Dr. Amy Paller and Kaycie Artus to be Honored with Jouni Uitto Impact Awards
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Kaycie Artus and Dr. Amy Paller will be recognized with the Jouni Uitto Impact Award at the debra of America Gala at Southern Exchange Ballrooms in Atlanta.
Named after one of the most influential EB researchers in the world and a member of debra’s Board of Directors, the Jouni Uitto Impact Award recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting difference in the lives of those affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).
Honoring Dr. Amy Paller
Amy Paller, MD has dedicated her career to giving children with EB and other serious skin diseases a future filled with hope. As Chair of Dermatology and Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University, she has led groundbreaking research for more than three decades—developing new therapies, advancing gene treatments, and improving care so that children with EB can live longer, fuller lives.
Beyond her science, Dr. Paller is known for the compassion she shows every family who walks through her doors. She listens, she fights for better treatments, and she never stops pushing for answers. Thanks to her leadership, Northwestern’s Pediatric Dermatology Clinical Trials Unit has become the largest in the nation, bringing promising therapies from the lab directly to patients.
Honored worldwide for her discoveries and leadership, Dr. Paller remains most proud of the children and families whose lives have been touched by her work.
“To be honored through this incredible award, in the memory of an EB hero, Dr. Jouni Uitto, means so much to me as someone whose passion has been helping families with EB for almost 40 years,” shares Dr. Paller. “I am beyond excited at the progress that has been made in advancing care and the promise of emerging new treatments in the future, in which DEBRA has been a great partner. I am humbled by this honor and can't thank you enough.”
Honoring Kaycie Artus
Kaycie Artus began her physical therapy career in 1964 and soon dedicated her life to supporting children with EB. At Children’s Hospital Colorado, she helped establish the hospital’s EB clinic and advanced awareness through education and her landmark video What is EB?
Kaycie went on to found The Butterfly Children’s Fund and its signature event, the Butterfly Bash, raising essential support for families, research, and caregiver wellness.
Drawing on her experience teaching adaptive skiing, she also created Camp Spirit Colorado, a free winter adventure camp empowering children with EB to build confidence and discover their abilities.
Kaycie’s vision, advocacy, and compassion have transformed countless lives within the EB Community.
“I am so honored to receive the Impact Award, and appreciative of the recognition of Camp Spirit Colorado,” Kaycie shares. “My goal of creating more independence while focusing on campers' abilities was designed to create a 'can do' attitude. We have seen this in so many of our campers, and it has been so heartwarming. This has been a labor of love.”
We look forward to honoring Dr. Amy Paller and Kaycie Artus at our Annual Gala!
Tickets are on sale now! Join us for an unforgettable casino night featuring your favorite games, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, an exciting silent auction, and a seated dinner.
