The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) will honor two-time Academy Award-winning actress and patient advocate, Sally Field; local D.C. celebrities and owners of FLEET FEET Sports, Phil and Jan Fenty; and founder and chairman of EmpowHer, Michelle King Robson, at its Silver Silhouette Awards Dinner this evening at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.
Janet Hubert, entrepreneur and star of the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the evening and Paula Zahn, respected leader in broadcast media, will join our special guests in marking NOF’s 25 years of service. In addition, NOF will pay special tribute to its late founding chairman, Hon. Paul G. Rogers.
The day’s events serve as an opportunity for NOF to celebrate its 25 years of dedication to osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and to recognize the individuals who support and advance the Foundation’s vision of making bone health a reality and lifelong priority for all Americans.
“Osteoporosis and related fractures affect one in two women and one in four men in the U.S. today,” said Robert Recker, M.D., president of NOF. “We are so pleased to recognize the vital efforts and support of those who are working tirelessly to advocate for improved access to care, raise awareness and understanding of the disease, and find cures and improve treatments for the millions of Americans with and at risk for osteoporosis.”
The awards dinner will follow a prestigious recognition event, Legends of Osteoporosis Lecture, which honors prominent researchers in the area of osteoporosis.
B. Lawrence Riggs, M.D., and Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, M.D., are NOF’s 2009 legends of osteoporosis. A committee, comprised of members of the Science and Research Committee of the NOF Board of Trustees, selected these individuals for their extraordinary contributions to the scientific body of knowledge of bone biology and osteoporosis.
“NOF is proud to recognize these Legends of Osteoporosis for the enormous contributions they have made to the field of osteoporosis and bone health,” said Robert Lindsay, M.D., Ph.D., co-chair of the Legends Lecture Planning Committee and member of NOF’s Board of Trustees. “Drs. Riggs and Barrett-Connor have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of this disease.”
“Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment are the keys to tackling this disease,” said Leo Schargorodski, executive director of NOF. “It is fitting that we spend a day to recognize both osteoporosis researchers who advance our knowledge and understanding of the disease in search for a cure, as well as those who increase awareness of osteoporosis and spread the message to people of all ages that it is never too early — or too late — to protect your bones. We look forward to the day’s events.”
About the Honorees
Sally Field: Sally Field, winner of two Academy Awards and three Emmy Awards, is widely known for her extensive television and film career, including her roles in “Gidget,” “The Flying Nun,” “Sybill,” “Soapdish,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Murphy’s Romance” and “Forrest Gump.” She is now highly recognized for her current role as “Nora Walker” in the hit television series “Brothers and Sisters.” Recently, Ms. Field added another credit to her illustrious career — advocate for osteoporosis awareness. Since launching her Rally With Sally for Bone Health campaign, she has motivated women across the country to make their bone health a priority. NOF will honor Ms. Field with the Ethel LeFrak Award for her tireless efforts in educating women with and at risk for osteoporosis.
Phil and Jan Fenty: Local celebrities and parents of D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, Phil and Jan Fenty are owners of one of Washington D.C.’s leading stores selling athletic gear, FLEET FEET Sports. They will receive the Steps for Strong Bones(R) Award for promoting healthy living to Washington D.C. residents and giving them the tools to do so.
Michelle King Robson: Michelle King Robson will receive the Health Communications Award for her longstanding dedication to actively promoting bone health and spreading awareness of osteoporosis. As founder and chairman of EmpowHer, Ms. Robson is a renowned medical advocate, reaching hundreds of thousands of women around the world through EmpowHer.com, a Web site dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women.
Paula Zahn: Paula Zahn will join NOF’s special guests and attendees in marking the Foundation’s 25th anniversary. A previous recipient of NOF’s Health Communications Award, Ms. Zahn is a devoted women’s health advocate and journalist in broadcast television. Ms. Zahn is best known as anchor for CNN’s weeknight program “Paula Zahn Now” and currently serves as anchor of WNET’s “Sunday Arts.”
Janet Hubert: A Juilliard-trained performer and veteran actor, Janet Hubert is widely known for her role as “Aunt Viv” on the hit sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Ms. Hubert’s latest roles are as an entrepreneur and narrator of the colorful children’s book series, J.G. and the B.C. Kids, as well as health advocate. After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, Ms. Hubert has worked with NOF to help promote bone health awareness and osteoporosis prevention. She will serve as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies.
Paul G. Rogers: Paul G. Rogers was one of the most influential and respected advocates for public health of the past century. He served in Congress for 24 years and added his name to virtually every piece of landmark health legislation enacted during that period. In 1984, Mr. Rogers joined leaders in medicine and science to create the National Osteoporosis Foundation and served as chairman for 19 years. His wife, Mrs. Becky Rogers, and their daughter, Laing Rogers Sisto, will join NOF in a special tribute to Mr. Rogers, who passed away in October 2008.
Dr. Riggs is an expert in osteoporosis and bone biology. He is the Purvis and Roberta Tabor Professor of Medicine Emeritus at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn. Dr. Riggs previously served as president of the National Osteoporosis Foundation and is currently an emeritus member of NOF’s Board of Trustees.
Dr. Barrett-Connor has dedicated her research to healthy aging with a focus on gender differences and women’s health. She is a distinguished professor and chief of the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Among her many honors, she has received four MERIT awards from the National Institutes of Health.
Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. Our mission is to prevent osteoporosis and related fractures, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis, and to find a cure through programs of awareness, advocacy, public and health professional education and research. For more information on osteoporosis and bone health, contact NOF online at www.nof.org or by telephone (800) 223-9994.
Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation
Web Site: http://www.nof.org/
http://www.empowher.com/
