National Osteoporosis Foundation Hosted its Eleventh Annual Silhouette Ball

May 24, 2006 – The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) hosted its Eleventh Annual Silhouette Ball on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 to celebrate the forward strides in improving America’s bone health. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex M. Azar II, provided the keynote presentation and Ms. Joan Rivers, last year’s recipient of NOF’s Innovation Award, served as mistress of ceremonies for the event.

“The Silhouette Ball is NOF’s annual opportunity to shine the spotlight on those individuals working to support and advance NOF’s mission 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,” said Judith Cranford, Executive Director of NOF.

Throughout the evening, NOF recognized the work of many leaders in the bone health community, and in particular, honored individuals who have made significant impacts in the areas of health and osteoporosis. Those honorees included:

• Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME)

NOF recognized Senator Snowe with the Paul G. Rogers Leadership Award for her unwavering support for osteoporosis and bone health issues. Senator Snowe has been a significant leader in advancing osteoporosis research and legislation.

• Ms. Paula Zahn

Ms. Zahn, anchor for CNN’s weeknight primetime evening program, Paula Zahn Now, has demonstrated a personal and professional commitment to women’s health issues, making her a leader in the field of health communications. NOF celebrated her with the Excellence in Health Communications Award.

• Buzz Aldrin, Ph.D.

NOF honored Dr. Aldrin with the Ethel LeFrak Award for his many accomplishments and for fostering public appreciation of space research, including the important knowledge gained about osteoporosis and bone health.

“With one in two women and one in four men over 50 in the U.S. at risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture, increasing awareness of this disease is crucial. This event allows us to honor the individuals and the contributions that each is making in furthering understanding and awareness of osteoporosis and overall health. They inspire us all,” said Dr. Ethel Siris, President of NOF.

About NOF: Established in 1984, NOF 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. NOF’s Silhouette Ball will help the Foundation fulfill its mission.

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.

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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 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

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