COPD Foundation Recognizes Honorees During Annual Awards Ceremony
NEW YORK CITY, NY – November 3, 2017 – Patient advocacy and research organization COPD Foundation paid tribute to a special group of individuals and organizations at its Annual Awards Celebration in New York City on November 2, 2017. Held at the historic Metropolitan Club, the event’s honorees were recognized for their commitment to COPD awareness and the advancement of a COPD cure. Their advocacy, research, outreach, and care-delivery efforts have helped to build a broad understanding of the disease while improving lives of those directly affected. Gerard Turino, M.D., founding chairman of the COPD Foundation, received the highest honor for his achievements in COPD research and care delivery.
“Dr. Turino is known as an innovator and thought-leader in the field of COPD research,” says Craig Kephart, Chief Executive Officer of the COPD Foundation. “His work spans many decades, pioneering the way we look at the progression and treatment of COPD today. He has been at the forefront of this effort and has played an integral part in the formation and growth of the COPD Foundation.”
The 2017 honorees were:
- John W. Walsh Visionary Award: Gerard Turino, M.D. is the founding Chairman of the CO PD Foundation. He is Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City. Dr. Turino is the founding Director of the James P. Mara Center for Lung Disease at Mount Sinai West (formerly St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital). He is Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Medicine at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital and the John H. Keating Sr. Professor of Medicine (Emeritus) at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
- Champion for COPD Award: Constance Milstein is a renowned businesswoman and humanitarian dedicated to empowering lives through her leadership in real estate development and philanthropic causes. She is an attorney and co-founder of Ogden CAP Properties, LLC, which oversaw the renovation of The Jefferson, a historic Washington, D.C. hotel and landmark. Ms. Milstein co-founded Dog Tag Bakery, a non-profit organization that provides critical education and training for wounded veterans and their spouses. In June 2016, Ms. Milstein was invested as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). She also sits on the board of Blue Star Families, the nation’s largest support organization for U.S. military spouses and families."
- COPD Advocacy Award: Karen Deitemeyer began her work with the Foundation ten years ago upon hearing founder John W. Walsh speak about the importance and need for patient advocates. Living in the Orlando area, Ms. Deitemeyer became one of the first State Advocacy Captains in the country and has remained involved and active to this day. She's participated in community education workshops throughout the state, has lobbied at the local, state and federal levels, and has spoken at congressional briefings and Women in Government conferences.
- COPD Awareness Award: FCB Health is one of the world's most awarded communications networks, focused on creating game-changing marketing solutions for consumers, patients and healthcare professionals. With specialized units covering a wide range of wellness practices, FCB Health employs more than 1,500 people across an extensive global network, delivering multichannel capabilities that include DTC and HCP communications, professional education, branding, scientific services, strategic planning and media services.
Dr. Turino accepted the John W. Walsh Visionary Award, named in memory of COPD Foundation founder who once said,“Gerry has demonstrated significant compassion to the patient communities. He’s able to translate complicated scientific information to make it understandable to patients. He’s been an inspiration to us and I consider him a close friend.”
The COPD Foundation thanks all awardees for their dedication to the COPD patient community and looks forward to greater advancements in the upcoming year.