This article is by Andy Kachor, FASD United Communications Director 

As we get ready for our upcoming FASD United Red Shoes Gala this September 16^th, I’d like to share some of my personal highlights from our past Galas over the years.  The first Gala I attended, in 2011, featured a powerful speech from former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota.  I can still hear his message of hope and optimism amidst the challenges, as he described his vision of an FASD-informed future and powerfully delivered Nelson Mandela’s timeless quote, “Many things seem impossible, until they are done.”  That same year, Morgan Fawcett, a remarkable young man with FASD, was honored with an award, spoke movingly about his grandparents, and delighted the crowd with a beautiful performance of the song “Legacy” on the flute.   

In 2013, Mark L. Shurtleff, former Utah Attorney General, talked about his daughter, who lives with FASD and his passion for the FASD cause.  It was moving seeing Mr. Shurtleff get emotional as he sang the personal lullaby he used to sing to his daughter every night, softly singing, “You’re such a beautiful baby, we love you, yes we do.  We’re so glad you’re a part of our family, we hope you like us too.” 

Longtime FASD champion Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has spoken at many Galas over the years, including in 2015, when she spoke at length about the need for more services and support for people living with FASD.  Senator Murkowski emphasized the need for legislative solutions to issues around FASD and expressed her admiration of FASD United for what we do “in raising awareness, in getting the word out, in helping pregnant women.” 

That same year, we had the honor of having Dr. Kenneth Lyons Jones, who first coined the term “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome” in 1973, reflect on his lifetime of FASD work.  Dr. Jones implored the crowd to remember that FASD is not rare and is more common than Autism, while he spoke about FASD United as “an incredible organization” that helps get information out to families. 

Another real highlight was Senator Amy Klobuchar taking time out of her Presidential campaign to address the Gala in 2019.  Senator Klobuchar spoke about her longtime relationship with Susan Shepard Carlson, former First Lady of Minnesota, and remarked on her father’s journey of recovery from alcohol addiction.  Sen. Klobuchar highlighted her commitment to addressing FASD by going over the important provisions of the Federal FASD Respect Act in Congress, which she has co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate. 

The most impactful highlights of our Galas have always been hearing from the incredible self-advocates and individuals living with FASD.  In 2013, a young woman named Tania spoke about getting an FASD diagnosis at age 15 and her challenges with reading, focusing, and organization.  Tania spoke about the support she gets from her family, friends, and teachers, her love of sports, and her talent in working with young children.   

Nicholas, a young man living with FASD, spoke at the 2015 Gala about being raised by his grandma after losing both parents, getting diagnosed with FASD at age 3, and his challenges with focusing and impulse control.  Nicholas shared the good news that he is thriving at school as a result of educating his teachers about FASD, and beamed as he took a bow while everyone stood and applauded.   

Rebecca Tillou, who spoke at the 2022 Gala, is a real powerhouse.  A self-advocate, author, and speaker, Rebecca founded Run FASD, an annual virtual 5K event to bring awareness to FASD and raise funds.  Rebecca, speaking about her FASD diagnosis at age 34, remarked that, “When you have understanding, you have freedom.”  Rebecca spoke highly of FASD United, which she called “a vessel that spreads education and hope.” 

Last year’s Gala in 2023 was one of the most impactful of all.  Two powerful self-advocates, C.J. Lutke and Justin Shepherd, adults who live with FASD, shared their personal stories and really captured the mood of the evening.  C.J. made the point that, “The benefits of early diagnosis and supports that I had really made the difference.”  It was inspiring to hear C.J. talk about being a mother raising a son with FASD and deliver the powerful closing words that, “FASD is an origin story.  It is not a destination.” 

Justin Shepherd talked about how he realized he may have FASD as he was directing a documentary film about FASD.  He took it upon himself to get a diagnosis as an adult and remarked how this really speaks to the high prevalence of FASD and how so many people go undiagnosed. 

As I revisit these memories of past Galas, I am filled with tremendous excitement for this year’s Gala.  I know that the speakers, honorees, and advocates this year will be as powerful as ever, and the energy and passion for the FASD cause will be palpable, as it always is.   

All of us at FASD United invite you to attend this year’s Red Shoes Gala on September 16^th at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.  Having been to several past Galas in this venue, I can say that it is a lovely, exciting and dynamic setting for a celebration of the FASD community and a great opportunity to support FASD United and advance its important work. 

You can view video clips of past Gala speeches on our YouTube channel here.