Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Software

FormFree Expands Partnership with American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia in Celebration of 2020 Red Cross Month

ATHENS, Ga. -- FormFree® today announced it is celebrating Red Cross Month by expanding its long-held partnership with the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia. FormFree will support the Northeast Georgia chapter's mission of alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies by giving fiscal contributions and engaging in monthly acts of service throughout 2020.

In April, FormFree will kick off its expanded partnership by donating life-saving blood to help hospitals maintain a continuous supply during the novel coronavirus pandemic. According to a recent statement released by the Red Cross, which collects 40 percent of the U.S. blood supply, more than 12,000 blood drives have been canceled across the country as of March 30, leading to an estimated 325,000 fewer blood donations. The resulting blood supply shortage could affect the ability of victims of physical trauma, surgery patients and cancer patients to get the care they need.

"The Red Cross' mission of alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies resonates powerfully with FormFree's culture of empathy, service and generosity," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "Although we've long been a partner of the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia, in today's uncertain environment we feel especially compelled to give back to this vital institution supporting our community."

Chartered in 1917, the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia provides direct service to 23 Georgia counties by supporting the collection, testing and distribution of blood and blood components in the region, providing emergency resources for military families, facilitating lifesaving training in first aid, CPR and use an AED and helping people and communities impacted by disasters. Red Cross Month is a nationwide tradition begun by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943.

"FormFree shares our passion for serving our nation's veterans and communities in need," said Marlon Trone, executive director of the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia. "We thank them for their continual generosity and look forward to working alongside them for the betterment of our community for years to come."

FormFree has participated in numerous community awareness and service events hosted with the Red Cross of Northeast Georgia since the company's founding in 2008. Brent Chandler joined the Red Cross of Northeast Georgia's board of directors in 2017.

About FormFree:

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport(tm) are changing the credit decisioning landscape and encouraging lenders nationwide to incorporate a more holistic view of each borrower's financial DNA. To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing over a trillion dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, reduces origination timelines by up to 20 days and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey(tm). A HousingWire TECH100(tm) company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Athens, Georgia.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit https://www.redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Twitter: @RealFormFree @RedCross @NEGAARC #RedCrossMonth

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Generous Bequests Help Strengthen Komen Dallas Co. Mission

DALLAS, Texas -- Susan G. Komen Dallas County (Komen Dallas County) today said it has received bequests from the Estate of Edith Beutell and the Estate of Dr. Glenn Dodwell, which combined total more than $199,000. The gifts will further the organization's ability to assess the state of breast health in Dallas County and create plans of action to reduce breast cancer mortality disparities in the community. In addition, the gifts allow Komen Dallas County to focus on its pillars of Research, Care, Community and Action.

"We are moved by the thoughtfulness of Mrs. Beutell and Dr. Dodwell to include Komen Dallas County in their planned estate giving and are honored to be part of their lasting legacies. This remarkable generosity allows us to hold our place as the local source for funding breast cancer detection, support and education for uninsured and underinsured women and men in Dallas County," said Sofia Olivarez, executive director of Susan G. Komen Dallas County.

The bequests ($189,893 from the Dodwell Estate and $10,000 the Beutell Estate) will help fund local breast health services and further groundbreaking research for the cures. According to her family, Mrs. Beutell was inspired by a niece's battle against breast cancer.

The gifts come as Komen Dallas County prepares to award grants for its FY2021 funding cycle. Health and community service organizations have submitted hundreds of grant requests to support programs for women and men across Dallas County using data from Komen Dallas County's recently-updated Community Profile Report as a guide.

"Komen Dallas County has identified areas within our community where gaps in access to care and health disparities persist. Planned gifts like those from Ms. Beutell and Dr. Dodwell allow us to provide vital resources to organizations that are on the frontlines working to provide education and life-saving services to those Dallas County residents who are most in need," said Daniel Jones, president of the Komen Dallas County Board of Directors.

Grant awards will be announced in April. Visit https://komen-dallas.org/grants to learn about the impact of Komen Dallas County Community Partner grants.

