2011 Events

At Women’s Health Foundation we’re never sitting still. See where we are, what we’re doing and who’s talking about us. Check this page frequently to learn about upcoming and past events, news, programs and more. Check us out a twitter, facebook, and you tube!

11/22/2011

Pelvic Health Matters

Women’s Health Foundation serves women throughout their life, beginning with menstruation through childbirth, menopause and beyond. Recently, we compiled 4 brief videos to highlight the efforts being made for each of our unique populations. Please take a minute to watch.

Now is the time to support these vital efforts in pelvic health and wellness. Help Women’s Health Foundation reach its goal to remain the nation’s most visible, innovative and passionate champion of women’s pelvic health.

Together we will continue to fight for women’s and girls’ pelvic health.

Click here to donate online.

08/23/2011

WHF awarded the 2011 Aetna Susan B. Anthony Award for Excellence in Research on Older Women and Public Health

The manuscript “A comparative effectiveness study of overactive bladder (OAB) treatment using a pelvic floor fitness program for senior women” has been selected as the winner of the 2011 Aetna Susan B. Anthony Award for Excellence in Research on Older Women and Public Health by the American Public Health Association (APHA).

The manuscript reports findings from a multi-site study comparing the effectiveness of a low-impact version of Total Control® (the Foundation’s innovative wellness and educational program) for senior women with symptoms of overactive bladder. The study was done in collaboration with lead author, Sheila Dugan MD, of Rush University Medical Center, Jennifer Hebert-Beirne, PhD, MPH, WHF’s Director of Research and University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health faculty ,Linda Brubaker, MD, of Loyola University Health System and Missy Lavender, WHF’s Founder and Board President.

At the conclusion of the program, women who participated in Total Control Platinum™ reported a statistically significant decrease in frequency of urination, urine leakage related to feelings of urgency and urine leakage caused by physical activity, coughing or sneezing. Additionally, they expressed their remaining symptoms were less bothersome and had less of an impact on daily activities like household chores

“The potential of this program to change women’s lives is huge,” said Missy Lavender. “Nearly one in three women over the age of 60 experience incontinence. This program allows them to gain control over a health condition that they have endured for sometimes up to 15 years.”

If you would like to know more about WHF or our award winning Total Control Platinum™ program please email Anna Albrecht, Director of Wellness Initiatives at anna@womenshealthfoundation.org.

Presentations of awards will be made during APHA’s Aging and Public Health Section Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. October 31 2011 and presented at a special session at APHA "Aetna Award for Excellence in Research on Older Women and Related Papers" on November 1st.

08/19/2011

WHF Named Chicago Humana Communities Benefit 2011 Finalist

Humana Communities Benefit is a charitable-giving program that awards a one-time $100,000 signature grant to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on improving health experiences or building healthy communities.

Sponsored by the Humana Foundation, the objective of the $100,000 grant is to make a positive, transformational impact on an organization allowing it to reach greater milestone goals.

WHF has been selected to be one of the three finalists out of a 200 Chicago-based organizations that applied for the award. On October 6, 2011 the three finalists will be honored for their work in the community at the the 2011 Humana Communities Benefit where the $100,000 grant recipient will be announced.

Keep your fingers crossed!

06/28/2011

Women’s Health Foundation Appoints Colleen Hogan Kelly Executive Director

Chicago, IL (June 28, 2011) Women’s Health Foundation (WHF), Chicago-based a 501(c)3 organization, announced today the appointment of Colleen Hogan Kelly as Executive Director. Ms. Kelly, formerly the Director of Development, takes over from Missy Lavender, the organization’s Founder. Ms. Lavender will continue her leadership of the organization as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors.

Colleen Hogan Kelly is a fundraising professional with a 12-year background in nonprofit administration. During her tenure at WHF, she is credited with creating an integrated and creative development program, as well as establishing and fostering partnerships within the healthcare arena.

Ms. Kelly came to WHF from the Joffrey Ballet where she was the Director of Development, overseeing all aspects of its fundraising efforts. In this position, she worked with top-level executives in Chicago to creatively develop communication and new partnerships.

“Ms. Kelly has a vast working knowledge and extensive experience in non-profit management, fundraising and Board relations,” said Missy Lavender. “We are pleased to have her oversee the next chapter of strategic direction for WHF.”

Missy Lavender has served as the Foundation’s Executive Director since its inception in 2004. During a sabbatical year in Europe with her family, Ms Lavender will remain actively involved as Chairwoman of the Board.

Colleen Hogan Kelly has a Masters in Arts Administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Bachelors in Arts in painting and photography from Fordham University.

06/07/2011

A Knockout Event!

Dear Friends of WHF,

Thanks to the tireless support of people like you, Saturday night's Below the Belt event was a total knockout! Guests enjoyed a night of great food, incredible performances by Lisa Loeb and Black Betty, and an exciting live auction and paddle raise.

WHF is pleased to announce that this year's event raised a total of $244, 941 exceeding our goal by nearly $30,000! The funds raised will help us to continue in the fight for women's and girl's pelvic health. We appreciate your continued dedication to the work of Women's Health Foundation.

With gratitude,
Women's Health Foundation Staff

05/13/2011

A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Overactive Bladder (OAB) Treatment Using a Pelvic Floor Fitness Program for Senior Women

A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Overactive Bladder (OAB) Treatment Using a Pelvic Floor Fitness Program for Senior Women has been accepted for the 2011 International Continence Society's Annual Meeting. For more information, click here.

03/18/2011

Grammy-Nominated Singer/Songwriter, Lisa Loeb to perform at Below the Belt, June 4th, 2011

Women's Health Foundation is gearing up for Below the Belt: Fighting for Women's Pelvic Health 2011 featuring a private performance by Grammy®-nominated, Singer/Songwriter Lisa Loeb and Chicago's hottest female-fronted band, Black Betty!

Due to the wild success of previous Below the Belt events, the party has grown up and out of our previous venue! We are excited to announce that this year's event will be held at the following location:

Gallery 1028
1028 North Hooker Street
Chicago, IL

Tickets and Sponsorship Packages Now Available. Go to www.belowthebeltgala.org to purchase.

02/11/2011

Women's Health Foundation Research Update

We are proud to announce the following abstracts have been accepted as poster presentations at several conferences this spring. See below and join us!

Strengthening the Capacity of Community Health Workers to Deliver Health Education on Sensitive and Stigmatizing Women’s Health Issues has been accepted by the 2011 Minority Health in the Midwest Conference, “The Promise of Health Equity: Advancing the Discussion to Eliminate Disparities in the 21st Century " sponsored by the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois in Chicago. For more information, click here.

A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Overactive Bladder (OAB) Treatment Using a Pelvic Floor Fitness Program for Senior Women has been accepted for the 2011 Innovating for Continence sponsored by The Simon Foundation. For more information, click here.

01/12/2011

Missy to be featured on Dr. Oz Thursday, Jan. 13th!

Tune into FOX on Thursday, Jan. 13th to catch WHF founder, Missy Lavender on Dr. Oz talking about uterine prolapse. Click here to check your local listings for show times.