Arthritis Foundation Honors Dr. James T. Willerson
News of Note (November 1, 2008) — The Houston Chapter of The Arthritis Foundation, whose mission is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases, hosted its 2008 benefit reception and auction recently. Art for Arthritis, which was attended by 350 guests and raised more than $100,000, celebrated the lives of those living with some form of arthritis, especially artists.
From left to right: AF Board Chairman, Robert Moore; Honorary Event Chair, Charles Miller; Dr. Willerson;
John Palmer; and Dr. Martha Aguilar.
Appropriately, the auction featured paintings, sculpture and jewelry, largely created by artists who have arthritis or have family or friends with arthritis Art for Arthritis also features a "medical honoree" and this year, Dr. James T. Willerson, President and Medical Director of Texas Heart Institute, was recognized. Dr. Willerson was presented as an internationally distinguished cardiologist, educator, and research scientist who continues an active medical practice in addition to his other activities.
The evening's "featured artist" was Mr. John Palmer, a Houston artist whose work is represented in galleries across the United States. Mr. Palmer's work combines both art and purpose which he describes in more emotional than technical terms. Mr. Palmer created two biographical works of art for Dr. Willerson. One chronicles Dr. Willerson's personal and family life. The other, which will be mounted in The Wallace D. Wilson Museum, located in the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital—The Denton A. Cooley Building, focuses on Dr. Willerson's roles as a physician, scientist, educator, and administrator. The "Curator of the Show" was Mrs. Adrienne Purcell, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis the second semester of her freshman year at college. She is an accomplished portrait artist and was married with two children before her arthritis was under control.
Former Rockets player, Robert Reid, had the crowd animated while hosting the live auction. Entertainment for the gala was provided by the Charlie Perez Jazz Quintet. A portrait artist doing quick sketches, a "wine toss" game, and a silhouette artist contributed to evening's festivities.
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's number-one cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has 46 chapters and 150 community service points located throughout the country.
For Texas Heart Institute media profiles, see Public Affairs.
