Thank you for coming to the Rose Gala I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you are here. When I started the journey I was alone, and it seemed impossible to help Rose. It seemed even more impossible to make an impact for other children with genetic diseases like hers. Impossible because they are left behind by our healthcare system, and because of the cutting edge science and scientists needed to accomplish the task. Impossible because of the amount of capital it takes to make medicines But here we are It is no longer impossible
Together, we've created a preclinical genetic treatment, Rosiphersen, for Rose and children with her disease. We've helped launch a new commercial public benefit biotech company, AlphaRose Therapeutics, to help take Rosiphersen and many other ultra rare genetic treatments into the clinic and commercialize them globally We've created a lab, TCAR RareLabs (previously Everlum), to help other families on their rare disease therapeutic journey. TCAR RareLabs has started over a dozen programs, and discovered new treatments for four previously untreated genetic diseases. We are building new treatments and new models for genetic medicine with patients and patient’s families being at the center of all we do We are giving hope to the Roses You are giving hope to the Roses
None of this would have ever happened without you. Tonight is a night to celebrate how far we've come together, your unwavering support, and the hope we all get to create for a new era where suffering children are no longer forgotten
I celebrate in deep gratitude with you tonight,
Casey McPherson Chairman of the Board
To Cure A Rose Foundation
Thank You Sponsors Thank You Sponsors
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 Rose Gala! I’m thrilled you’re here to be part of this meaningful and inspiring evening.
A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to our 2025 Patient First Impact Leadership Award recipient, Dr Z Leah Harris Her unwavering dedication to pediatric care and rare disease families has helped shape a more compassionate, inclusive, and innovative future for children like Rose. Her leadership inspires this community to come together and take action.
With champions like you by our side, we are building a movement to accelerate science, uplift families, and bring the promise of genetic treatments within reach for children living with rare diseases.
This work began with one child Rose and has grown into a mission powered by determination, collaboration, and hope. At the center of it is TCAR RareLabs, our nonprofit pre-clinical lab advancing urgently needed treatments for rare disease families that have been overlooked for far too long
Tonight is a celebration of progress and possibility. Your presence, your voice, and your support are a driving force in pushing this mission forward.
Thank you for standing with us Let’s Rise for Rare together
With gratitude
President, To Cure A Rose Foundation
O OH Hur ur ost ost Lauren Petrowski Lauren Petrowski
We are grateful to have Lauren Petrowski as our emcee for this evening’s Rose Gala.
Lauren is an on-camera host and media professional with more than 15 years of experience as a news anchor and reporter. Best known for her time as host of Good Day Austin, she covered everything from breaking news to entertainment and lifestyle features She now hosts Spotlight ATX on KVUE, where she continues to shine a light on local stories and events that matter.
In addition to her work on air, Lauren collaborates with brands and businesses to elevate their media presence and connect more meaningfully with their audiences. A proud Austinite and busy mom, she also creates engaging content on social media—highlighting local happenings, helpful finds, and everyday inspiration.
Follow her on Instagram: @laurenpetrowski
P Patient atientF First irst AWARD AWARD
Honoring Dr. Z. Leah Harris Patient First Impact Leadership Award
To Cure A Rose Foundation is proud to present the 2025 Patient First Impact Leadership Award to Dr. Z. Leah Harris in recognition of her extraordinary leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to pediatric care. As Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Director of the Dell Pediatric Research Institute, and Physician-in-Chief at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Dr Harris is a true champion for children and families. Her patient-first philosophy has guided a career defined by visionary leadership, groundbreaking medical research, and compassionate care
Dr. Harris’s impact stretches across some of the nation’s most respected academic institutions— including Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, and Washington University where she has played pivotal roles in clinical education, faculty development, and national healthcare initiatives She is a graduate of the prestigious ELAM Women’s Leadership program and was named a 2024 Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Her current work to establish a Center for Rare Disease, launch a pediatric stem cell transplant program, and expand the future pipeline of pediatric specialists continues to redefine the future of children’s medicine
This award celebrates Dr. Harris not only for her professional achievements, but also for her profound impact on the lives of children facing rare and life-threatening illnesses Her commitment to advancing research, championing innovation, and mentoring the next generation of pediatric leaders embodies the spirit of this honor. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and are honored to celebrate her at the 2025 Rose Gala
EVENT PROGRAM EVENT PROGRAM
5:30 PM – Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
6:30 PM – Dinner Program
• Welcome – Lauren Petrowski, Rose Gala Emcee
• Opening Remarks – Colleen Anderson-Hawthorn, President, To Cure A Rose Foundation
• Reflections – Casey McPherson, Founder, To Cure A Rose Foundation
• Patient First Impact Leadership Award – Honoring Dr. Z. Leah Harris, Physician-in-Chief at Dell Children’s Medical Center
• Fireside Chat – Dr. Rodney Bowling Jr., To Cure A Rose Foundation, Chief Scientific Officer
7:20 PM – Program Break
7:45 PM – Special Musical Performance by Casey McPherson
Studio Azul is a global production and consulting firm located in Austin, Texas. We specialize in managing the production of marketing campaigns and maximizing their effectiveness. We help top brands and agencies translate their best ideas into communication tools that drive measurable results.
