Trending...
- FDA-Cleared Zeta TMS Robotic System Moves Toward Deployment as FDA, DARPA and Commercial Catalysts Converge: NRx Pharmaceuticals (N A S D A Q: NRXP)
- Shelter Structures America makes European debut at TEMPOR EXPO 2026 in Fulda, Germany
- Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) Presents ReadyCommunities Partnership 2026 National Service Award to Local Businessman / US Air Force Veteran
INAD Warriors' 4th Annual "Dancing with the INAD Stars" Gala Raises More Than $219,000 to Advance Gene Therapy Research
INDIANAPOLIS - PrAtlas -- The INAD Warriors celebrated a remarkable evening of generosity, community and inspiration at its 4th Annual "Dancing with the INAD Stars" Gala, held Saturday, August 22, at the historic Indiana Roof Ballroom. The event brought together individuals, donors and business sponsors from across the community in a shared mission to fight Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD) and help advance urgently needed research toward a clinical trial for gene therapy.
Inspired by 6-year-old Warner Kays, a local boy diagnosed with INAD in 2022, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the children and families at the heart of the foundation's mission.
The INAD Warriors foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of INAD and generating critical funding to support researchers around the world who are working to develop a path toward a clinical trial for gene therapy. INAD is a rare, devastating neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects very young children, making the need for research and treatment options especially urgent.
This year's gala was an unforgettable night of entertainment and philanthropy, featuring eight local stars who trained for months to choreography provided by the legendary 5 Star Dance Studios. The stars and their professional partners took to the dance floor to entertain the crowd and compete for top honors before a panel of judges. Guests were wowed by the creativity, energy and enthusiasm of the performances, making for an evening unlike any other.
The evening also featured both silent and live auctions, giving guests additional opportunities to support the foundation's mission while enjoying an extraordinary night together.
A Surprise $50,000 Gift
One of the evening's most memorable moments came when Randy Miller, Regional Vice President of Fastenal, surprised the foundation with a $50,000 donation in support of the INAD Warriors mission.
In recognition of Fastenal's extraordinary commitment to the foundation and its generosity in advancing the fight against INAD, INAD Warriors President Heather Prentice presented Mr. Miller and Fastenal with the foundation's first Elite Sponsor Award.
More on PrAtlas
"Fastenal's generosity and commitment to the INAD Warriors foundation is truly extraordinary," said Heather Prentice, President of the INAD Warriors foundation. "Randy Miller and the entire Fastenal team have demonstrated what it means to stand alongside our families and researchers in the fight against INAD. We are incredibly grateful for their belief in our mission and their willingness to help us move closer to a future where children like Warner have treatment options."
More Than $219,000 Raised
Thanks to the incredible generosity of guests, donors, sponsors and supporters, the 2026 gala far exceeded the foundation's fundraising goals, generating more than $219,000 in gross proceeds.
The success builds on the significant impact of previous INAD Warriors Gala fundraisers. Past events have helped provide $70,000 toward a $100,000 joint research grant with the NBIA Disorders Association supporting biomarker research, as well as a $67,000 grant toward the NBIAcure PLANReady Natural History Study. Contributions from the foundation have also helped support individual families affected by INAD.
"These funds represent much more than a number," said Prentice. "They represent hope. They allow researchers to continue pursuing answers, help build the foundation necessary for clinical trials, and remind families affected by INAD that they are not fighting this battle alone."
The foundation expressed its deepest gratitude to the dance professionals, eight star dancers, judges, sponsors, donors, volunteers and every guest who helped make the 4th Annual "Dancing with the INAD Stars" Gala such a tremendous success.
For Warner and children like him, the fight continues — and the INAD Warriors community is determined to keep dancing, raising awareness and funding research until a treatment becomes a reality.
ABOUT INAD WARRIORS
INAD Warriors, Inc. is a nonprofit inspired by Warner Kays' courageous journey. The INAD Warriors, Inc. mission is to raise awareness in the global community about infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) and the related PLA2G6 gene disorders. Through grassroots fundraising we are empowering the research community to find the first approved treatments to slow progression and potentially one day cure this ultra rare disease.
ABOUT INAD
Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD) is an ultra rare (affects an estimated 1 in 1 million to 2 million children) inherited neurodegenerative disorder. It destroys axons, the part of the neuron (nerve cell) that carries messages from the brain to other parts of the body through buildup of fatty substances (lipids) on the nerves. In the beginning a child with INAD will appear to be developing normally. But around the ages of 6 months to 3 years developmental milestones will begin to slow down and regress. Some of the first signs and symptoms may be changes in a child's vision, loss of motor skills, and developmental regression.
More on PrAtlas
ABOUT NBIA DISORDERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 1996, the NBIA Disorders Association provides vital support to NBIA families, educates the public, and collaborates with researchers worldwide. As leaders in family support, they maintain an informative website and host biennial International Family Conferences, fostering connections and promoting knowledge-sharing within the community. To date, NBIA Disorders Association has contributed nearly $3 million in research grants worldwide, dedicated to finding treatments and cures for all NBIA disorders.
