Celebrities Add Glitz to the American Fertility Association's 2005 Kokopelli Ball

8 November 2005

Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives' Mary-Alice Young) and Jason Alexander (Seinfeld's George Costanza) will help The American Fertility Association (AFA) honor the exceptional achievements of fertility doctors, scientists, and advocates at the annual Kokopelli Ball on Monday, November 7, 2005 at the Chelsea Piers in New York City. "Kokopelli" is the Native American spirit of fertility. "It's primetime for fertility when celebrity advocates like Brenda, Jason and Joan lend their voices and embrace the possibilities for building families," said Pamela Madsen, Founder and Executive Director of The American Fertility Association. Brenda Strong plays the dual role of Kokopelli Ball Mistress of Ceremonies and national spokesperson. She is graciously donating her time over the next year to help raise awareness around reproductive difficulties for the fertility patient advocacy organization. In addition, she will share her personal infertility story and her success with complementary medicine and exercise. World-renowned leaders in fertility - physicians, researchers, scientists, lawyers, and mental health professionals - will come together at The AFA's annual gala to honor outstanding members of their professional community who have devoted their time and expertise to building families for those with reproductive difficulties. Jason Alexander will present Dr. Richard Paulson, Director of USC Fertility, with the Dr. Howard and Georgeanna Jones Lifetime Achievement Award. The award's namesakes founded the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School and created the first IVF program in the United States. In 1981, they achieved the first successful IVF-assisted birth in the country. Their leadership and scientific achievements have touched millions of lives. The AFA acknowledges with much sadness the passing of Georgeanna Jones earlier this year. David K. Gardner, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine's Scientific Director, will receive the Robert Edwards Scientific Award, named for the British scientist who first achieved fertilization of the human egg in the laboratory. Joan Lunden will receive the 2005 Media Award for being an outspoken advocate for surrogacy. The eight Family Building Award honorees are recognized for their commitment and determination to help the millions in the United States with reproductive difficulties: Serena H. Chen, MD Mark I. Evans, MD Ronald F. Feinberg, MD, PhD IntegraMed Isaac Kligman, MD Kathleen Miller, BSTS Gabriel San Roman, MD Kaylen M. Silverberg, MD The American Fertility Association's Silent Auction, held at the Kokopelli Ball, is also online this year at http://www.theAFA.org. The proceeds from the Auction will support important advocacy and education programs. In addition, funds raised will ensure that membership and access to resources and information through The AFA's "No Barriers" membership program remain free to all who need it. The 2005 Kokopelli Ball is made possible through the generous support of AFA sponsors: Platinum Sponsors Cornell Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Ferring Pharmaceuticals Organon USA, Inc. Reproductive Medicine Associates Serono, Inc. Gold Sponsors Apthorp Pharmacy IntegraMed America Kraupner Pharmacy Metro Drug Stores Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York Reproductive Specialists of New York, LLP Schraft's, a specialty pharmacy Silver Sponsors The Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University The Chen Family Comprehensive Genetics/Mark I. Evans, MD Freedom Drug The Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at Saint Barnabas Kings Pharmacy Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health Old Post Road Group LLC Reprogenetics Reproductive Associates of Delaware Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine The Silverberg Family USC Fertility THE AMERICAN FERTILITY ASSOCIATION (AFA) is a national organization dedicated to educating, supporting and advocating for all men and women concerned with reproductive health, fertility preservation, infertility and all forms of family building. Visit http://www.TheAFA.org or call 888-917-3777 for more information and support. Contact: Frank Fusco David Eng Communications (212) 714-3537 frank@decpr.com

Source: PR Newswire

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