studioazulinc.com
LIVE AUCTION LIVE AUCTION
COSTA RICA COASTAL LUXE GETAWAY
5-Night Stay | Costa Rica
Make yourself at home at "Pez Vela", a peaceful and private condo in the heart of the Central Pacific Coast just minutes from the beaches at Herradura, Jaco and Hermosa
Pacific Sun Estates is a resort-style, gated community with 24/7 security, free parking, luscious landscaping and a beautiful pool area.
This big, three-suite condo is perfect for families and features an open living/kitchen area and a big patio & grill for outdoor relaxation.
Your stay includes: 5-nights
Up to 6 guests
3 bedroom, 3 5 bath, laundry room
Pool, spa and waterfall
Gourmet kitchen
Courtyard view
Dates subject to availability. Travel must be completed by 12/31/2026.
Donated by the Ford Family
LIVE AUCTION LIVE AUCTION
ADORABLE AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE PUPPY
Fall in love with your new best friend! This female Australian Labradoodle puppy comes from a line known for intelligence, gentle temperament, and hypoallergenic coats These puppies are lovingly raised in a home environment and make exceptional family companions, therapy dogs, or loyal sidekicks. Don't miss the chance to bring home a bundle of joy and a lifetime of love! Includes a puppy starter kit donated by Erica P Millard.
Puppy has received age appropriate vaccines, is microchipped as well and dewormed. She has already had a wellness check with the vet. After the auction, the winner and breeder will schedule a date to sign a contract, review medical records, review care and take the puppy home
Donated by HeartRock Labradoodles
LIVE AUCTION LIVE AUCTION
Live Art Painting: A Rare Vision
Something extraordinary will unfold at this year’s Rose Gala. Throughout the evening, Polly Lang, a talented local artist, will create a one-of-a-kind 40x60 abstract canvas painted live in honor of the rare disease community. With each brushstroke, a powerful story will take shape one that speaks to resilience, beauty, and hope. The final image, revealed during the live auction, will hold a special meaning that lies at the very heart of our mission Stay tuned and witness as purpose becomes art.
About the Artist
Born in the mountains of Washington and now based in Austin, TX, Polly Lang is a painter who channels her feelings and intuition onto canvas. She draws endless inspiration from the strength, softness, beauty and ferocity of femininity Her deep love for animals and connection to the earth flows through every piece For Polly, painting is more than a medium–it’s her voice.
LIVE AUCTION LIVE AUCTION
ESCAPE TO MEXICO
5 Ni ht St | P t Mita
nta Mita development a cific coast.
Unwind in a private luxury residence surrounded by pristine beaches, breathtaking ocean views, world-renowned golf courses, and exceptional service
Your stay includes: 5-nights
Up to 6 guests
Luxury accommodations in a private residence
Access to exclusive beach clubs
For an additional fee, the opportunity to play golf on two spectacular Signature courses at Punta Mita, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus both offering extraordinary ocean views and world-class play.
This is a unique opportunity to relax, reconnect, and indulge in the very best life has to offer all in one of the most coveted destinations in the world.
Travel must be completed by 12/31/2026
Donated by Brian Masso
LIVE AUCTION LIVE AUCTION
NEW MEXICO MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Enjoy th mounta the uniq
heated saltillo tile floors and a kiva fireplace As a family of singer songwriters, international cooks and lovers of the outdoors, we hope you enjoy our piano, fully-equipped kitchen and nearby trails.
Your stay includes: 4-nights
4 guests / 1 family
Fully equipped kitchen
Satellite/Starlink WiFi & Netflix
Tesla charger
Piano
Includes round trip airport transfer donated by Taos.Limo & $100 Visa gift card donated by Huiping Zhu.
Dates subject to availability Travel must be completed by 12/31/2026
Blackout dates: weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s
Donated by Casey McPherson and Julia Vitarello
missionpaddleraise missionpaddleraise
To Cure A Rose Foundation is accelerating the path to genetic treatments for children with rare diseases starting with Rose, and reaching thousands more still waiting for answers. Through our nonprofit lab, TCAR RareLabs, and our patient-centered research model, we are turning hope into action, faster than ever before.