About Susan G. Komen® Dallas County

Komen Dallas County is committed to Dallas' fight against breast cancer. Since its inception, Komen Dallas County has invested over $27.5 million in local breast health programs providing education, screening, diagnostic services, treatment, patient navigation and transportation services. Komen Dallas County has also invested nearly $8.5 million in national, cutting edge research to find the cures so that future generations will not have to face this devastating disease.

About five Dallas County families per week can expect to lose a loved one to breast cancer. Fundraising or donations to Komen Dallas County helps the organization save a mother, daughter, sister or friend from this devastating disease. Learn more at: https://komen-dallas.org/

Reach out to us at 214-750-7223 or at info@komen-dallas.org for help or to access breast health resources.

MEDIA CONTACT
Brittani Ball
Susan G. Komen Dallas County
469-619-3904
brittaniball@komen-dallas.org

Related link: https://komen-dallas.org/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Lyme Disease Biobank Expands Into San Diego

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a leading sponsor of Lyme disease research in the U.S., announces the opening of the San Diego collection site of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation's Lyme Disease Biobank, which is the first program to provide researchers with blood and urine samples from people with early Lyme disease from multiple endemic regions across the country.

Congressman Scott Peters and Councilmember Chris Cate are scheduled to speak at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new collection site, and Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry, Senator Toni Atkins, and Assemblymember Todd Gloria will send representatives to issue commendations to support this event.

"Lyme disease is a growing problem in the County of San Diego, because many of our residents travel to or relocate from other more highly endemic areas and it is also possible to be infected locally," said Sharon Wampler, PhD, who was instrumental in bringing Bay Area Lyme Foundation's Lyme Disease Biobank to San Diego. "As a world-class hubfor research and innovation, we can be part of the solution. This biobank is an important resource which will help researchers answer many current scientific questions about tick-borne diseases."

Much research into tick-borne infections is needed, as current diagnostics are inaccurate for more than half of early stage Lyme disease cases, treatments do not work for everyone and late stage Lyme disease can become nearly impossible to cure. In fact, a recent study based on the samples collected by the Lyme Disease Biobank and published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology, found that the Centers for Disease Control's standard two-tier testing algorithm for Lyme disease failed to accurately diagnose 71% of blood samples from individuals in endemic areas presenting with a Lyme rash, also known as an erythema migrans, greater than 5 cm. In striving to investigate better diagnostics and treatments for tick-borne diseases, researchers require verified blood, urine and tissue samples to use in their studies.

Currently, there are 50 research projects that rely on Lyme Disease Biobank samples. The San Diego collection center will be in partnership with Osteopathic Medical Associates of San Diego (OMASD).

"As Lyme disease grows in prevalance, we are seeing more people looking to make a difference for current and future patients, and our biobank offers a valuable way for the public to support researchers who are working to find solutions," said Liz Horn, PhD, principal investigator, Lyme Disease Biobank. "We are honored to be able to give people from San Diego the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative."

The Lyme Disease Biobank in San Diego will collect from people who have ongoing symptoms of Lyme disease. Importantly, because bacterial strains of tick-borne diseases have been shown to vary from region to region, a biobank in San Diego will allow researchers to explore potential new diagnostics against the range of bacterial strains prevalent in people with Lyme disease in San Diego, along with those from other parts of the country.

San Diego residents are also invited to register for the Biobank's tissue collection program. This program allows for a greater understanding of the ability of Lyme bacteria to invade tissues and organs. The Lyme Disease Biobank is the only national entity working to accelerate research by collecting surgical and post-mortem tissue samples from individuals with persistent Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.

Also in support of Lyme disease research such as this, community members will come together tonight, Friday, March 6 for Ride Out Lyme California at SoulCycle in La Jolla.

About Lyme Disease Biobank

The Lyme Disease Biobank (LDB), a program of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, is a non-profit organization working to accelerate research of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. With a collection of biological samples from more than 900 participants, including serum, blood, urine and tissue, LDB provides much-needed samples to researchers working to better understand tick-borne diseases and develop improved tests and therapeutics. Blood and urine samples are collected from the Northeast, Upper Midwest and West Coast areas of the U.S., and tissue samples are collected throughout the country.

Healthcare providers looking to get involved, and patients interested in donating blood, urine or tissue samples can learn more here - https://www.bayarealyme.org/our-research/biobank/patient-information/

Researchers interested in obtaining samples should visit https://www.bayarealyme.org/ or contact info@lymebiobank.org.

