More than 300 guests, including leading pain experts from all over the country, attended the 2007 San Francisco Triumph Dinner at the Old Federal Reserve Building on Thursday, March 29, 2007. The dinner raised significant funds in support of the NPF's mission and work on behalf of 75 million Americans living with chronic pain. The event was emceed by comedian Dan St. Paul and featured wines from local wineries, gourmet food, silent and live auctions, a tribute to the late John C. Oakley, MD, and presentations of awards. View photos from the event.

Tribute to John C. Oakley, MD
The 2007 San Francisco Triumph Dinner was dedicated to John Oakley, MD, a world renowned expert in pain medicine and founding board member of the National Pain Foundation, who died last year in a plane crash. In tribute to Dr. Oakley, Allen R. Dyer, MD, PhD, wrote in the dinner program, "John was a family man, a church man, a loyal friend, a devoted physician, a good citizen of the communities in which he lived. He was a kind man. He transformed the world for the better. John was an adventurer and for this we loved him. We shall miss him, but his spirit will live on. It will be an inspiration to us as we carry on our own work, inspired by his example." Dr. Oakley's contributions to the field of pain medicine and his compassion for and dedication to his patients was highlighted when Dr. Elliot Krames presented Shirley Oakley with the first John C. Oakley Pioneers in Pain Medicine Award, which was given to her husband posthumously. Watch the tribute video.

As part of the tribute to Dr. Oakley, Dr. Krames announced that the John C. Oakley M.D. Pain and Research Memorial Fund has been established to honor the legacy of Dr. Oakley' s compassionate care to patients with chronic pain by:

• supporting his search for better methods of pain management through clinical research and new technologies

• honoring his gift of teaching through support of educational opportunities for patients and physicians

•  honoring his faith by continuing his exploration of pain and spirituality and

• honoring his pursuit of excellence in care by supporting and encouraging physicians going into pain management.

Triumph Award — Triumph of the Spirit
The Triumph Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant difference in the lives of others living in pain. Millions of people live with chronic, debilitating pain. People in pain face enormous obstacles — from disbelief on the part of health care providers, employers and even family members and friends to the physical, mental and financial toll pain takes on a person's life. Most people living with pain find a way to keep moving forward every day despite the obstacles they face. A few do it with the grace and courage that inspires us all to continue to educate and validate those who do not have a voice.

Dr. Bert Ray, Chairman of the National Pain Foundation's Board of Directors, presented the Triumph Award to Carlana Stone Lawson for her courage, determination and strength of spirit. Watch the triumph video.

At 17, Carlana was a passenger in a car driven by a drunk driver, who later crashed. As a result of her injuries suffered in the accident, Carlana lost the use of her legs. She embarked on a 20-year journey to find a way to walk again. Eventually, Carlana moved on from searching for a cure to integrating her disability into her life. She wrote Never Give In, Never Give Up, a book that chronicles her experiences and achievements as the first wheelchair-bound on-air reporter in Miami and television producer in Hollywood to becoming the first American female paraplegic in the United States to fly solo. Carlana recently launched the Courage Community, a foundation to support veterans who have suffered spinal cord injuries and amputations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Celina Field Caregiver Award
One of the casualties of pain is the family — family relationships can suffer because of a loved one's pain. Caregivers — whether they are health care providers, family members or friends — are the unsung heroes of people living with pain. The Celina Field Award recognizes an individual for excellence in caregiving and his or her devotion to helping those living in pain.

Dr. Eric Grigsby presented the 2007 Celina Field Caregiver award to Retha Caldwell for her dedication and excellence in caregiving for her husband, Grady, who contracted polio in 1950 and was left paraplegic with sensation. Grady suffers from chronic neuropathic and somatic pain related to post-polio syndrome. Dr. Grigsby praised Retha's care of her husband, saying "Because of Retha's dedication, diligence and commitment to her husband and his care, Grady is able to live at home with his wife, travel and socialize with family and friends." Watch the triumph video.

Thank you!
The National Pain Foundation extends a heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and companies involved in making the Triumph Dinner possible. Your generous support is invaluable to our mission of helping people living with daily pain.

2007 San Francisco Host Committee

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

	Oris E. Kirk

Table Sponsors

The National Pain Foundation extends a heartfelt thanks to:

and to the wineries that donated wine for the dinner:

The 2007 San Francisco Triumph Dinner Auction was made possible
by the generous support of the following companies and individuals: