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Displayed among Annette's awards and other career-related memorabilia at D23 Expo 2015 was an illustration depicting a device that was developed with the help of a grant from the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases (AFRFND). Created by Dr. Paolo Zamboni, this small, simple instrument is able to accurately measure blood flow back to the heart from the brain.  It was tested this year on the International Space Station by Italy's first female astronaut, Samantha Cristofferetti.  After 199 days, 16 hours and 42 minutes in space, Cristofferetti broke the record for the longest space flight by any woman in history.   The same tool used in this historic space experiment is expected to benefit millions on earth by easily and effectively detecting obstacles within the veins obstructing blood flow from the brain back to the heart; which is believed to be a contributor to neurodegenerative conditions like MS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. ...

Filled with handwritten assignments from her years of schooling in the "little red trailers"  on the Disney Studio lot; two of Annette's school binders were on display at the Annette Funicello Research Fund booth at D23 Expo 2015.  Just like any teenager, Annette decorated these notebooks with doodles and the names of her favorite "famous" crushes of the day. This 14k gold and jeweled horse pin was gifted to Annette by her costume designer at the Walt Disney Studio, Gertie Casey.  Annette and Gertie shared a mutual admiration for horses. Following her marriage to rancher and horse breeder, Glen Holt in 1986, Annette had the pin redesigned by her jeweler as tie tack for her husband. These dance shoes from Annette's years as a Mouseketeer were discovered in the attic of Annette's childhood home in Encino while packing up the house for her parents' move to Palm Springs.  Almost thrown away, the shoes were saved by Annett...

Among the most popular items on display at our booth at D23 Expo 2015 were Annette's collection of career achievement awards - on public exhibition for the first time ever! In addition to her "Walk of Fame" award (which we showed you in our previous post), Annette's "Disney Legend Award" was also on display; accompanied by the very letter Annette received from Roy E. Disney bearing the news she had been selected to receive the companies most prestigious award. Annette accepted her award during a ceremony held at the Walt Disney Studios on October 21, 1992 - one day prior to her 50th Birthday. Annette at her Disney Legends ceremony at the Walt Disney Studios, October 21, 1992. Annette's 1959 "Tower of Talent" award, presented by WPTR Radio, was also on display.  She received the award in recognition of her hit record "How Will I Know My Love". Annette was presented the key to the city ...