This international celebration fosters a sense of community support to reduce holiday season isolation for immunocompromised individuals.
Brianna Cobb
September 26, 2025
Immunocompromised Association presents its 2nd virtual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
The international celebration fosters a sense of community support to reduce holiday season isolation for immunocompromised individuals.
MAITLAND, FLORIDA — Immunocompromised Association is ringing in the new year with its second virtual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on December 31st from 6–8 PM ET.
The Immunocompromised Association New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is open to immunocompromised individuals and their caregivers, healthcare providers, friends, and family members from around the world. The event is free of charge thanks to the generosity of its sponsors, though donations will be accepted to support 2026 programming. Additional information can be found at https://thinkofmeplease.org/nye/.
The event will include games, dancing, music, guest speakers, and surprise giveaways.
Lady Gaga impersonator Athena Reich (Lady Gaga International) will perform live at the event. Local immunocompromised performer Renay Ghant (Shadow and company) will also share her story and perform music live at the event.
The Immunocompromised Association New Year's Eve Ball Drop will feature guest speakers from the immunocompromised community including patient, caregiver, and healthcare provider perspectives. Some of these speakers will include board members Francine Fox (Founder & President), Dr. Dan Layish (Medical Advisor), and Rahul Kheraj (Secretary), alongside volunteers like Madison Bowe and Lauren Hand, patient advocates who help run social support groups.
The evening will also include singing, Disney trivia, and other entertainment throughout the evening.
Immunocompromised Association was founded after multiple community members became seriously ill over the holidays when loved ones came into their homes while sick and contagious. Too often, immunocompromised individuals must choose between staying healthy or participating in everyday activities others may take for granted. As these community members connected, they found countless individuals with similar stories of frustration and vulnerability from others putting their health at risk. The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop aims to fill a gap in community programming to reduce isolation for the immunocompromised community during the holiday season with a safe and fun celebration.
Founder and President of Immunocompromised Association, Francine Fox, said:
“You have a place to come to. This is your chance to meet others just like you. We understand, we don’t judge. We get it. Join us. Hospital rooms, bedrooms, couches, wherever you are. I want everyone to feel they have a safe place to be with each other. I want them to enjoy just as we do. We care and we don’t have an umbrella that just covers one disease. We are a multitude, and we are trying to support all who fall under the immunocompromised umbrella.”
People may be immunocompromised due to a number of reasons, including:
Organ or bone marrow transplants
Primary immunodeficiencies
Certain cancers and cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
Autoimmune diseases
Immunosuppressive therapies
Chronic infections like HIV/AIDS
Malnutrition
Some metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus
Other secondary immunodeficiencies
We support those who are immunocompromised for any reason. The event will be hosted over Zoom, and interested individuals can register to attend at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NONKidPfSpiKEJ1wuaM6yQ#/registration
Learn more about the organization on our website and social media.
Website: https://thinkofmeplease.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinkofmeplease
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/immuknownetwork
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-of-me-please/