Tonight, in this ballroom, you have the power to make a direct and deeply meaningful impact Your gift during the Mission Paddle Raise fuels lifechanging research, brings urgently needed treatments to rare disease families, and helps ensure no child is left behind simply because their condition is too rare
Auctioneer Trey Morris will call out levels of $25,000, $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, and $100. When you hear the amount you wish to contribute, simply raise your paddle high until your number is called Guests are welcome to raise their paddle more than once and give at multiple levels throughout the paddle raise.
If you prefer to give privately, you may do so at the Registration area Kindly refrain from raising your paddle if you plan to contribute in private. Every gift makes a difference and every dollar is 100% tax deductible. Thank you for standing with us to change the future for children with rare
Thank You to the To Cure A Rose Foundation Board of Directors and Scientific Advisors!
(in alphabetical order)
Courtney Banks, PhD
Rodney Bowling, PhD
Robert Cabrera, PhD
Richard Finnell, PhD
Judy Foppiano, CPA
Neda Ghousifam, PhD
Huiping Zhu, MD, PhD
Casey McPherson
Jen SanMiguel, PhD
Mike Moazami, MD, PhD
Bud Sartain, CPA
Peter Sleeper
Patti Stoetzner
Julia Vitarello
Thank You to Our Generous Auction Donors
We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated items to the live and silent auctions for the Rose Gala. Your generosity brings excitement to the event and plays a vital role in helping us fund critical research and support for families affected by rare genetic diseases. Thank you for standing with us in our mission.
HeartRock Labradoodles
Hai Hospitality
Bird Bird Biscuit
Taos.Limo
thank
Austin Zoo
Anna Kraft
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Kendra Scott
Shirttail Farms
youGolfinity
Ford Family
Polly Lang
Cassie Tekyl
Dee Ann Lambert
Jerry Bottenfield
Sherry Reeves
Erica P Millard
Huiping Zhu
Brian Masso
Julia Vitarello
Casey McPherson
Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers
To all of our incredible Rose Gala volunteers—thank you! Your time, energy, and heart make this night unforgettable. From setup to closing, you are the hands and hearts behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly. We couldn’t do this without you, and we are so grateful for your dedication.
Erica P Millard
Jeremy Gryder
Pat Piper
Hanna Everhart
Gail Gibson
Dee Ann Lambert
Ellen Wavro
Xingyi Zhu
Robyn Aragues
Dillon Mapstone
Jen Seals
Caren Upshaw
Thank You to Our Wonderful Vendors
A heartfelt thank you to all the vendors who help bring the Rose Gala to life. Your talent, professionalism, and attention to detail create an unforgettable experience for our guests. We are grateful for your partnership and support in making this evening so special.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Morris Auctioneers
Pinnacle Live
Pixster Photo Booths
Jordan Flowers & Events
DJ Wizard
Jack Myer Photo
Baudville
The Personalized Approach to Preclinical Rare Disease Science.
Born in Austin. Built for Patients, Families, and Foundations.
At TCAR RareLabs, we believe patients deserve more than promises they deserve treatments. That’s why we’ve reimagined the traditional preclinical lab into something faster, more focused, and relentlessly patient-driven
Our model brings together small, agile teams of scientists who work with urgency to develop personalized, proof-ofconcept therapies We are patient-first and science-led, giving families ownership of their data and intellectual property because those closest to the disease should help drive the path to cures
We’re modality-agnostic, using the right tool for biology whether it’s gene therapy, ASOs, or small molecules. Our cross-trained team takes a generalist approach that allows us to pivot quickly, fail fast, and learn even faste landscape filled with uncertainty, we bring clarity a especially in rare diseases with suspected genet
It’s Working.
In just three years, TCAR RareLabs has delivere successful proof-of-concept treatments—includin gene therapy and three in antisense oligonucleotid development along with two completed drug rep programs in collaboration with National Center for A Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the Na Institutes of Health (NIH)
Today, we support ten active programs for fifteen spanning a broad spectrum of rare diseases and th modalities. Our global footprint includes familie Australia, Singapore, Austria, the Netherlands, and demonstrating that a small, agile model can achiev impact on a global scale
Every paddle raised, every note played, and every act of generosity tonight powers Rise for Rare—a movement sparked by Rose’s story and fueled by the science that brings families closer to answers and treatments.
Together, we rise—with urgency, with purpose, and with unwavering momentum.