About Lyme Disease

The most common vector-borne infectious disease in the country, Lyme disease is a potentially disabling infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick to people and pets. If caught early, most cases of Lyme disease can be effectively treated, but it is commonly misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and unreliable diagnostic tests. There are more than 400,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, according to statistics released in 2018 by the CDC. As a result of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, more than one million Americans may be suffering from the impact of its debilitating long-term symptoms and complications, according to Bay Area Lyme Foundation estimates.

About Bay Area Lyme Foundation

Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a national organization committed to making Lyme disease easy to diagnose and simple to cure, is a leading public not-for-profit sponsor of innovative Lyme disease research in the U.S. A 501c3 non-profit organization based in Silicon Valley, Bay Area Lyme Foundation collaborates with world-class scientists and institutions to accelerate medical breakthroughs for Lyme disease. It is also dedicated to providing reliable, fact-based information so that prevention and the importance of early treatment are common knowledge. A pivotal donation from The LaureL STEM Fund covers overhead costs and allows for 100% of all donor contributions to Bay Area Lyme Foundation to go directly to research and prevention programs. For more information about Lyme disease or to get involved, visit https://www.bayarealyme.org/ or call us at 650-530-2439.

Related link: https://www.bayarealyme.org/

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Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Sports and Activities

Team Rio National and Sports U announce merger to create Team Rio University

COLTS NECK, N.J. -- Team Rio National and Sports U are proud to announce a collaboration and combination of NJ's most successful grassroots basketball programs over the last decade with the creation of Team Rio University (Rio U). As an Under Armour Association sponsored program, Team Rio University is able to deliver a complete student-athlete basketball development and educational advancement program.

Players will have access and support to the finest coaches, trainers, mentors, and educators to reach their potential on the court, in the classroom, and in life.

Over the last decade, the combined programs have graduated over one hundred NCAA Division 1 scholarship athletes, seven McDonald's All Americans, and eight NBA players.

"Eight years ago we created Team Rio National because we wanted a comprehensive academic and basketball development experience for a group of passionate local players. Over the years, the formula has proven successful and we would like to extend the opportunities to more student-athletes in the tri-state area. By combining forces with Sports U, Team Rio University can extend its reach and help impact more youth players throughout the region," said Brian Klatsky, founder of Team Rio National.

Former Big East head coach and Team Rio coach, Mike Rice added "We have a tremendous amount of respect for Brian Coleman and his accomplishments with Sports U are immense. We now unite and marry the two strongest grassroots programs over the last decade in New Jersey. This is going to have a very positive impact on student-athletes in the Garden State."

Sports U founder, Brian Coleman, says "This merger is going to be a disruptor and game changer in the tri-state basketball community. I'm very excited for the future of Rio U basketball!"

Shannon Coyle, coach and director of Rio U Girls, added, "After a very successful launch of the Girls UAA circuit in 2019 and the inaugural seasons of Team Rio National girls, we are very excited to broaden our reach throughout the tri-state area with Sports U. The synergies, resources, and network that come with the combination of both boys basketball and Sports U, gives our girls an elite experience for them to maximize their potential."

Tryouts for the upcoming season start on February 29, 2020 and continue on March 7, 2020. Tryout details, location, and times, can be found at https://teamrionational.com/.

About Team Rio University:

As a 501(c)(3) organization, Team Rio University is an Under Armour sponsored program that assists student-athletes on and off the court in their pursuit of college and professional basketball. The boys and girls programs participate in the highly regarded Under Armour Association (UAA). Both the boys and girls UAA leagues generate hundreds of college coaches and scouts at their NCAA live session events to provide student-athletes a world class platform for competition and recruitment.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0228s2p-team-rio-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://teamrionational.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities

Twenty-Two States Proclaim March 2020 SUDC Awareness Month for Unexplained Childhood Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J. -- The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation thanks Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia for making statewide proclamations declaring March 2020 SUDC Awareness Month.

These are the first states to join a nationwide effort led by the SUDC Foundation to raise awareness of one of the most under-recognized medical tragedies of our time, marking the beginning of a month-long campaign all over the world.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is a category of death in children over the age of 1 year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation, including an autopsy. Most often, a seemingly healthy child goes to sleep and never wakes up. Approximately 400 children are lost to SUDC in the United States every year.

