On October 26, 2024, the National Italian-American Foundation (NIAF) will hold its 49th annual gala at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. As part of this prestigious event, the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) will host a scientific symposium dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Dolores Del Raso, mother of NIAF’s Emeritus President, Joseph Del Raso. Dolores was a beloved and engaging presence at NIAF events for over four decades, earning the affectionate title of "Grand Dame" of the National Italian American Foundation.

The SHRO symposium will take place on October 26, 2024, at 9:30 AM, in the Executive Room of the Omni Shoreham Hotel. It will focus on advancements in pain management and feature the presentation of awards to prominent Italian and Italian-American researchers.

The renowned oncologist and pathologist Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., founder and president of SHRO and professor at Temple University, will deliver the welcome address. He will be joined by Marcella Panucci, Chief of Staff of the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research, to formally greet the participants and open the program.

In honor of the 800th anniversary of the University of Federico II of Naples, Rector Matteo Lorito will give a keynote speech highlighting the institution's legacy of academic excellence, dating back to its founding in 1224.

The session will also feature the presentation of the Giovan Giacomo Giordano-NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented to Luana Colloca, M.D., Ph.D., M.S., and the Young Researcher Award, which will be presented to Canio Martinelli, M.D., M.S., followed by lectures from the awardees.

The NIAF annual gala includes special guests and honorees from the fields of research, business, politics, and entertainment, all united by a common commitment to promoting the excellence and traditions of Italian and Italian-American culture.