Cyclists, runners, and walkers came together on Sunday, September 10th for the 27th Annual Livestrong Challenge event. Benefiting Livestrong Navigation, Fertility, Solution Grants, and more, UT Health Austin Livestrong Cancer Institutes are pleased to support this year’s Challenge. Walking, running, and cycling courses began and ended at Auditorium Shores. The event raised over $380,000.00 with over 1800 participants joining in from 35 states and 7 countries.

UT Health Austin team members joined the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) for the 2023 MSAA Anniversary Challenge in Austin. Neurologist Léorah Freeman MD, PhD, and clinical fellow Diana Andino, MD, of UT Health Austin’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center participated in a panel about living with multiple sclerosis.

MSAA improves the lives of tens of thousands of individuals with MS, their families and their care partners each year by providing free, vital programs and services such as: a toll-free Helpline; award-winning publications including a magazine, The Motivator; dynamic website featuring educational videos and research updates; S.E.A.R.C.H.™ program to assist the MS community with learning about different treatment choices; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™; a resource database, My MS Resource Locator®; equipment distribution; educational programs and activities; MRI funding; and more.

UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute and Rheumatology Clinic won the Largest Team Award at the 2023 Walk to Cure Arthritis in Austin. This walk raised money to advance arthritis treatments and find a cure, develop resources, and take action to improve people’s lives.

Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association in partnership with the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society (CAPS), the Austin Caregiver Conference was a day full of caregiving best practices, the latest updates in research, treatment options, and much more. UT Health Austin neuropsychologist Robin Hilsabeck, PhD, Director of the Comprehensive Memory Center, served as the conference’s keynote speaker. Dr. Hilsabeck specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as related forms of cognitive impairment.

Learn more about dementia caregiver support at UT Health Austin.

Bloom was a great community gathering for parents and community partners. Parents had the opportunity to listen to experts discuss various topics from experts in ob-gyn, reproductive mental health, pediatrics, pelvic floor physical therapy, and much more. Thanks to all the vendors and Austin Moms Collective for hosting the event.

The Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology care teams joined their patients and Central Texans to participate in the MS Walk on April 1 at Concordia University. The money raised will drive groundbreaking research, provide life-changing programs and guarantee a supportive community for those who need it most.

UT Health Austin Musculoskeletal Institute was the Preferred First Aid Provider of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. Clinicians of the Sports and Injury Clinic care team provided medical tent support and services throughout the event.

Hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, the annual event in Zilker Park celebrates the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home. The most beloved, and longest-running holiday tradition of its kind in Texas’ capital city, Austin Trail of Lights powered by H-E-B, welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests from Central Texas and around the world each year for its jubilant displays of lights. The Trail of Lights Foundation is an independent nonprofit corporation dedicated to the production of the Austin Trail of Lights as an authentically Austin community celebration.

The UT Health Austin Comprehensive Memory Center in the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences provides comprehensive care to patients and families who are living with conditions that impact memory, behavior, and other cognitive functions. Our goal is to help determine what is causing the changes our patients are experiencing and support them and their loved ones through the process. Each year the clinicians and staff walk in support and bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and the search for a cure.

UT Health Austin supported the Komen More Than Pink Walk in raising funds to provide more effective treatments for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Approximately one-third of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S. live at least 5 years after diagnosis*. Some women may live 10 or more years beyond diagnosis*.

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s walk and a big thank you to UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Sports and Injury Clinic for providing medical services during the walk. Donations are welcome and are still being accepted.

*Komen Cancer Statistics and References

UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute provided medical tent services for the riders at this event to honor cancer survivors and advance cancer care and research. Gifts to the Dell Med team support innovative cancer care and research at Dell Med’s own Livestrong Cancer Institutes - you make a real difference for our patients and families.

Thank you to all who joined our medical honoree and orthopedic surgeon Karl Koenig, MD from UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute in raising funds and awareness for this year’s Walk to Cure Arthritis. Dietitian Carla Cos, RD, LD presented a short seminar on foods individuals with arthritis can eat to avoid inflammation and how to “eat the rainbow” for good health. With 1 in 4 adults in the US currently with arthritis and an expected 78 million expected to have arthritis by 2040, we can make a difference in arthritis research and future treatments. The UT Health Austin team was recognized as a Top Fundraiser for the team, a special thanks to the “Christi and Kevin Bozic Family Foundation” for their generous contribution of $1000.00.

We couldn’t be in two places at once but are proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Heart Walk. Please join the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease as they continue to treat and care for the smallest Heart Warriors. We hoped you enjoyed the “Growing with Us” activation sponsored by UT Health Austin and learned more about the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease and the incredible work being done by the dedicated physicians and staff. Donations are welcome and are still being accepted.

