On October 18th, 2025 something extraordinary took place. Our beloved HoneyBash Gala brought together a powerful tapestry of voices: advocates, ambassadors, researchers, physicians, families, and friends, under the storied roof of the Union League of Philadelphia. It was more than just an event, it was a gathering of hearts united by loss, resilience, and above all, hope.
The evening shimmered with emotion, love and remembrance, inspiration and resolve. We listened, we cried, we danced, and we celebrated.
We honored those that we have lost from a brain aneurysm, including Misha Patel, Lora Beth Ritchie, Annie Mirra, Brittany McCarthy, and Matthew Friedman. Their legacies lit up the room, echoing in every embrace, every story, every shared tear. We stood in awe of the survivors who filled the room with stories of their strength.
We acknowledged our 2025 Preventative Research Grant Recipients and their tributing families:
- Dr. Peyton Nisson, of Barrow Neurological Institute, was the first-ever recipient of The Annie Mirra 2025 Preventative Brain Aneurysm Research Grant.
- Dr. Sean Polster, of The University of Chicago, received the 2025 Matthew Friedman Memorial Foundation Preventative Brain Aneurysm Research Grant.
- Dr. Edgar Samaniego, of the University of Iowa, was awarded The 2025 Brittany McCarthy Grant.
- Dr. Andrew Hale of The University of Alabama Birmingham is the first ever Yezzi Family 2025 TBF AVM Research Grant Recipient.
We celebrated Dr. Walter Koroshetz, Director of the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke at the National Institute of Health, as the 2025 Champion of Research. Though unable to attend, due to the government shut down, Dr. Jared Knopman from Weill Cornell Medicine was there to accept it on his behalf.
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came during a moving fireside chat between Julie Brothers, a brain aneurysm survivor, and her neurosurgeon, Dr. Christopher Kellner. Julie shared her story of survival with a message to trust your instincts and believe that a brain aneurysm when found and treated can end with hope. Dr. Kellner stressed the need for first responders to be better educated and spoke to the struggles and high cost of recovery emphasizing the need to treat aneurysm prior to rupture.
The energy continued to build as Dr. Robert Starke and TBF Board Member Sally Freedman ignited the room with an electrifying introduction to the paddle raise and live auction! In a record-breaking show of generosity, our community came together to raise over $255,000, which will be able to significantly expand the TBF Preventative Research Grant Program in 2026!
Thank you to everyone who showed up, donated, and championed our cause! The night would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors: Vynamic, Frank and Joyce Doherty, Sally Freedman and Chris Skoog, Q’Apel Medical, Patty and Dennis Bubar, Cornerstone, CP&R, J&J MedTech, Balt, Jay and Peg Doherty, Paul and Megan Nolen, MaryLou and Jim Mangino, and William Gibson.
Our hope for the HONEYBASH has always been twofold: to raise important funds for critical research and to inspire. To remind each and every one of you that change is not only possible, it is already happening, and you are part of it. We left the Union League not just moved, but transformed; United in remembrance, uplifted by science, and inspired by each other. Together, we are leading a legacy of hope.
We hope you all will mark your calendars for October 17, 2026 as the HONEYBASH Gala will take place at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia
Check out some of our great photos from the evening! Click on any image to view larger.
