Padma Lakshmi & Tamer Seckin, MD Host the Second Annual Blossom Ball to Benefit the Endometriosis Foundation of America

NEW YORK, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- TV personality, author and new mom Padma Lakshmi will host a night to remember for a cause that is close to her heart.  She, along with her longtime friend, doctor and co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) Dr. Tamer Seckin, will host The Second Annual Blossom Ball to benefit the foundation that they started as a result of a lifelong mission, to advance endometriosis as a cause.  The magical event will take place at The New York Public Library on May 20, 2010 on Fifth Avenue.  Comedian Heather McDonald will emcee and event chairs Eileen Guggenheim, Cindi Leive and Diana Taylor will all be in attendance.  

The evening includes a cocktail reception, a live and silent auction, seated dinner, entertainment, dancing and high energy after-party with music provided by DJ Rekha of the famous NYC institution Basement Bhangra.  Additionally, Facebook users can enter the "Take Back the Day" essay contest which will enable one grand prize winner and a guest to attend the Blossom Ball event and meet Padma. To enter, please visit www.facebook.com/endofound.

Padma and Dr. Seckin formed their partnership after Lakshmi was treated for endometriosis by the renowned laparoscopic surgeon and endometriosis specialist, and together they decided it was time to bring attention to this important issue.  Endometriosis affects approximately 176 million women and adolescent girls world wide and can cause debilitating pain, infertility and health concerns.

"Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility in women and a disease that is far too often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed," comments Lakshmi.  "Once detected, it is a disease which is fully treatable and manageable. Because of the part of the body the disease affects, a woman's reproductive system, people are often too shy to discuss Endometriosis and it is time for us to break down those barriers and help the millions of women suffering from this disease in silence! After decades of my own suffering, I, along with the EFA, seek to spread the word of this disease and educate the masses on its symptoms and treatments."

The Endometriosis Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization working to fight the devastating effects of a disease that affects millions of woman and adolescent girls.  Through increased awareness, education, research and legislative advocacy, the EFA is committed to improving lives by early detection and treatment.

"Endometriosis not only continues to be undiagnosed and misdiagnosed but also mistreated, leaving millions of women suffering needlessly.  In this last year, Padma has become an icon for those suffering with this disease," says Dr. Tamer Seckin.  "Through her recovery, becoming a mother and working for such an important cause, she is a true testament to what can be achieved when endometriosis is treated properly.  The Endometriosis Foundation of America is very grateful to her for that."

The affair is produced by Cait & Jules from Fresh Events and the florist creations are provided by Jen Stone from StoneKelly. Great Performances will present the deliciously catered dinner with a menu selected and designed by the Top Chef Hostess.

Prices for dancing & cocktail tickets start at $175. Limited dinner tickets begin at $500.  To reserve tables, make a tax-deductible donation to the EFA, or gain more information on the event please go online to www.blossomball.com or email Carolyn Goltra, Acting Director, at [email protected]. For more information on the Foundation please visit www.endofound.org.

SOURCE Endometriosis Foundation of America