Last night MODERN SALON Editors attended the 2013 City of Hope Gala on the Mandalay Bay Hotel during Cosmoprof North America in Las Vegas. The evening opened with a cocktail reception, after which proceeded to dinner with motivational speeches by diabetes survivors to industry leaders.

The gala kicked off with a welcome speech by Celebrity Emcee, Mario Lopez who introduced special guest Susan Weinberg, a City of Hope patient who’s the longest living survivor of the “Island Transplant.” Weinberg discussed her struggles with diabetes, which she had since childhood. Throughout time her diabetes became so overbearing that each time she ate or drank something she had to take an injection. “After feeling helpless for a few years thanks to my condition, i discovered out that City of Hope was doing an experimental study on diabetes. The procedure consisted of them taking insulin from a healthy patient after which injecting the insulin in my liver. It worked, and within 12 hours i used to be creating insulin by myself. It’s been over 9 years, and that i haven’t gotten a low blood sugar episode!”

“I am now not trapped in my very own body, I didn’t realize what number of people are undiagnosed daily, i’m committed to City of hope and i’m so thankful they helped me get my life back,” says Weinberg.

After a dinner intermission, Richard Carranza, Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School, presented The Spirit of Life Award to his brother Reuben Carranza. In a heartwarming acknowledgment, Rebuen said the message below.

“I am very humbled by this award, there are millions of professionals that make a difference in people’s lives each day. How fortunate are we to join an industry, a profession and a craft, how fortunate are we as hairdressers to the touch half North America population every four weeks within the most intimate way, it’s an impressive opportunity. i used to be fortunate to be the godson of a hairdresser, I witnessed the facility of relationships between the buyer and the pro. What a formidable group, this is the reason i think our relationship with City of Hope is so powerful. City of Hope is our business’ best partner.

“Our Hope common campaign can grow past this dinner and we have to cope with diabetes that’s ravaging our industry. We would have liked to elevate $1.5 million for this campaign and as of Friday, we’ve got surpassed the 1.5 million donation! Things that we said couldn’t happen happened, we’ve all aspects of our industry involved. We’re coming together as a industry as we should always. Lastly, i want your help as the campaign isn’t over, as Mario referenced we’ve got this facing November. Please continue the fight through your fundraising. i’m proud to be a citizen of hope and i’m happy to have you ever as all citizens of hope in addition.

The event concluded with Carranza announcing the 2014 Spirit of Life Award Winner—Harland Kirshner!

Stay tuned to a video of Carranza’s speech.