On behalf of the 850,000,000 people worldwide with kidney diseases, the Cele Fogarty Travel Support Program for Patients ("Cele's Champions") honors people living with kidney diseases or caring for an individual with kidney diseases by supporting their voice and advocacy.
Cecilia "Cele" Agnes Fogarty was a leading executive in event management and member services for decades, advancing the work of several major organizations in health care, medicine, science, and other areas. Ms. Fogarty was renowned for her ability to manage the most complex meeting logistics, anticipate challenges, and meet the unexpected crises—large and small—with aplomb and sometimes magic. Her dedication and persistence parallel the courage and diligence to live well with a chronic disease. Throughout her career, she mentored countless meeting and event professionals as well as other staff from not-for-profit organizations and the hospitality industry.
Prior to joining the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) in 2013 as a full-time member of its staff, Ms. Fogarty was Vice President of Event Services for Smith Bucklin. In addition to her management responsibilities for ASN, she worked closely with other client organizations, including the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research and the Rehabilitation, Engineering and Assistive Technology Society (RESNA). In her role with RESNA, she became a leading industry expert in the implementation of the then newly enacted Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. She worked passionately to ensure that hotels and convention facilities accommodated people with disabilities.
Prior to her death in 2021, Ms. Fogarty served as ASN Vice President for Meetings and Member Experience. She and her team were responsible for managing the logistics for ASN Kidney Week (the largest nephrology meeting in the world), the society's other national and international events, and related activities. Starting with the ASN Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX, in 1988, she oversaw logistics for every conference through ASN Kidney Week 2020 Reimagined. Despite being diagnosed with kidney disease herself, Ms. Fogarty continued to work towards "A world without kidney diseases," including the strenuous onsite meeting management, due to the flexibility of peritoneal dialysis, and commitment and support of her care team.
ASN is committed to including the patient voice throughout the organization and in its activities. To honor Ms. Fogarty, her commitment to mentorship, and her passion for accommodating all people regardless of the challenges they may face, ASN will provide up to 10 individuals with travel support to attend ASN Kidney Week, the meeting that Ms. Fogarty worked so hard to organize and execute.
Eligibility and Award
Awardees may be newly diagnosed, have lived with kidney diseases for many years, or have served as a care partner but must consider themselves as a patient advocate who speaks up for the 850,000,000 people worldwide—including 37,0000,000 Americans—with kidney diseases. Ideal applicants will have experience with or interest in working with the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health to create a world without kidney diseases. Previous recipients of the Cele's Champion travel grant are not eligible.
All awardees will receive complimentary membership to ASN for one year, complimentary registration to ASN Kidney Week 2024, and $1,500 travel support to attend the annual meeting in-person. The travel support is intended to offset the costs associated with travel, hotel accommodations, and meals. This year's Kidney Week annual meeting will be held in San Diego, California, from October 24-27, 2024.
ASN will highlight the Cele's Champions in several activities during Kidney Week 2024, starting with the Opening Plenary Session on Thursday, October 24, at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Additional suggestions for how to maximize participation in the meeting will be offered to all awardees.
Selection Criteria
Kidney diseases impact a wide range of individuals and families. The selection committee will prioritize a diverse selection of recipients. All awardees must be able to participate in-person. The event is held in the San Diego Convention Center and the surrounding hotels. Participation will require significant walking or transportation. Kidney Week provides shuttle bus service from hotels that are not walking distance to the convention center and the full shuttle schedule is listed link . You can find more information on how to rent a scooter at the convention center and other information on accessibility in the convention center and San Diego at this link .
With over 13,000 people in attendance, this meeting is larger than an event held at a single hotel. Please visit the Kidney Week 2024 website to review information on the city and convention center in order to ensure all applications understand the complexity and expansiveness of the meeting prior to application or acceptance of an award.
ASN plans to notify all awardees and applicants by Friday, August 16, in order to ensure an appropriate time for travel plans.
Application and Deadline: July 12, 2024
Questions?
Please contact Melissa West, ASN Senior Director for Strategic Relations and Patient Engagement at mwest@asn-online.org.
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