By: Aimee Adler Cooke

Photography by Jerod Harris Getty Images

Tony Award-winning actress and advocate Ali Stroker to be honored alongside leaders in Spine and Brain Health

Walking With Anthony, the nonprofit dedicated to transforming recovery outcomes for spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors, proudly announces the honorees for its annual Stand Up for a Cause gala, taking place Friday, October 24, 2025, at the prestigious Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. This year’s event also marks the organization’s milestone 15th anniversary of delivering critical funding, advocacy, and hope to SCI survivors across the country.

The dinner program will shine a spotlight on leaders whose groundbreaking work is reshaping the future of SCI recovery. This year’s event will honor Tony Award–winning actress and singer Ali Stroker for her groundbreaking contributions to authentic disability representation in the arts. As the first performer who uses a wheelchair for mobility to appear on Broadway and receive a Tony Award, Stroker continues to empower spinal cord injury survivors with her motto: turn your limitations into opportunities.

In addition, the organization will honor the nationally recognized Hoag Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and Hoag Spine Institute, known for their therapeutic innovation and patient-centered approach, as well as Daniel Amen, MD, Double-Board Leading Psychiatrist in the field of mental health and founder of Amen Clinics.

“Recovery is not just physical—it’s about hope, strength, and mental well-being”, said Anthony Purcell, Executive Director of Walking With Anthony. “Honoring leaders in spine and mental health care shows survivors that recovery is about the whole person, not just the injury.”

In addition to the honorees, the organization has an impressive roster of spinal cord injury community influencers Kevin Ortiz (@wheelchairkev), Anthony Sanchez (@wheelchairapapi), Chelsie Hill (@chelsiehill), Natalie Buchoz (@nataliebuchoz), and Jesse Billauer (@jessebillauer), alongside the cast and crew of the award-winning film DARUMA, a groundbreaking production redefining authentic disability representation in the arts & entertainment industry.

Notable attendees include DARUMA lead actors Tobias Forrest (a quadriplegic actor and recipient of the Christopher Reeve Acting Award presented by Marlee Matlin), and John W. Lawson (a double-hand amputee and Best Actor winner at the Slamdance Film Festival), along with director Alexander Yellen and writer-producer Kelli McNeil-Yellen.

“Fifteen years ago, Walking With Anthony was born out of hope, perseverance, and a belief that recovery is possible,” said Micki Purcell, Founder and CEO of Walking With Anthony. “The right therapy at the right time can be the difference between a life of isolation and one of independence. Recovery can’t wait.”

The unforgettable evening will feature a star-studded red-carpet entrance, hosted cocktails, gourmet dinner, raffles and prizes, live music, dancing, and highly anticipated live & silent auctions, all raising critical funds for SCI survivors. Proceeds will help cover recovery costs such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, and essential equipment—expenses that can exceed $1 million in the first year alone and are often not covered by insurance.

Walking With Anthony was founded after Anthony Purcell suffered a devastating SCI in 2010. His mother, Micki Purcell, refused to accept a fate of permanent paralysis for her son—and together, they launched a mission to help others in similar situations. Today, the organization provides life-changing grants, advocacy, and hope to SCI survivors across the country.

Sponsors of the evening include ADP, Bentley Newport Beach, Crystal Capital Partners, Diamonds Direct, EverBank, Hoag Hospital, JetBlue, JP Morgan Private Bank, Riviera Magazine, Round Table Financial, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

For tickets, sponsorships, or to learn more, visit https://walkingwithanthony.org/stand-up-for-a-cause.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Location: The Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA
Program: Red Carpet Arrival, Hosted Cocktails, Hors d ’Oeuvres, Dinner, Premier Live & Silent Auction, Live Music & Dancing
Honorees: Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker, Hoag Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and Hoag Spine Institute, Daniel Amen, MD, of Amen Clinics.

Tickets & Sponsorships:

Individual Tickets: $375
Table of 10: $3,500
Sponsorships range from $2,500 – $100,000

Contact: info@walkingwithanthony.org | (888) 712-4992 https://walkingwithanthony.org/stand-up-for-a-cause

About Walking With Anthony
Founded by Anthony Purcell and his mother Micki after a life-altering accident, Walking With Anthony is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the recovery outcomes of SCI survivors. Through grants, advocacy, and awareness, the foundation helps survivors regain strength, independence, and mobility while changing the public perception of what recovery from spinal cord injury truly means. For more information, please visit www.walkingwithanthony.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Aimee Adler Cooke

561-302-6902 | aimeea@brightideapr.com