American Skin Association 2016 Spring Gala Celebrates 29 Years And Three Outstanding Honorees
Event Raises over $650,000 to Support Outstanding Medical Research to Fight Melanoma, Skin Cancer and Other Skin Diseases and Education Programs that Promote Skin Health to Nation's Youth
Spring Gala honors Outstanding Yale Educator Dr. Irwin M. Braverman, Leading Figure in Melanoma Research, Dr. John M. Kirkwood, and Outstanding Corporate Leader Nestlé SHIELD
NEW YORK, April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night at The Plaza Hotel, American Skin Association celebrated 29 years of funding research and educating youth on skin health. Three honorees were presented with well-deserved awards.
Yale University School of Medicine Professor Emeritus, Dr. Irwin Braverman, received the Lifetime Achievement in Education Award for his dedication to sharing his knowledge and insights with generations of dermatologists as a mentor. Dr. Braverman's deep involvement and personal concern for the development of education and science regarding skin health are unsurpassed. His laboratory has conducted vital dermatological research, including the microcirculation in skin, the cutaneous changes associated with chronological aging, actinic damage and diabetes mellitus, and the pathogenesis of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Dr. Braverman's has held many leadership roles in both scientific and professional organizations. A proficient author, Dr. Braverman's bibliography includes over 160 research papers and book chapters.
Dr. John Kirkwood, Usher Professor of Medicine, Dermatology, and Translational Science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and Co-Leader of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, was given the Leadership in Melanoma Research, Treatment and Prevention Award for his achievement of a unique status as a leader in melanoma research. Dr. Kirkwood's research focuses on melanoma immune-biology, therapy and prevention. ASA recognized his leadership, for over four decades, in the development of immunotherapy, in particular, the first FDA-approved immunotherapy of melanoma. Dr. Kirkwood has trained more than 200 fellows, many of whom are now leaders of melanoma investigation across the U.S. and in Europe.
ASA presented the Corporate Leadership Award to Nestlé Skin Health Investigation Education Longevity Development (SHIELD). SHIELD is a global network of innovation and education hubs, the first of which will open in New York City this Fall, that gathers today's most creative and visionary thinkers from diverse disciplines to generate, develop and incubate ideas to advance skin health for tomorrow. SHIELD hopes their ideas will elevate, change and advance the conversation on skin health, influence tomorrow by creating impactful scientific advances in skin health today.
Howard P. Milstein, Chairman of ASA, said: "We were pleased to honor Dr. Irwin Braverman, Dr. John Kirkwood and Nestlé SHIELD for their outstanding contributions to the field of dermatology. Whether through education, research or innovation, their contributions help to further our important mission on defeating melanoma, skin cancer and other skin diseases. We are continuing our legacy of supporting outstanding research and educating the public on skin health. For 29 years the American Skin Association and its affiliates have funded over $50 million in grants to support the work of more than 250 promising young scientists. As always, we are most grateful to our donors who share our dedication to our vital mission as we look ahead to the future!"
ASA's president, Dr. Philip G. Prioleau, also commented on the Gala, "What a wonderful celebration for ASA! I am proud of the work we continue to do and congratulate our much-deserving honorees, Dr. Braverman, Dr. Kirkwood and Nestlé SHIELD on their awards."
The event's Master of Ceremonies was Emmy award-winner Dave Price, weather anchor for NBC 4 New York. Prior to joining WNBC, Price co-anchored Good Day New York at WNYW FOX5. Before FOX5, Price was the weather anchor for CBS's The Early Show for eight years and covered major weather events for the CBS Evening News.
ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION
For 29 years ASA and its affiliates have funded over $50 million in grants to support the work of more than 250 promising young scientists. These recipients have gone on to become top researchers in their fields, working on breakthrough efforts to prevent, detect and treat skin cancer and other skin diseases. More than 100 million Americans––a third of the nation's population––are afflicted with skin disorders. The critical research we facilitate not only addresses the causes and treatments of melanoma, vitiligo, psoriasis and other skin diseases, but also promises remarkable breakthroughs in the search for long sought after cures.
ASA's mission to educate the public is no less vital. Through targeted efforts to promote public awareness of skin disease, especially in sun-belt states, it is our hope to significantly reduce skin cancer rates in these most affected regions. We have now invested in a digital version of The Wonders of Skin: Looking Good, Being Healthy, making it available to all educators and parents in an easily accessible free download. In addition, we continue to partner with national groups that promote innovative education of children on skin health and safety. For more information, visit americanskin.org.
American Skin Association is a Four-Star Charity Navigator rated foundation.
SOURCE American Skin Association
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