"We have made incredible strides as we honor SUDC Awareness Month each March," said Laura Gould Crandall, President and Co-founder of the SUDC Foundation. "Last year, we surpassed serving our 1,000th family since the inception of the SUDC Foundation. While we are sorry for the reason, we are thankful these families were able to connect with our worldwide community and unique range of services. This is a true testament to the SUDC Foundation's tireless outreach and awareness efforts. But we must keep striving to ensure every family who needs us is able to find us and to advocate for research that will help us create a world without SUDC."

The SUDC Foundation will once again mark SUDC Awareness Month by hosting weekly activities for every SUDC supporter to raise awareness of SUDC and remember the children gone far too soon.

To learn more, please visit: https://sudc.org/get-involved/sudc-awareness-month

The SUDC Foundation is advocating for SUDC Awareness Month proclamations in all 50 U.S. states this March. In 2019, 43 U.S. states participated. This nationwide effort began in 2016, inspired by Drew Joseph Boswell and the Boswell family. The Boswell family successfully advocated for the first statewide proclamation declaring March 2015 as SUDC Awareness Month in the State of Louisiana.

To see a full list of previous efforts as well as additional states who have joined, please visit: https://sudc.org/get-involved/legislative-advocacy/sudc-awareness-proclamations

About the SUDC Foundation:

The SUDC Foundation is the only organization worldwide whose purpose is to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to families. Learn more: https://sudc.org/

Media Contact:
Stephanie Zarecky
The SUDC Foundation
Tel 973.795.1257
stephanie@sudc.org

*LOGO links for media:
[1] SUDC Logo: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0228s2p-sudc-fdn-300dpi.jpg

[2] Awareness Logo: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0301s2p-SUDC-AwarenessMonth-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://sudc.org/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

$675 Billion Reasons to ‘Declare Your Share!’ with Upcoming 2020 Decennial Census

BURTONSVILLE, Md. -- U.S. Census Bureau, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker and AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell Join Forces to promote senior participation in upcoming 2020 Decennial Census.

Event held at a community center in an area that is predicted to be undercounted; will highlight community programming funded by census dollars.

Who:
* Brian Frosh, Attorney General, State of Maryland
* Tom Hucker, District 5 Councilmember, Montgomery County Council
* Jim Campbell, AARP Maryland State President
* Maria Sofia, Executive Associate, Maryland Department of Planning
* Erin Smith, Montgomery County Area Agency on Aging
* Officials from the U.S. Census Bureau will also be in attendance.

What: Senior Census Awareness Event
When: Monday, February 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, Social Hall, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866
Why: Participation In the 2020 Census is Safe, Easy and Important!

BACKGROUND
April 1 is Census Day! The first United States (U.S.) Decennial Census was conducted in 1790. So the upcoming 2020 Census marks the 24th time that the U. S. has made a headcount of all residents in the Country as required by the constitution. Article 1, Section 2 requires that a census be carried-out every 10 years.

The results of the head count will determine allocation of $675 billion dollars of federal government funds to states, protectorates, and, the District of Columbia; as well as apportionment in state houses and the U.S. House of Representatives. Census results influence how dollars are allocated to local communities to fund specific needs, including roads, hospitals, emergency services, senior citizen centers, job training programs, and; Medicare Part B health insurance. It is estimated that Maryland lost nearly $1BN due to undercounts in hard to reach communities during the 2010 census.

Seniors are historically among the most undercounted groups during. It's important that we remind them that participation in the Census is Easy, Safe and Important! Soon, the Census Bureau will begin a process to invite people to respond to the 2020 Census. This year, respondents have the option be counted by paper questionnaire, telephone response, or online response (including smart phones).

For more information on the 2020 Census or to register for updates, go to https://www.2020census.gov/

QUOTES:

"The Census Bureau is committed to ensuring that all U.S. residents are counted once, only once and in the right place", says Fernando Gordon, Deputy Director of the U.S. Census Bureau. "We applaud all of our partners, including Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh; Montgomery County; Montgomery County District 5 Councilmember Tom Hucker; and AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell for their outstanding commitment towards ensuring a complete count in all communities - especially those that are historically undercounted. Today, we especially encourage seniors in Montgomery County, Maryland to be counted in the upcoming Decennial Census!

