Peggy Lillis Foundation Announces Annual Gala to Kickoff National C. Diff Awareness Month and “See C. Diff Clearly” Campaign

The Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF) has announced its annual gala to kick off C. Diff Awareness Month and its fourth “See C. Diff” campaign. Its 2022 Gala, Changing the Odds, will be held Friday, October 28th and return as an in-person event for the first time since 2019. This year’s event will feature a cocktail reception, full dinner, casino games, raffles, and dancing. Tickets are available now at the link provided.

Since last year’s campaign, PLF has continued its mission to combat C. difficile infections through its annual Summit, a coordinated Lobby week, media coverage, FDA testimony, and the recent release of a Lifestyle & Nutrition Guide for C. diff sufferers. The Guide, created by PLF’s team of Advocates, board-certified doctors, and a registered dietician, features gut-friendly recipes and lifestyle tips to equip people to care for themselves and others affected by the potentially deadly infection. 

Awards will be presented at the gala for leadership and advocacy. Dr. Paul Feuerstadt, Yale affiliate and gastroenterologist, will receive the Leadership Award for his contributions to pioneering C. diff clinical research. Kee Kee Buckley, C. diff survivor, and contributor to PLF’s Nutrition and Lifestyle Guide, will receive the Advocacy Award.

According to Ms. Buckley, “It’s important for C. diff survivors to use our voices to educate others about the dangers of antibiotic overuse and to raise awareness about this deadly superbug. It’s an honor to receive this award, and I look forward to continuing to work with PLF in the future to ensure the needs of C. diff sufferers are heard.” 

“The Peggy Lillis foundation is at the forefront of advocacy for the C. difficile community,” said Dr. Feuerstadt. “With the support of this foundation, through a decade’s plus worth of clinical trials, the C. difficile community has progressed our insight into the bacteria and the tools used to prevent and treat this devastating infection. It is via events, such as Changing the Odds, that help raise awareness toward the most common healthcare-associated infection in the United States and will help in our tireless fight against this infection in the future.”

“We are delighted to be hosting our first in-person Gala since 2019,” said Executive Director Christian John Lillis, “Dr. Feuerstadt and Kee Kee are both extraordinary leaders in the fight against C. diff infections. We’re thrilled to recognize their important contributions.”

Clostridioidies difficile, or C. diff, is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria that often colonizes the human colon, leading to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). This infection wreaks havoc on the body and is responsible for 29,000+ deaths yearly. C. diff affects every demographic, making awareness, prevention, and treatment vital. National C. diff Awareness Month brings this conversation to the forefront while advocating for C. diff survivors and current sufferers, as the effects of the infection can cause lifelong mental and physical complications.  

For more information, visit: https://peggyfoundation.org