The Women's Health Foundation, Poise join forces for pelvic health

CHICAGO The Women's Health Foundation on Friday teamed up with Kimberly-Clark and its Poise brand for a second year to recognize champions of women's pelvic health by announcing a call for entries to the Passion Award sponsored by Poise.

The Passion Award sponsored by Poise acknowledges either a survivor or a pelvic floor champion. The survivor is a woman who has overcome pelvic conditions (i.e., incontinence or prolapse) through personal effort, and found strength through pelvic fitness and lifestyle changes. The pelvic floor champion is a woman who is willing to share her story, inspire others and educate through harnessing her pelvic power.

“The annual Passion Award celebrates a woman who either overcame pelvic conditions or helps develop a sisterhood of strength by empowering women who struggle with pelvic health issues,” stated Missy Lavender, WHF CEO and executive director.

The 2008 winner was Linda Michael of Portage, Ind., who overcame incontinence after decades of pain and now is a vocal supporter of women taking proactive steps to live without pain.

“We hope that by celebrating the winner of the 2009 Passion award, other women will feel supported not only to seek the bladder control treatment that's right for them, but also to help eliminate the taboo often coupled with the topic by talking about it,” stated Joe Kuester, Poise senior brand manager.

The Passion Award winner will be awarded at the 5th Annual “Below the Belt” Gala on June 27 in Chicago.