"By the time of the next census in the year 2030, there will be more Americans over the age of 65 than under the age of 18. Communities are going to have to prepare infrastructure, services and supports to accommodate this historic shift in demographics and will require every federal dollar they are entitled to in order to do so," says AARP Maryland State President Jim Campbell. "That is why AARP Maryland is urging all residents to 'Declare Your Share' and participate in the 2020 census."

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Carr, AARP Maryland
443-787-5382
ncarr@aarp.org

Learn more about AARP at: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

Related link: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

New Orleans tech companies and training organizations come together to help prepare youth and young adults for emerging tech job market

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- LifeSkills Foundation will host the first annual Tech-2-Talent Youth Expo on Saturday, March 14 from 1 - 5:30 p.m. at the Mel Ott Multi-Purpose Center located at 2301 Belle Chasse Highway in Gretna, La. The event is a fun, interactive tech expo and speakers forum designed to encourage youth, ages 25 and under, and their parents to explore tech career pathways for 21st century jobs in areas like information technology, computer science, engineering, healthcare, cybersecurity, and digital media.

Co-sponsored by DXC Technology and OnPath Federal Credit Union, the event will educate and inform attendees about traditional and non-traditional pathways, certifications, and experiential learning opportunities that can lead to successful careers in hard and soft-skill positions in various industries. Attendees will learn how technology skills readily used in the home, school, and workplace can translate to long-term careers and entrepreneurial ventures. In addition, youth and their parents can be trained on a tech skill in 20 minutes or less during the Tech20 Interactive Showcase.

"Pursuing a job in tech-whether it's digital media, coding or health IT- is not only a great idea, but it lays the foundation for a career that can generate great pay and longevity as well as equip youth with the tools they need to successfully reinvest into the community," said Michelle Jackson, executive director of LifeSkills Foundation. "Our goal is to work with local stakeholders to offer youth, at all skill levels, a pathway to success in tech. If we can encourage one avid gamer to pursue a job as a video game designer or inspire a student who enjoys problem solving to pursue a job as a network administrator, we know we are moving in the right direction."

In traditional New Orleans style, Tech-2-Talent will include music by a local DJ, food, tech swag bags and prizes. Participants include DXC Technology, Tulane University School of Professional Advancement - Digital Design, Game Art & Animation, the U.S. Army, Operation Spark, National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center (NICERC), Diabetes Management & Supplies, Urban League of Louisiana, Tech Talent South, Zephyr Drones, NOLA Code, New Horizons Computer Learning Center, PR Solutions and My College Fit. Other participants include Electric Girls and Louisiana College.

The 2020 theme is, Inspiring the Next Generation of Tech Leaders. The event is open to youth with no tech skills or formal education, as well as those who are video game, smartphone, and social media savvy. Gaming competitions, virtual reality and drone demonstrations will take place throughout the day. Tech training and college preparation workshops will be offered. Parents can participate in all activities, attend panel discussions, and be guests at the Inspiring our Youth Speakers Forum. The forum will feature recent graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, Cedric Dent Jr., author of "Searching for Purpose and Understanding: Fulfilling Your Purpose in Life."

Other speakers include: Jayed Stokes, Scrum Master, DXC Technology; Eddie Smith Jr., Software Engineer, GE Aviation; Dominque Riley, Senior Technical Product Manager, Baker Hughes; Anastasia Aubrey, Senior Scrum Master, DXC Technology; and Pamela Calonje, Career Consultant, New Horizons Computer Learning Center. New Horizons will also provide first-hand information about the Louisiana Workforce Commission Youth Grant, which provides young adults between the ages of 18-24 who are currently not in school, an opportunity to receive funds to cover the cost of IT training and certification programs.

To attend, register at http://www.i-investcompetition.com/tech-2-talent-youth-expo or access the event on Eventbrite.

Ticket prices are $35. To receive a $15 discount, purchase tickets online using code T2TXmas19. Schools and nonprofits can receive two complimentary tickets if registered by March 1.

For more information, email Michelle Jackson at marketing@prsolutionsllc.org.

