Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Hosts Twenty-First Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon

NEW YORK, April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), Greater New York Chapter, will host their Twenty-First Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria on Thursday, May 1^st. The luncheon will be hosted by veteran WABC-TV News Anchor, Liz Cho.

To purchase tickets to the 21^st Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon please visit http://www.ccfa.org/chapters/newyork/events/21st-annual-women-of.html

The Luncheon will honor Dr. Robbyn Sockolow for her work in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with the Woman of Distinction Award in Medicine. Dr. Sockolow, associate professor of clinical pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College and director of gastroenterology and nutrition at the Phyllis and David Komansky Center for Children's Health at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, is being honored this year because of her dedication to pediatric patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Her commitment to patient care and working in partnership with families is to be commended.  She is a pioneer in Crohn's and colitis care and a beacon of hope for the millions who suffer from these diseases.

"It has been a privilege to be involved with the patients and families of those with IBD," says Dr. Sockolow. "There is no greater reward than to see a child who has come to me with the consequences of IBD, and then see them flourish with the right treatment strategies. It is a gift for me to be part of their lives. I am humbled and honored to have been chosen by the CCFA as the Woman of Distinction in Medicine this year." 

This year's Rising Star Awards will be presented to Casey Mintz and Taylor Sinett. Casey was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 11.  She has had multiple surgeries and many long stays in the hospital throughout her teenage years, including the complete removal of her colon.  Despite these challenges, Casey runs 2 support groups for children with IBD and participates in CCFA's Take Steps Walk.  She will be starting her freshman year at Boston University this Fall.  Taylor is Casey's cousin, who wrote a children's book in her honor titled "Weasel on an Easel" which celebrates people's differences and the passion to follow your dreams, despite adversity. Taylor is donating 100% of the proceeds from sales of the book to CCFA.

The Women of Distinction Luncheon will feature a fashion show presented by Bergdorf Goodman, featuring the 2014 Evening Collections of Elie Saab, Marchesa and Monique Lhuillier, with evening bags by Judith Leiber and Marchesa and make-up by Trish McEvoy.

"The Women of Distinction luncheon is not only one of the highlights of the year for the Greater New York Chapter," said Richard J. Geswell, President and CEO, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. "But it's become a signature event in many other chapters across the country as well.  It's a great way for us to honor the terrific women who are so supportive of our work.  We truly appreciate all the effort that goes into making this event so special."

The mission of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Since 1967, CCFA has been the leader in research, advocacy, and patient support for those suffering from these diseases.  80 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to research and support and CCFA has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the last 3 years. It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans suffer from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, approximately 150,000 of whom are children under the age of 18. Since its inception, the Foundation has funded over $200 million dollars in direct research grants and as a result, has seen the development of important new medications, genetic discoveries, diagnostic techniques and improved surgical procedures. Proceeds from the monies raised at the Women of Distinction Luncheon will be used to fund mission-critical programs, including a variety of pediatric programs and initiatives.

Nancy Brown, Co-Founder of the Women of Distinction Luncheon twenty-one years ago, Renee Crown and Diane Miller are the 2014 Honorary Chairs. Luncheon Chairs Ellen Crown, Elyse Newhouse, Michelle Swarzman and Michele Sweetwood have all personally been touched by Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Over the past 21 years the chairs have helped to raise over $20 million for CCFA, to find a cure for these diseases.  

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, and 80 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. CCFA has raised over $200 million since its inception. For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.

Notable Attendees
Suzanne Bakst
Emily Blavatnik
Stacey Bronfman
Nancy Brown
Veronica Bulgari
Georgina Chapman
Keren Craig
Ellen Crown
Rona Davis
Helena Durst
Fe Fendi
Jane Holzer
June Jacobs
Carol Kalikow
Nathalie Kaplan
Eleanora Kennedy
Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg
Anki Leeds
Patty McEnroe
Marcia Mishaan
Elyse Newhouse
Liz Peek
Madeline Redstone
Judy Ripka
Peter Thomas Roth
Carolyn Rowan
Sara Crown Star
Andrea Stark
Michelle Swarzman
Michele Sweetwood
Barbara Tober
Claude Wasserstein
Lois Robbins Zaro
Caryn Zucker

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXs4IsGqp5k

SOURCE Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America