At the 18th Annual Diamond Ball, held on Saturday, October 18, Nicklaus Children\u2019s honored Katy Puig, a patient whose life was saved three years ago following a tragic accident. The gala raised more than $7 million to support Nicklaus Children\u2019s mission to inspire hope and promote lifelong health by providing the best care to every child.<\/p>\n
\u201cKaty\u2019s story is a beautiful reminder of why we come to work each day,\u201d said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children\u2019s Health System. \u201cFor 75 years, our mission has remained steadfast: to provide the very best care to every child who comes through our doors. We are deeply grateful to our community for standing beside us in this journey. The incredible generosity shown at Diamond Ball fuels innovation, inspires hope, and ensures that together, we continue building brighter futures for the children we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following a devastating boating accident that caused a traumatic brain injury, Katy received lifesaving care at Nicklaus Children\u2019s Miguel \u201cMike\u201d B. Fernandez Trauma Center. Through the dedicated support of Nicklaus Children\u2019s medical staff, physical therapy, speech therapy, and the compassion of the Miami community, Katy has become #KatyStrong \u2013 a living testament to the transformative power of Nicklaus Children\u2019s care.<\/p>\n
Under the theme, Moving Forward \u2013 A Night for the Generations of Tomorrow, this year\u2019s Diamond Ball brought together South Florida business leaders, philanthropists, and community members to raise funds to support the Hospital\u2019s mission and vision for the future of pediatric healthcare. Among these guests were Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Agueda L\u00f3pez, philanthropist, author, and model.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are tremendously grateful for the outpouring of support Nicklaus Children\u2019s received at this year\u2019s record-breaking Diamond Ball,\u201d said Allison W. Baker, President of Nicklaus Children\u2019s Hospital Foundation. \u201cOur community\u2019s investment in the health of children makes stories of hope like Katy\u2019s possible, and we are so grateful to everyone who showed up for children in our community \u2013 and to our generous sponsors who made this night possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each year, Nicklaus Children\u2019s Diamond Ball unites hundreds of supporters to fundraise in support of Nicklaus Children\u2019s patients and families. Sponsors of the 18th Annual Diamond Ball include Ensemble, Citadel, Citadel Securities, Griffin Catalyst, Warner Bros. Discovery US Hispanic, Braman Miami, City National Bank of Florida, Greenberg Traurig, Intermedia Touch, JW Marriot Marquis Miami, ab+a Advertising, Baptist Health, CVS Pharmacy y M\u00e1s, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, EdgeUno, Inc., FIU Foundation, FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, KIDZ Medical Services, Pediatrix Medical Group, Perry Ellis International, Perfect Link, Polsinelli, and Stearns Weaver Miller.<\/p>\n