric care and dedication to arthritis awareness.  Pam suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis and is a treasured advocate to the Arthritis Foundation. The Heart-In-Hand Award will be presented to Schanwald by Roger A. Oxendale, CEO of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, last year's gala honoree (pictured together left).

Pam Watters will receive the Joyce O’ Connor Volunteer Service Award for her extraordinary dedication and commitment to the Arthritis Foundation. She serves as a Board Member for the organization, volunteers at various events and programs and is a valued asset to the WPA chapter.

 The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, a live auction and entertainment by Johnny Angel and the Halos.

Returning this year as Master of Ceremonies is James C. Roddey. Jim’s continued commitment to the Arthritis Foundation over-the-years is much appreciated and treasured.  His skill as an MC is unequaled.

The proceeds from this event will support programs and research for people with arthritis. Our chapter provides services to more than 10,000 people each year. We provide educational materials on the individual’s particular disease, medications and treatment options.  Community education programs help people learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of their arthritis and encourages them to seek early treatment to limit the disability of the disease.