ABOUT NBIACURE
NBIAcure is a research-focused organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) disorders. Through research conducted in the laboratory and clinic, NBIAcure supports natural history studies, identifies disease markers, prepares patients and researchers for clinical trials, and collaborates with academic and industry partners to develop new treatments. Its work is helping build the critical scientific foundation needed to move promising therapies from research toward clinical trials and, ultimately, a cure for NBIA disorders.
ABOUT FASTENAL
Fastenal Company is a leading distributor of industrial and construction supplies, serving customers across a broad range of industries through its network of local branches, sales teams, and digital solutions. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, Fastenal helps customers improve productivity and supply-chain efficiency with products, services, and inventory-management solutions tailored to their needs.
ABOUT 5 STAR DANCE STUDIOS
Established over 45 years ago and with locations in Indianapolis and Fishers, 5 Star Dance Studios is dedicated to inspiring confidence, creativity, and a love of dance in students of all ages and skill levels. Through quality instruction, a supportive environment, and opportunities for performance and personal growth, 5 Star Dance Studios help dancers develop their technique while building discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Inspired by 6-year-old Warner Kays, a local boy diagnosed with INAD in 2022, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the children and families at the heart of the foundation's mission.
The INAD Warriors foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of INAD and generating critical funding to support researchers around the world who are working to develop a path toward a clinical trial for gene therapy. INAD is a rare, devastating neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects very young children, making the need for research and treatment options especially urgent.
This year's gala was an unforgettable night of entertainment and philanthropy, featuring eight local stars who trained for months to choreography provided by the legendary 5 Star Dance Studios. The stars and their professional partners took to the dance floor to entertain the crowd and compete for top honors before a panel of judges. Guests were wowed by the creativity, energy and enthusiasm of the performances, making for an evening unlike any other.
The evening also featured both silent and live auctions, giving guests additional opportunities to support the foundation's mission while enjoying an extraordinary night together.
A Surprise $50,000 Gift
One of the evening's most memorable moments came when Randy Miller, Regional Vice President of Fastenal, surprised the foundation with a $50,000 donation in support of the INAD Warriors mission.
In recognition of Fastenal's extraordinary commitment to the foundation and its generosity in advancing the fight against INAD, INAD Warriors President Heather Prentice presented Mr. Miller and Fastenal with the foundation's first Elite Sponsor Award.
More on PrAtlas
- Canadian Tint Expo 2027: Why Every Window Tinter Should Compete in Niagara Falls on April 3rd & 4th
- Building a Diversified Healthcare Platform as Exosome Science, Telehealth, Diagnostics & Strategic Acquisitions Converge: NexTel Medical (OTCID: MAJI)
- Most Indiana Plane Crashes Happen Away from the State's Major Airports
- L2 Aviation Welcomes Jason Marshall as Vice President of Sales and Business Development
- Mom Era, Still That Girl: Family Art Tees 25% Off
"Fastenal's generosity and commitment to the INAD Warriors foundation is truly extraordinary," said Heather Prentice, President of the INAD Warriors foundation. "Randy Miller and the entire Fastenal team have demonstrated what it means to stand alongside our families and researchers in the fight against INAD. We are incredibly grateful for their belief in our mission and their willingness to help us move closer to a future where children like Warner have treatment options."
More Than $219,000 Raised
Thanks to the incredible generosity of guests, donors, sponsors and supporters, the 2026 gala far exceeded the foundation's fundraising goals, generating more than $219,000 in gross proceeds.
The success builds on the significant impact of previous INAD Warriors Gala fundraisers. Past events have helped provide $70,000 toward a $100,000 joint research grant with the NBIA Disorders Association supporting biomarker research, as well as a $67,000 grant toward the NBIAcure PLANReady Natural History Study. Contributions from the foundation have also helped support individual families affected by INAD.
"These funds represent much more than a number," said Prentice. "They represent hope. They allow researchers to continue pursuing answers, help build the foundation necessary for clinical trials, and remind families affected by INAD that they are not fighting this battle alone."
The foundation expressed its deepest gratitude to the dance professionals, eight star dancers, judges, sponsors, donors, volunteers and every guest who helped make the 4th Annual "Dancing with the INAD Stars" Gala such a tremendous success.
For Warner and children like him, the fight continues — and the INAD Warriors community is determined to keep dancing, raising awareness and funding research until a treatment becomes a reality.
ABOUT INAD WARRIORS
INAD Warriors, Inc. is a nonprofit inspired by Warner Kays' courageous journey. The INAD Warriors, Inc. mission is to raise awareness in the global community about infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) and the related PLA2G6 gene disorders. Through grassroots fundraising we are empowering the research community to find the first approved treatments to slow progression and potentially one day cure this ultra rare disease.