About LifeSkills Foundation

LifeSkills Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mentoring to youth and aspiring youth entrepreneurs. The Foundation connects young leaders to experienced business and academic professionals via virtual and face-to-face platforms designed specifically to ensure delivery of guidance, training, and financial support. The Foundation's mission is to help youth business leaders build viable ventures and use their business know-how, leadership skills, and self-confidence to invest in their communities, create jobs, and prepare for the future workforce. LifeSkills is a principal supporter of the i.Invest National Youth Business Competition.

Learn more about LifeSkills Foundation at: https://www.i-investcompetition.com/lifeskills-foundation

Related link: https://www.i-investcompetition.com/lifeskills-foundation

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Awards and Honors, Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Susan G. Komen North Jersey Announces Award Honorees Robert C. Garrett, Amparo Aguirre and LAX For The Cure

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Susan G. Komen® North Jersey today announced its Pink Tie Party honorees to be recognized during the March 21st event being held at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Jersey City. For over twenty years, Susan G. Komen North Jersey has helped those who can't pay for treatments, worked to ensure that all people get the care they need, fought for the rights of patients with policy makers and funded breakthroughs in research that saves lives.

This signature event celebrates deserving honorees and raises funds for life-saving North Jersey community programs and national research.

This year's deserving honorees are:

Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Founders Award Honoree. Bob is CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health and a lifelong advocate working to enhance healthcare service within the community. He is widely recognized for his visionary leadership not only within the field of healthcare, but within the many organizations he supports through his work on advisory boards and boards of directors. Our Founders Award recognizes individuals who have made an impact on healthcare services in the North Jersey community through a lifetime of effort and commitment.

"Susan G. Komen North Jersey's community programs are an example of the very best collaboration in our healthcare community. When nonprofits partner with healthcare systems to deliver initiatives that get into the community with education and prevention programs, the entire community benefits. Hackensack Meridian Health will continue to support the programs that emphasize increasing access to that care," says Bob Garrett.

Amparo Aguirre, Trailblazer Award Honoree. Amparo Aguirre is a Komen-funded

bi-lingual Breast Health Outreach Coordinator at Trinitas Regional Medical Center. Our Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals whose commitment has made an impact on breast cancer awareness, early screening and detection within the North Jersey community.

"I am so honored to receive this award from Komen North Jersey. Saving lives is a privilege that most people don't have the opportunity to enjoy. Providing education and access to screening, particularly in the Latino Community, is my passion and I am grateful for this opportunity that Komen North Jersey provides," says Amparo Aguirre.

LAX for the Cure, Champion Award Honoree. LAX for the Cure is a girls' lacrosse tournament that was founded in 2007 by Jessica Shoulberg, CFO of STEPS Lacrosse LLC. During the summer of 2007, the STEPS Lacrosse club had three mothers fighting breast cancer. The Shoulbergs wanted to help in the fight against the disease and decided to use the growth of girls' lacrosse and the summer tournament circuit as a vehicle. LAX for the Cure was launched to meet the ideals of players, parents, clubs, and college coaches, with the additional goal of raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

To date, $3+ million has been raised; an amazing milestone and legacy for such an initiative. The LAX girls are driven competitors who embody the Champion Award that honors a competitive mindset and celebrates the heartfelt work and success of the organization. The girls are celebrated as champions within their sport and champions for the cause of breast cancer.

"Each has contributed immeasurably to our mission and to the fight against breast cancer. We provided them the opportunity to get involved in a life-saving cause and they ran with it. I am so proud of every one of the girls who, through their dedication, are giving hope to the thousands of people, right here, who rely on Susan G. Komen North Jersey to access quality, timely care," says Jessica Shoulberg.

"Our honorees represent the very best in leadership, passion and dedication that gives HOPE to thousands of women and men in North Jersey in need of breast health care or facing a breast cancer diagnosis," says Perla Haltner, Acting Executive Director of Komen North Jersey.

The honorees will be the stars of the evening alongside tasty food, cocktails, gaming and fun. It promises to be a memorable, feel-good night, thanks to the generosity of this year's Pink Tie Party sponsors including: Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas, Investors Bank, Dun and Bradstreet, ROI-NJ and TAPinto.net.

About Susan G. Komen®

Susan G. Komen® is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Born out of a promise between two sisters, Susan G. Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures.

