DENVER (August 13, 2015) – Rebekah Gregory’s life was forever changed as a result of the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013. As she waited at the finish line for then-boyfriend Pete DiMartino, the first bomb went off. Following the explosion, at the age of 26, she found herself one of 17 amputee survivors of the terror act. Intent on giving back and helping others, Gregory will share her powerful story of courage and strength at the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society’s MS on the Move luncheon September 17 at the Westin Downtown Denver.
“Like Rebekah, the more than 100,000 people affected by MS in Colorado must remain resilient and find courage to face the obstacles and challenges presented by this central nervous system disease every day,” said Kristin Gibbs, Chapter vice president of development. “Just as she inspired everyone running the final three miles of the Boston Marathon this earlier this year, her story of courage will inspire others to overcome their struggles and live life to the fullest potential possible,” Gibbs added.
During the annual forum of hope and inspiration, the Chapter will present Michael King, corporate and securities attorney, Brownstein, Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, with its annual Spirit Award in recognition of service to the MS community and contributions to society and the common good.
King been an outstanding, active supporter of the Society and served on the Chapter’s board of trustees for seven years, which included a term as chairman. He championed his firm’s Bike MS team for 12 years. In addition to his support of the Society, King is active in the community where he serves as a commissioner for the Denver Public Library, is president of Stapleton United Neighbors and provides pro bono legal services.
King received his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He is a member of the Denver, Colorado, New York and American bar associations.
King joins previous recipients who have been honored with the Society’s Spirit Award, including Marc Spritzer, director of CoBiz Advisors; and Dick Kelly, former CEO and board chair of Xcel Energy, and his wife Robin Kelly.
“The funds raised at the luncheon support research, which has led to 12, FDA-approved therapies, and programs and resources that benefit more than 100,000 people affected by MS in Colorado and Wyoming,” Gibbs said. As the cause and cure remain unknown, the Society continues to invest in global research efforts that focus on stopping progression, reversing damage caused by MS and ending this disease forever,” Gibbs said.
The MS On the Move Luncheon takes place from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Westin Downtown Denver. Tickets are $125 per person or $65 for young professionals age 40 and under. For more information or to register, visit www.cureMSco-wy.org.