Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/22/17
From Press Release
On Friday March 10th a capacity crowd filled 2 ballrooms at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing for one of the most inspirational events in the city of Philadelphia, HEADstrong Foundation’s Annual Lime Light Gala. The event raised more than $220,000 to support the expansion of Nick’s House, a family home operated by the organization which provides complimentary lodging and amenities for families traveling to the Greater Philadelphia Region seeking comprehensive cancer care and clinical trials.
The event featured a five-star silent auction, chef prepared dinner and award ceremony honoring groundbreaking achievements, stories of hope and those in the fight, in effort to improve lives affected by cancer. The event is an incredible celebration of the life and legacy of HEADstrong founder Nicholas Colleluori, who created the organization from his hospital bed while undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 
93.3FM WMMR Preston & Steve show co-host Steve Morrison and FOX 29 medical correspondent Michael Cirigliano, MD did an amazing job serving as this year’s Masters of Ceremony. The two share a special bond, as Cirigliano played in instrumental role when Morrison was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015. The two continue to maintain a very close friendship which transcends the doctor-patient relationship. Morrison and Cirigliano delighted the crowd and gave a genuine and heartfelt intro which helped shed light on important role that HEADstrong serves for families affected by cancer.
Tow-time survivor and renowned magician kicked off the program with an amazing performance with a powerful purpose, which set up HEADstrong President & Nick’s Mom Cheryl Colleluori who delivered a captivating and emotionally charged address that resulted in a 5 minute standing ovation. Cheryl’s speech was followed by the award ceremony in which Kathleen O’Connor (Click here for full story), a student-athlete and member of the Villanova University women’s lacrosse team currently making her return to the playing field after battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was presented with the prestigious the Nicholas E. Colleluori Award.
Additionally, Eli Glatstein, MD who currently serves as Vice Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology and Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania was presented with the HEADstrong Achievement Award for 50 years of service and David Calvaresi, founder of Concordia Valsource LLC was recognized with the HEADstrong Relentless Award for his involvement and generosity.
At the conclusion of dinner singer-songwriter and beloved lacrosse great Michael Powell took the stage in tribute to the late Marshall Jensen performing Jensen’s song “Miles to Give”, a song written by Jensen while traveling to Philadelphia to pursue the Cart-19 infusion after relapsing with Leukemia. A video of Jensen singing the song played on 2 large screens in the ballroom simultaneously. Powell’s soulful voice channeled the spirit of Marshall Jensen and brought the room to tears. The crowd erupted in applause which led into an appeal which raised more than $27,000.
The band Jelly Roll, rocked the night away to a packed dance floor and an amazing time was had by all who attended.
“It was ironic that we had magician Chad Juros kick-off the Lime Light Gala because this year’s event was truly magical. From our Masters of ceremony, to our honorees to our entertainers to our guests the event was spectacular and unforgettable. With record attendance and generosity this year’s event was a major statement on behalf of those affected by cancer and the importance of our mission. It was a very humbling event with lots of emotion, compassion and love. The spirit of this year’s event truly captured that of our Nicholas and for that we are so grateful and thankful. We wish to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s event.” said HF President and Nick’s Mom Cheryl Colleluori
Plans are already underway for next year’s event with, Friday, March 9, 2018 toted as the event date.
To donate, get involved or learn more please visit www.HEADstrong.org. Be sure to check out exclusive photos from the Lime Light Gala by following HEADstrong Foundation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at @HEADstrongFnd.