About Susan G. Komen® and Komen North Jersey

Komen North Jersey is helping fuel research, advocate for patients and support people facing breast cancer locally through a variety of direct patient-centered services and by collaborating with area providers to remove barriers and connect people to needed care across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren Counties.

For more information, call 908-277-2904 or visit https://komennorthjersey.org/.

Related link: https://komennorthjersey.org/

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Business, Defense and Military, Entertainment, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest Project, Inc. Building New Iwo Jima Memorial – Updated with Correct Flag-raisers

RACINE, Wis. -- In tandem with 75th Anniversary of the flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi, the Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest Project (IJMM) is launching a nationwide program to build a new Iwo Jima Monument. The new statue will replace the faces of two flag-raisers that were misidentified with the actual Marines who participated.

Harold "Pie" Keller and Harold Schultz were identified by HQ USMC with the aid of FBI forensics as the Marines raising the flag. Therefore, the new IJMM statue will be the very first monument built that reflects the exact image of the photograph.

The raising of the US flag over Mount Suribachi, was the first foreign flag ever to fly on Japanese soil. The photograph of the flag raising was taken by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal. It became an iconic image of not only the battle, but of the War in the Pacific and one of the most reproduced photographs in the world.

For 36 days in February-March of 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima Island saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Pacific War. In the five week battle American casualties reached 26,040 of which 6,821 Marines were killed and 23,573 wounded 33% of their available force, or one in every three that landed.

The new Monument will be placed in Racine, Wisconsin, just north of Chicago and South of Milwaukee. Racine is the home of Marine Corps League Detachment 346 that has been doing a Living Memorial Float of the flag-raising for over 74 years. The Marines hold the position of the famous statue for up to two hours in parades and various events.

The very first Iwo Jima Monument statue was molded as a table top version for review and approvals by the USMC. Sculptor Felix De Weldon used Johnson Floor Wax to form this statue. SC Johnson Wax Corporate HQ is in Racine.

World renowned Sculptor, Robert Bricker of the Bronze Craft Foundry in Charlottsville, Virginia will produce the 40 percent size of original size bronze monument. Bricker was the sculptor selected by National Parks to work on the restoration of the original statue in Arlington. The figures will be 13 feet tall. It will take 16 months to produce and weigh 20,000 lbs.

The two year, $4 Million dollar fundraising project is supported by all volunteer Marines, Veterans, Veterans Support Groups and dedicated civilians. The fundraising efforts are nationwide, supported with a wide range of merchandise for donors. Solicitation of Corporate sponsors is underway.

Extensive information can be found at their website http://www.ijmmproject.org

Once completed the Monument location will be used as a venue to host a variety of Veterans events and expand educational support elements for elementary schools. The Project will in-turn institute fund gathering efforts to support needy Veterans

The Iwo Jima Memorial Midwest Project is a momentous undertaking that will benefit the preservation of the most recognizable, patriotic image in the history of World War II and the United States Marine Corps.

"With the generous help of Americans and Veterans, the Monument will help preserve the Spirit of America, it's symbol of Patriotism and Love of Country. It will forever pay tribute to the thousands of Marines and Veterans that paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the Freedoms we enjoy today," said John Capriotti, IJMM Project Director.

Media Press Kit Section with photos, videos and historical documents and links is available on the website http://www.ijmmproject.org/

Media Contact:
John Capriotti, Project Director
414 331-4757
jcapriotti@ijmmproject.org

IJMM Project Inc.
2635 Four Mile Rd. Box 44331
Racine, WI 53404-8777

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/iwojimamemorialmidwestproject/
Twitter @iwomidwest

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0218s2p-ijmmp-bonddrive-poster-300dpi.jpg

Video links
3:38 - IJMM Project Highlights video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkOfi70FQw8&t=2s

Project Overview - 12-minute County Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN1wdAY8V0Y&t=18s

Related link: https://www.iwojimamemorialmidwest.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Books and Publishing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities, Product Launches

Groundbreaking New Book Fills Dire Needs in Unexplained Pediatric Deaths

ROSELAND, N.J. -- The SUDC Foundation recently published a first-of-its kind book, "Unexplained Pediatric Deaths: Investigation, Certification and Family Needs" (ISBN: 978-0998904320) a collaboration between the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which establishes the first ever national consensus guidelines in the U.S. to fill crucial needs to determine why unexplained pediatric deaths happen and how to support families after these tragedies.

