SEQUENTIAL BRANDS CEO KAREN MURRAY TO BE HONORED AT HEARTWORKS GALA

The Marfan Foundation is honoring Karen Murray, the recently named CEO of Sequential Brands Group, with its first Inspiration of Excellence Award at its Heartworks gala, to be held at 6pm on Wednesday, May 10 at the Grand Hyatt in New York City. Award-winning actress Julie Halston will act as master of ceremonies for the event and actress-singer Stephanie Mills, best known for originating the role of Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway, will sing several of her R & B hits.

At the event, the Foundation will also present its prestigious Hero with a Heart Award to Joseph Coselli, MD, Professor of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, and Sinclair Li, Executive Vice President, CBRE Inc.The Foundation provides education, patient support, and research to create a brighter future for the 200,000 people in the U.S. living with Marfan syndrome and related disorders.

Murray, whose son, Michael, was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome as a child 20 years ago, is the Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. She has provided direction in the areas of research, legislative advocacy, public awareness, and patient support. In addition, she has advocated on Capitol Hill for research funding, appeared on countless national television programs and in other national media to increase awareness, and has served as corporate host of Heartworks since its inception in 1998.

“I am incredibly proud of the Foundation’s tireless efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and most importantly support those affected by Marfan and related disorders,” says Murray, who was MR’s “Person of the Year” in 2015. “This event has truly been a labor of love for the past 20 years and I am so appreciative of the continued support from my family, friends and business partners.”

“Karen Murray inspires excellence in her every action, with her dedication to the cause and her compassion for everyone living with these life-threatening conditions,” said Michael Weamer, president and CEO, The Marfan Foundation. “The Foundation would not be where it is today without her. Karen is a force for good!”

For information on purchasing tables, individual tickets, and sponsorships, please contact Deborah Goodman at dgoodman@marfan.org or call 516-883-8712, ext. 154.