ABOUT INAD
Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD) is an ultra rare (affects an estimated 1 in 1 million to 2 million children) inherited neurodegenerative disorder. It destroys axons, the part of the neuron (nerve cell) that carries messages from the brain to other parts of the body through buildup of fatty substances (lipids) on the nerves. In the beginning a child with INAD will appear to be developing normally. But around the ages of 6 months to 3 years developmental milestones will begin to slow down and regress. Some of the first signs and symptoms may be changes in a child's vision, loss of motor skills, and developmental regression.
More on PrAtlas
- Fashion vs. Fascism - Because Democracy Should Always Be In Style
- Lee Gunn IV Shares Lessons From 40 Years in the Courtroom on PodNumbra Podcast
- Michael H. Kaplan Recognized for 17 Years on PHPA Workers' Compensation Panel and Advocacy for Professional Athletes
- International Society of Medical AI Convenes Global Faculty in Florence for ISMAI 2026
- Boston Industrial Solutions Introduces Personalized Printing Training
ABOUT NBIA DISORDERS ASSOCIATION
Established in 1996, the NBIA Disorders Association provides vital support to NBIA families, educates the public, and collaborates with researchers worldwide. As leaders in family support, they maintain an informative website and host biennial International Family Conferences, fostering connections and promoting knowledge-sharing within the community. To date, NBIA Disorders Association has contributed nearly $3 million in research grants worldwide, dedicated to finding treatments and cures for all NBIA disorders.
ABOUT NBIACURE
NBIAcure is a research-focused organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) disorders. Through research conducted in the laboratory and clinic, NBIAcure supports natural history studies, identifies disease markers, prepares patients and researchers for clinical trials, and collaborates with academic and industry partners to develop new treatments. Its work is helping build the critical scientific foundation needed to move promising therapies from research toward clinical trials and, ultimately, a cure for NBIA disorders.
ABOUT FASTENAL
Fastenal Company is a leading distributor of industrial and construction supplies, serving customers across a broad range of industries through its network of local branches, sales teams, and digital solutions. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, Fastenal helps customers improve productivity and supply-chain efficiency with products, services, and inventory-management solutions tailored to their needs.
ABOUT 5 STAR DANCE STUDIOS
Established over 45 years ago and with locations in Indianapolis and Fishers, 5 Star Dance Studios is dedicated to inspiring confidence, creativity, and a love of dance in students of all ages and skill levels. Through quality instruction, a supportive environment, and opportunities for performance and personal growth, 5 Star Dance Studios help dancers develop their technique while building discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Source: INAD Warriors, Inc.
0 Comments
Latest on PrAtlas
- Cress Creeks Farm Opens Fall Corn Maze and Baby Lamb Hayride Experience in Ellijay, Georgia
- Allstream Energy Partners Nominated in Multiple Categories for Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators
- Kerri Lawless Introduces New Home-Selling Option for Local Homeowners
- FDA-Cleared Zeta TMS Robotic System Moves Toward Deployment as FDA, DARPA and Commercial Catalysts Converge: NRx Pharmaceuticals (N A S D A Q: NRXP)
- Baird Medical Turns Global Expansion Into Tangible Growth: N A S D A Q: BDMD Posts 25% Revenue Surge as U.S. and International Markets Accelerate
- Shelter Structures America makes European debut at TEMPOR EXPO 2026 in Fulda, Germany
- HydroExcavation.com Relaunches With Exclusive Local Service Areas and Dedicated Hydrovac Manufacturer Directory
- Sky Quarry Enters a Powerful New Chapter: Refinery Restart Emminent, Nevada Oil Initiative and Visibility Put (NAS DAQ: SKYQ) in the Spotlight
- OneVizion Launches Vera AI, Bringing Connected Operational Context to Infrastructure Teams
- P-Wave Press Announces Pushing the Wave 2025 by L.A. Davenport
- DONGSHENG Titanium Recycling: Promoting a Closed-Loop Cycle for High-End Titanium Materials
- French Camp Academy Releases New Video Inviting Individuals to Consider a Life of Service
- LET US READ Documentary on Dyslexia and Literacy to Screen at TCL Chinese 6 in Hollywood
- Defense & Space Strategy Strengthens as New Leadership Builds on NASA Results and Expanding Multi-Orbit Opportunities for Ascent Solar Technologies
- STS Capital Partners is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Brown as Vice President, Business Development
- Qscription Technologies and NEOPATHOLOGY CORP. Sign MOU to Bring FDA-Cleared Lung Imaging AI into U.S. Clinical Practice
- Heritage at Manalapan Welcomes New Sales Team as Luxury Single-Family Home Community Continues to Grow
- Mandeville Pests May Pose Serious Health Risks for Your Family
- Share your workplace safety solutions at 2027 Applied Ergonomics Conference
- Parents No Longer Have to Wait 3 Weeks for a Sleep Consultant: Nora Talks Tonight, Stays for 5 Days, Costs $89