National Osteoporosis Foundation Hosts its Twelfth Annual Silhouette Ball

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) hosts its Twelfth Annual Silhouette Ball today to celebrate the advances in osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Joan and Melissa Rivers will serve as the mistresses of ceremonies, lending their passion, energy and humor to the event.

“The Silhouette Ball is NOF’s annual opportunity to highlight the individuals who support NOF’s mission of making bone health a reality and lifelong priority for all Americans,” said Leo Schargorodski, executive director of NOF. “With 8,000 Americans turning 60 every day, it is imperative that we make bone health a key focus so our aging population can enjoy independent and healthy futures.”

Throughout the evening, NOF will recognize and honor the work of many individuals who have made significant impacts in the areas of bone health and osteoporosis research, treatment, communication and legislation. Those distinguished honorees included

• Representative Shelley Berkley (D-NV 1st)

NOF will recognize Congresswoman Berkley with the Paul G. Rogers Leadership Award for her personal and professional commitment to advancing osteoporosis and bone health issues. Representative Berkley has led efforts to increase funding for osteoporosis research and pass a U.S. House of Representatives resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month.

• Miss Toni Stabile

NOF will celebrate Miss Stabile, a writer and philanthropist whose work throughout the years may deem her as one of the original communicators of osteoporosis to women across the world, with an award for her outstanding achievements in Health Communications. Through her successful journalism career, her investigative journalism activities, and her philanthropic endeavors, Miss Stabile is dedicated to educating women and men of all ages about the devastating consequences of osteoporosis and the need to take action to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease. 

• Sundeep Khosla, M.D.

NOF will honor Dr. Sundeep Khosla with the Innovation Award for his longstanding commitment to osteoporosis and his advancements in clinical research and excellence in academia. His cutting-edge and innovative approach to research has made him a leader, researcher and teacher in the field of osteoporosis.

• Antonia Novello, M.D.

NOF will present Dr. Antonia Novello with the Ethel LeFrak Award in recognition of her exemplary strength and leadership during her more than 30-year tenure in the public health arena. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Novello has focused her attention on the health of women, children, and minorities, including the effects of tobacco on bone density. 

“Osteoporosis is a major public health issue for more than half of all women and a quarter of all men over 50 in the U.S.,” said Dr. Ethel Siris, president of NOF. “This event allows us to honor a few of the individuals who are furthering awareness and understanding of osteoporosis and overall health throughout the country. Their efforts are vital to NOF’s mission and to preventing this disease in future generations."

###

NOF has recognized a number of people over the years at the Silhouette Ball, including philanthropists, policymakers, government leaders, authors and actors. Previous honorees include:

Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla Parker Bowles)
Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., U.S. Surgeon General 
The Honorable Olympia Snowe
The Honorable Ann Richards 
Ethel LeFrak 
The Honorable Paul G. Rogers (NOF Founding Chairman) 
Richard U. Levine, M.D. 
The Honorable Tommy G. Thompson 
Jill Eikenberry 
Michael Tucker 
Janet Hubert
Joan Rivers
CBS Cares
Paula Zahn
Buzz Aldrin, Ph.D.

About NOF: Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. Its 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.

About Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis literally means “porous bones.” It is a disease in which bones become more fragile and likely to break, even from a slight strain or fall. Osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent disease’ because there are no symptoms until a bone breaks. Fractures related to osteoporosis cost the nation approximately $18 billion a year.