National Osteoporosis Foundation Recognizes Legends in Osteoporosis Research

Washington, DC (May 15, 2008) – The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) will launch a prestigious recognition event, Legends of Osteoporosis Lecture, on Friday, May 16, 2008, to honor prominent researchers in the area of osteoporosis.

Dr. Robert Heaney and Dr. Robert Marcus are the first honorees to be recognized as “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.

Dr. Heaney has worked for over 50 years in the study of osteoporosis, vitamin D and calcium physiology. He has engaged nutritional policy issues and has helped redefine the context for estimating nutrient requirements. He is currently an emeritus member of NOF’s Board of Trustees.

Dr. Marcus has had a long career in the Bone and Mineral field. His varied research interests include osteoporosis therapeutics, primary hyperparathyroidism, metabolic and musculoskeletal effects of resistance exercise and adolescent bone acquisition.

“NOF is pleased to recognize these Legends of Osteoporosis for the enormous contributions they have made to the field of osteoporosis and bone health,” said Michael Kleerekoper, M.D., co-chair of the Legends Lecture Planning Committee and member of NOF’s Board of Trustees. “Research is the foundation for advancing our understanding of this disease and Drs. Heaney and Marcus have built a future for osteoporosis researchers that holds great promise.”

The day also marks NOF’s Silhouette Ball, the 13th Annual Gala Awards Dinner Dance, at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. The event is NOF’s annual opportunity to recognize the individuals who support and advance NOF’s vision of making bone health a reality and lifelong priority for all Americans. Ms. Lesley Stahl, 60 Minutes correspondent and previous Gala honoree, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies lending her passion and energy to the evening.

“Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment are the keys to tackling this disease,” said Leo Schargorodski, executive director and CEO 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.”

Throughout the evening, NOF will highlight and honor the work of our distinguished honorees: U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess, M.D., Libby Pataki and Grace Palmer.

U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess, M.D. has spent three decades practicing medicine and was elected to Congress in 2002. Representative Burgess has been an important partner on osteoporosis-related issues. He introduced a bill, the “Medicare Osteoporosis Measurement Act of 2007,” to expand coverage of bone mass measurements to all those at clinical risk for the disease.

Libby Pataki served as the First Lady of New York State from 1995-2007 raising awareness for a host of critical women’s health issues. Mrs. Pataki supported her husband’s 1997 Osteoporosis Education Bill, which established the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention Education Program so all New Yorkers could learn about osteoporosis and bone health. 

Grace Palmer is receiving the Strong Women Stand TallAward and was nominated by her daughter, Gayle Booth for living with osteoporosis and continuing to be a source of strength for her family, friends and community. This is the inaugural year for the Strong Women Stand Tall Award, which recognizes a woman who lives with osteoporosis, but still possesses inner and outer strength for herself, her family and her community. Despite having osteoporosis, Grace has stayed healthy and strong and empowers others in her life to do the same.

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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, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis and related fractures, and to find a cure. For more information on osteoporosis and bone health, contact NOF online atwww.nof.org or by telephone (800) 223-9994.