Walking With Anthony, the nonprofit committed to transforming recovery outcomes for spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors, proudly presents the Stand Up for a Cause charity soirée, returning Friday, October 24, 2025, at the prestigious Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, California.

The unforgettable evening will celebrate 15 years of Walking With Anthony’s impact in the spinal cord injury (SCI) community. The night will feature a star-studded red-carpet entrance, signature cocktails, a gourmet dinner, exciting raffles and prizes, live music, and dancing. Guests will also take part in our highly anticipated live and silent auctions, raising critical funds to provide SCI survivors with life-changing grants for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and essential equipment.

The dinner program will highlight inspiring survivor stories and honor outstanding advocates working to change the future of spinal cord injury recovery. Honorees include Dr. Daniel Amen, a physician, adult and child psychiatrist, and founder of Amen Clinics. Special guests include the cast and crew of DARUMA’s lead actors Tobias Forrest, a quadriplegic actor, (received the Christopher Reeve Acting Award presented by Oscar- winning actress Marlee Matlin), and John W. Lawson, a double-hand amputee (honored with the Best Actor award at the Slamdance Film Festival). Among other esteemed guests include DARUMA’s director Alexander Yellen and writer-producer Kelli McNeil-Yellen.

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.

Proceeds from the soirée will support critical care and resources to survivors around the country often not covered by insurance—recovery costs can exceed $1 million in the first year alone. This fundraiser directly fuels that support.

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