Each year in the U.S., over 3,000 infants and children who are otherwise apparently healthy, die suddenly and without explanation. These deaths not only have profound effects on families, but also serious implications for our public health system. Currently, no national standards for investigating these deaths exist, severely handicapping our ability to understand and prevent them in the future.

"The devastating loss of a child is compounded when we cannot explain how that precious life ended," said Elizabeth Bundock, M.D., Ph.D., Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington, Vermont and one of the editors of the book. "While many of these unexplained deaths expose the limits of our collective medical knowledge, ideally, none should expose shortcomings in our effort to identify the cause of death."

Bundock adds, "The medicolegal investigation of a child death is complex, requiring the meticulous attention of multiple professionals who bring to bear special techniques and resources. Variability in the medicolegal response is inevitable and flexibility is essential. However, the guidance provided in Unexplained Pediatric Deaths can move the U.S. closer to a consistently comprehensive approach."

"Over the last two decades, I have spoken to over 1,000 families who lost seemingly healthy, thriving children suddenly, unexpectedly and most often without answers as to why," said Laura Gould Crandall, Co-founder and President of the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation and one of the authors of the book. "These families deserve better than our current system provides. Without the improvements included in this book, we cannot truly know how many children are dying, we cannot perform the ideal research to understand and prevent them, and we cannot fully support families through their grief. We are so thankful to the authors of this book, especially the lead editors Dr. Elizabeth Bundock and Dr. Tracey Corey, for dedicating their expertise and diligently guiding our collective group of multidisciplinary collaborators to fix a broken system for the betterment of all children."

"This book draws on the experience and insight of dozens of experts from around the country," said Tracey Corey, M.D., Associate Medical Examiner for Florida Districts 5 & 24 and one of the editors of the book. "Each guideline was developed based on extensive research, historical context and sound rationale. Implementing them will advance the way we investigate these deaths, arming us with a system that will help us better determine why these deaths happen and support those we serve."

"This book represents the state-of-the art on our knowledge and assessment of sudden pediatric deaths, representing the cumulative wisdom of leading experts across diverse medical and scientific disciplines," said Orrin Devinsky, M.D., of New York University Langone Health and one of the authors of the book. "The experience of affected parents has greatly strengthened the value and sensitivity of this extraordinary effort."

"Unexplained Pediatric Deaths: Investigation, Certification and Family Needs" establishes the first national consensus guidelines to address the shortfalls in our current death investigation system. It outlines procedural guidance for a comprehensive investigation and autopsy and provides guidance to promote consistent classification of unexplained pediatric deaths, which greatly impacts our ability to understand how often they occur. It also offers recommendations for the care of families after such tragedies. Adoption of these guidelines is critical to achieve a better understanding of these deaths, successful public health prevention strategies and appropriate care of the bereaved.

"Unexplained Pediatric Deaths" began when the SUDC Foundation awarded a grant to NAME to work in collaboration with the AAP to convene an expert panel to identify and discuss these critical issues. The publication is a combined effort of a panel of medical examiners, pediatricians and federal agency representatives who represent the diverse interests of epidemiology, death investigation, autopsy performance, death certification, clinical subspecialties (neurology, cardiology, child abuse, injury prevention, infectious diseases, genetics and metabolic diseases), family needs, prevention and research.

To read a more detailed summary, please visit: https://sudc.org/education-resources/media-resources.

To learn more about the book and view a full list of authors available for interviews throughout the U.S., please visit https://sudpeds.com/.

About the SUDC Foundation:

The SUDC Foundation is the only organization worldwide whose purpose is to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation provides all services at no cost to families. SUDC is a category of death in children over the age of 1 year which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation and autopsy.

To learn more about SUDC and the SUDC Foundation, please visit https://sudc.org/.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Zarecky
The SUDC Foundation
stephanie@sudc.org

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0212s2p-upd-book-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Book jacket, "Unexplained Pediatric Deaths: Investigation, Certification and Family Needs" (ISBN: 978-0998904320).

Related link: https://sudc.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.