Versiti - Hope, Science, and Community Shine at Versiti's Illuminate: A Night for Cures Gala

News

Hope, Science, and Community Shine at Versiti's Illuminate: A Night for Cures Gala

Milwaukee — September 19, 2025

The Versiti community came together Thursday evening at the Wisconsin Club for Illuminate: A Night for Cures, raising more than $400,000 to advance lifesaving blood health research at the Versiti Blood Research Institute.

The sold-out gala welcomed a capacity crowd of 300 supporters, including scientists, physicians, patients, donors, and special guest KiKi Shepard, television host and national sickle cell disease advocate. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also offered remarks via video message, reinforcing the vital role Versiti plays in the community's health and future.

The evening's fundraising momentum hit a peak during the paddle raise, with individual commitments of $30,000, $25,000, and $15,000 leading the way. Emceed by Judge Derek Mosley, whose personal transplant journey connects him deeply to Versiti's mission, the program highlighted the individuals whose dedication exemplifies the organization's commitment to discovery.

Julia Syburg received the Virginia Brooks Jefferson Award, Versiti's highest recognition of philanthropic and service leadership, honoring her 25-year tenure guiding the organization from the Blood Center of Wisconsin to its current national presence as Versiti. The award, named for the Junior League of Milwaukee president who set in motion the city’s blood center project in 1946, recognized Syburg as an unbroken link to that founding vision.

The Illuminate Award was presented to 16-year-old Zach Fechter, who has transformed his lifelong journey with severe hemophilia A into passionate advocacy. From self-managing his treatment since age seven to championing awareness in state and national capitols, Zach represents the profound impact of patient-centered research.

Funds raised will directly support the Versiti Blood Research Institute Foundation, enabling Versiti scientists to pursue innovative blood health outcomes for patients with bleeding disorders, blood cancers, and transfusion medicine.

Learn more about supporting Versiti's research mission at versiti.org/ways-to-give/financial-giving.

VBRI Investigator Renren Wen Receives R01 Grant Renewal for HIT Research

Renren Wen, PhD, senior investigator at the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI), has received a competitive renewal for her National Institute of Health (NIH) R01 grant. The grant renewal allows Wen and her lab to continue their work in humoral immune responses in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), where there is a critical knowledge gap.

Fire Up: Versiti Blood Center of Illinois Joins the Chicago Fire FC Family

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois has officially joined Chicago Fire FC as a Proud Partner, uniting two Chicago institutions in a shared mission: to make every drop count and save lives in our city.