Thank you to the participants in our annual screening mammogram event. Even though this event is over, it’s never too late to schedule your screening mammogram. You can do so by calling 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737). Remember, screening mammograms can detect cancer at early stages, oftentimes before a lump can be felt. When you get screened for breast cancer regularly, you increase your chance of surviving a breast cancer diagnosis by 30%. UT Health Austin’s Imaging Center offers the latest in 3D mammography technology for clearer images and more accurate results. Take 20 minutes out of your day to show yourself some love by getting a screening mammogram during UT Health Austin’s “Love Yourself” Mammo Mixer. Patients with orders for bone densitometry are also able to schedule their bone density screenings during this time.

Walk MS brings together passionate people from communities across the country to change the world for people affected by multiple sclerosis. Members of UT Health Austin’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center are uniting to end MS forever by participating in the walk and raising funds to change the world for everyone affected by MS. Pictured are Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center physicians, staff, and researchers who supported the walk.

UT Health Austin’s Sports and Injury Clinic proudly served as the preferred 2022 On-Site First Aid Provider of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. Pictured are members of the Sports and Injury Clinic care team, UT Health Austin staff members, and Dell Medical School student and resident volunteers who provided medical tent support and services throughout the event.

Get Your Rear in Gear is the signature event of the Colon Cancer Coalition. It is the largest colon cancer-focused event series in the United States. This event raises awareness for colon cancer, taking care of your body, and making healthy choices. Pictured are members of the Digestive Health care team, S. Joga Ivatury, MD, MHA (center) and Deepak Agrawal, MD, MPH (right), and their families.

Annual screening mammograms save lives! Screening mammograms can detect cancer at early stages, oftentimes before a lump can be felt. When you get screened for breast cancer regularly, you increase your chance of surviving a breast cancer diagnosis by 30%. UT Health Austin’s Imaging Center offers the latest in 3D mammography technology for clearer images and more accurate results. Patients took 20 minutes out of their day to show themselves some love by getting a screening mammogram during UT Health Austin’s “Love Yourself” Mammo Mixer. Patients with orders for bone densitometry were also able to schedule their bone density screenings during this time. All participants received a giveaway item courtesy of UT Health Austin. It’s never too late to schedule your screening mammogram. You can do so by calling 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737).

UT Health Austin and a million others across the nation came together to raise funds to provide more effective treatments for those living with metastatic breast cancer by participating in Susan G. Komen’s Austin More Than Pink Walk. Participants were able to join in person for a family-friendly (including children and pets) walk in downtown Austin. Pictures are members of UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute who provided medical tent services at the event.

UT Health Austin and Dell Children’s Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease as well as a million other Heart Walk Heroes from across the nation came together to raise funds for lifesaving science by participating in the American Heart Association’s Austin Heart & Stroke Walk. Participants were able to join virtually using the Heart Walk app for Apple or the Heart Walk app for Android and in person for a family-friendly (including children and pets) walk in downtown Austin. Pictured is Grace Jennings (left), former patient of Charles Fraser, Jr., MD, and her mother, Jamie Jennings (right).

Participants of the virtual Livestrong Challenge came together to engage in physical activity in the form of biking, running, dancing, and more. Proceeds from the challenge will be used to support innovative cancer care and research, including the work of the Dell Medical School’s own Livestrong Cancer Institutes.

UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center joined more than 600 communities nationwide in raising awareness and funds for research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Pictured is the Comprehensive Memory Center team and their family and friends participating in the 2021 walk at the Austin Q2 Stadium.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis is the largest arthritis-focused gathering in the world. This year’s Walk to Cure Arthritis included a virtual Walk to Cure Arthritis and an in-person component: a family-friendly drive-in movie night! Participants remained safely in their cars as they drove through and visited sponsor tables before watching a special slideshow highlighting sponsors, honorees, volunteers, and top teams. Everyone was then invited to stay and enjoy a family-friendly movie at Stars & Stripes Drive-in Theatre! Virtual events were hosted through Facebook LIVE, shared posts, and videos on all local community, state, and national Arthritis Foundation Facebook pages.

Get Your Rear in Gear is the signature event of the Colon Cancer Coalition. It is the largest colon cancer-focused event series in the United States. This event raises awareness for colon cancer, taking care of your body, and making healthy choices. Pictured is UT Health Austin’s Marketing Team cheering on participants on behalf of the Digestive Health team.

UT Health Austin and Dell Children’s Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease as well as a million other Heart Walk Heroes from across the nation raised funds for lifesaving science by participating in the American Heart Association’s Austin Heart & Stroke Walk.

Participants of the virtual Livestrong Challenge engaged in physical activity in the form of biking, running, dancing, and more. Proceeds from the challenge were used to support innovative cancer care and research, including the work of the Dell Medical School’s own Livestrong Cancer Institutes.

UT Health Austin and a million others across the nation raised funds to provide more effective treatments for those living with metastatic breast cancer by participating in Susan G. Komen’s Austin Virtual More Than Pink Walk. Participants attended a drive-thru ceremony to pick up their t-shirts and help celebrate survivors during the socially distanced Car Parade of Hope. Members of UT Health Austin’s Marketing Team coordinated a surprise visit from The University of Texas at Austin’s beloved mascot, Hook ‘Em, and handed out hand sanitizer, brandanas, and more to those participating in the walk.

UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center raised awareness and funds for research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Virtual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Pictured is Holly Cross, MSN, RN, (left) participating in the 2020 walk.

UT Health Austin social worker, Cynthia Corral, LCSW, shared multiple ways to cope while living with a chronic illness through a variety of mindfulness skills. This seminar was hosted by the Arthritis Foundation.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis is the largest arthritis-focused gathering in the world. To adhere to social distancing, participants were invited to walk on their own followed by a Facebook LIVE celebration involving conversations and stories about why we’re all so passionate about conquering this life-altering disease. Virtual events were hosted through Facebook LIVE, shared posts, and videos on all local community, state, and national Arthritis Foundation Facebook pages.

The annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is a free family-friendly rally and festival that provides information about community services while empowering children and families to rise above mental health stigma.

The Longhorn Run is a 5K and 10K race produced by the combined efforts of The University of Texas at Austin Student Government and Recreational Sports. The race has become an annual event that thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, family members, and the Austin community place on their calendar yearly, and this year we celebrated 10 years of Longhorn Run.

Get Your Rear in Gear is the signature event of the Colon Cancer Coalition. It is the largest colon cancer-focused event series in the United States. This event raises awareness for colon cancer, taking care of your body, and making healthy choices. Pictured is the Digestive Health team and their families and friends participating in the 2020 run.

The Myeloma Crowd Round Tables are day-long patient education meetings featuring world-class experts to assist patients and caregivers to make decisions about their treatment and care. The presentations make the most difficult issues in myeloma research and treatment (e.g., high-risk, relapsed, and refractory disease) understandable for patients and caregivers to help them make informed treatment decisions. UT Health Austin hematologic oncologist William Matsui, MD, in the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes, presented at this event.

Being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a life-changing experience. At this free event, UT Health Austin rheumatologist Samantha Shapiro, MD, shared expert guidance on learning to set and track your own health goals, communicate more effectively with your doctor, and other tips on how to live better with your RA. Participants left armed with the tools, education, and support to start saying Yes more than No!

This chef-prepared luncheon included presentations from UT Health Austin pediatric neurology specialists, discussing the expansion of UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s Medical Center. A panel discussion was followed by a question and answer session with these nationally recognized neuroscience experts covering the medical and surgical treatment of pediatric epilepsy and seizure disorders and their interdisciplinary approach for the treatment of headaches in adolescents and children.

UT Health Austin and Dell Children’s Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease joined a million Heart Walk Heroes from across the nation, raising funds for lifesaving science by participating in the American Heart Association’s Austin Heart & Stroke Walk.

Participants of the Livestrong Challenge completed 20-, 45-, 65-, and 100-mile bike routes through the Texas Hill Country to raise money for the revolutionary Livestrong Cancer Institutes. Pictured is UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute team, who provided a medical tent and services for this event.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis is the largest arthritis-focused gathering in the world. UT Health Austin provided a medical tent and services for this event. Pictured is UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute team and their family and friends participating in the 2019 walk.

This free annual event was created to ease the challenges of caring for family members in need by providing unpaid caregivers with relevant information and vital resources. UT Health Austin neurologist John Bertelson, MD, (keynote speaker) and social worker Anna Finger, LMSW, presented at this event on behalf of the Comprehensive Memory Center.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Pictured is UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center team (who raised over $1,900 for the Alzheimer’s Association) and their family and friends participating in the 2018 walk.

Austin Woman magazine celebrated another year of empowering women in Austin. Readers, followers, and supporters were invited for a day full of fun, giveaways, networking, and girl power! Pictured is UT Health Austin staff, who participated in workshops and panels.

The Livestrong Honor 5K and 10K pay tribute to those who are currently battling cancer, celebrate cancer survivors, and honor those we have lost to this terrible disease. Participants proudly display the names and share the stories of the cancer warriors in their lives. Pictured is UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute team, who provided a medical tent and services for this event.

The Dell Medical School hosted a free community event at Rodriguez Elementary to share information about services and specialties offered at UT Health Austin. This event included Zumba classes, face painting, organ discussion, balloon art, and more fun for the whole family. UT Health Austin health experts spoke on a variety of topics, including pediatrics, women’s health, cancer, and more!

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis is the largest arthritis-focused gathering in the world. UT Health Austin provided a medical tent and services for this event. Pictured is UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute team (who raised $3,960 for the Arthritis Foundation) and their family and friends participating in the 2018 walk.

The Austin Woman magazine’s Woman’s Way Business Awards are Austin’s only business awards for woman-owned and woman-led businesses. Awards are presented in 10 categories, span numerous industries, and are chosen by a selection committee of successful, local female business owners and community leaders. UT Health Austin obstetrician-gynecologist Christina Salazar, MD, in Women’s Health presented the Health and Wellness Award to SpiBelt.