On Friday, October 16th, 2026, the spirit of giving came early at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, California, for the Walking with Anthony Stand Up for a Cause fundraising gala. Over 400 guests attended the event (which takes place during the Newport Beach Film Festival and gives the stars an opportunity to attend) that is dedicated to helping those who have suffered spinal cord injuries (SCI).
The highlight of the night was SCI survivor Sonia Vera being surprised with a top-of-the-line custom wheelchair, which was donated by Vital Medical. This wheelchair will provide Sonia with greater mobility, which in turn provides independence, something that is invaluable for her quality of life.
Guests fill the ballroom at the Walking with Anthony Stand Up for a Cause gala at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach.
“Over 400 guests attended the event…that is dedicated to helping those who have suffered spinal cord injuries (SCI).”
Walking with Anthony was founded by Anthony Purcell and his mother, Micki, after Anthony suffered his own spinal cord injury. Micki told me, to my disappointment (but unfortunately not too shockingly), that insurance companies will not cover SCIs, which can cost up to a million dollars per person in the first year. Micki said that she visited the White House and spoke with RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz about remedying that, with a determination in her voice that makes me believe she will not rest until it gets done.
I also spoke with San Francisco police department sergeant Kevin Brugaletta, who was injured while on duty, and he believes that major technological advances for SCIs may come in the next 5-10 years. Kevin went on to say that Walking with Anthony is “amazing to know that there’s somebody there, when it feels like everything is coming down on you.”
Funds raised will be used to help provide specialized rehabilitation, adaptive medical equipment (such as wheelchairs), mental health support, and other essential resources that, as mentioned prior, are not covered under insurance. With over 18,000 SCIs occurring every year, help is needed now more than ever. Please go to walkingwithanthony.org to learn more and to donate.
