CPF also recognizes J.P. Morgan with the Volcker Award for Innovation in Finance & Philanthropy

Renowned disability advocate, philanthropist, author, and television executive, Loreen Arbus, will this evening (Monday) be honored with the Goldenson Legacy Humanitarian Award for her work to improve the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy. The award will be presented at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s 70th anniversary gala in New York City.

Ms Arbus has dedicated her life to advocating for children with disabilities and their caregivers. Her beloved sister Cookie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), inspiring her parents, Isabelle and Leonard Goldenson (along with Ethel and Jack Hausman), to found United Cerebral Palsy Research and Education Foundation, a precursor to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF). Ms Arbus has continued their proud legacy through her advocacy and philanthropic work, which has helped to support thousands of children and families with CP.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s gala, Rachel Byrne, Executive Director of the Foundation, said: “Loreen Arbus embodies what it means to live a life of impact. She has been tireless in her efforts to advocate for people with disabilities and those who care for them. She has been involved in countless projects to lift up the marginalized, she opens up her home to raise funds, and most importantly, she speaks loudly and proudly about the importance of inclusion. Tonight we honor her work, which has impacted thousands of people globally, and thank her for her unwavering determination to help others.”

In addition to Ms Arbus’ award, this year’s Volcker Award for Innovation in Finance & Philanthropy is being presented to J.P. Morgan and Brian Collins for their visionary leadership and enduring commitment to social impact through financial innovation. Established in honor of the late Paul A. Volcker, the esteemed former Chair of the Federal Reserve and longtime CFP Board Chair, the award recognizes institutions and individuals whose work advances both economic integrity and public good. The award will be presented by Rob Kapito, Co-Founder and President of BlackRock, and James Volcker, son of Paul Volcker.

Additional honorees will include Dr. Diane L. Damiano, recipient of the Scientific and Healthcare Leadership Award, for her pioneering work advancing science and care to improve outcomes for people with cerebral palsy; actress Jessy Yates, recipient of the Breakthrough Performance Award, for her groundbreaking creative work that elevates disability representation; and Brad Serot, recipient of the Community Leadership Award, for his extraordinary leadership in mobilizing communities and resources in support of disability inclusion.

Cerebral palsy affects 50 million people globally, making it the most common childhood-acquired lifelong physical disability. Despite its prevalence, it is chronically underfunded. The Foundation focuses on cutting-edge research, transforming healthcare systems, improving prevention and early detection, and providing effective interventions— while accelerating efforts to find a cure.

This year, the Foundation celebrates seven decades of action. First established as the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation in 1955, the Foundation partnered with pioneering researchers and scientists like Dr Sidney Farber to pursue new therapies and improve the lives of people with CP.

In 1969, research funded by the Foundation led to the development of a vaccine for Rubella, one of the leading causes of CP at the time. In the decades that followed, CPF has continued to fund medical breakthroughs and has successfully lowered the average age of diagnosis in the US from 2 years to 9 months. Our work is rooted in the belief that philanthropy, science, and urgency can converge to prevent lifelong disability.

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