New York AIR Society Event Features National Jewish Health Frontline Doctors

Virtual Event Celebrates Spirit of Caring and Collaboration during COVID-19

The 28^th Annual National Jewish Health New York AIR Society benefit -- The Sky’s The Limit will be held on Oct. 29, 2020. This live, online event will include a video that features several of the 15 doctors who traveled from National Jewish Health to New York City during the early days of the pandemic to work with their colleagues at Mount Sinai. Other doctors will share their experiences and insights in breakout sessions following the program. The event begins at 8 p.m. (EDT) followed by virtual breakout sessions beginning at 9 p.m.

 “It was a transformational experience for our physicians who volunteered to come to New York and serve in the ICUs during the height of the first surge of the pandemic in the spring,” said William Janssen, MD, head of critical care at National Jewish Health. “They witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the virus and were able to support and work with the New York teams. Ultimately, we are all in this together and collaboration in times of need is vital.”

All funds raised at the event will support respiratory care for people from around the country treated at National Jewish Health, and more than 80 COVID-19-related research projects. Event sponsors are: Ambassador Construction Company; Kathy Chazen and Larry Miller; Nancy Deifik; Kaback Enterprises, Inc.; Newmark Knight Frank; The Silverstein Family; and Amanda and Matt Withleiler.

Co-chairs emeritus for this year’s event are Kathy A. Chazen, Peter Galperin, and Roger A. Silverstein.  Silverstein was last year’s award recipient and he noted, “We could not think of a more appropriate honoree this year than our own doctors who risked their lives, left their families at home, and went to the epicenter to save lives.”  

Event Co-chairs are Jennifer and Kyle Widay. Founding members of the AIR Society are: Kathy Chazen; Michael Comras; Bruce Dobozin, MD; Stacey & Keith Locker; Jeffrey Rubin; and Roger Silverstein.

The AIR Society was formed in 1991. AIR stands for Asthma, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine. Some of the founding members, or their family members, had been treated for asthma, allergies and/or immune system disorders at National Jewish Health and formed the group as a way to give back. Since its inception, the AIR Society has raised more than $5 million to fund research and patient care, and clinical and educational programs at National Jewish Health.

To register for the virtual event, contact Mattie Shepheard at 720.591.4139, or ShepheardM@njhealth.org, or to learn more about the event visit AIRSociety.org, fb.com/NJHealth, #nyairsociety.