Events 15th Anniversary Duncan NRI Gala

More than 450 philanthropists, doctors, scientists, researchers and patient families celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Duncan Neurological Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital. It is at the Duncan NRI, where “solving the unsolvable” is advancing the understanding of brain disorders and discovering novel treatments that will help millions throughout the world.

The evening began with a reception, followed by a program with Founding Director Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi leading the conversation with special guests, NBC News’ Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel and actress and founder of Eva’s Heroes Eva Longoria.

Engel shared the diagnostic journey that he and his wife, Mary, experienced at the Duncan NRI, where they met Dr. Zoghbi, whose life has been to understand and develop a treatment for Rett syndrome. He lauded Dr. Zoghbi’s groundbreaking discoveries, made possible in part because of the support inspired by their son, Henry, and his legacy that continues as researchers continue to study his cells. This cutting-edge research provides early proof that the Duncan NRI’s approach could lead to a new therapy for Rett syndrome.

Longoria shared her sister Liza intellectual disability, which shaped the formation of Eva’s Heroes 20 years, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with special intellectual needs ages 14 and older.

Dr. Zoghbi concluded the program expressing how far the Duncan NRI has come in 15 years, from solving unsolved pediatric diseases to uncovering connections to adult disorders.

Continuing an evening of discovery, guests proceeded to a seated dinner inside the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Morian Hall of Paleontology and overlook.

The milestone meal, catered by City Kitchen, featured chilled carrot & fennel soup and pan-seared sea bass, ending on a sweet note with a chocolate & dulce de leche tart with salted caramel mousse, toasted marshmallow gelato and raspberries.

Propelling the next chapter of the Duncan NRI, the evening raised over $13 million, including the surprise announcement of a $10 million gift from the Hamill Foundation, designated to advance new therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease.

Guests left inspired and looking forward to the next 15 years of the Duncan NRI’s advancements in “solving the unsolvable.”