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Dr. Paul Offit and honoree, former Super Bowl MVP, Deion Branch.
The National Meningitis Association (Lynn Bozof, President) honored New England Patriot Deion Branch with the Nancy Ford Springer Award at it’s annual “Give Kids a Shot!” Gala at The Pierre Hotel.
Deion’s son Deiondre contracted Meningitis at an early age, and despite not being able to walk or talk, is a teenage survivor and the true inspiration for Deion to raise awareness for the disease.
The NMA is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease.
The organization is dedicated to educating families, medical professionals and others about meningococcal disease and its prevention.
The organization launched in 2002 by a handful of parents whose families experienced the devastating impact of the disease and quickly discovered that we learned the disease is vaccine-preventable and advocates for disease awareness and prevention.
“The NMA is a remarkable organization committed to finding a cure for and promoting a message to eradicate meningitis.,” said supporter Dr. Richard Firshein, founder and medical director of Manhattan’s prestigious Firshein Center For Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Richard Firshein with Sarah Herbert-Galloway, Chairwoman of the NMA gala for past five years.
“In its short history, it has accomplished a great deal in making that possibility closer to a reality.
Branch, the Most Valuable Player of the 2005 Super Bowl has directly benefitted from that fine work and said he will dedicate himself to support the organization.
“I will try to make sure that I am here every year,” he said. “I will take this award and put it above my son’s bed because he is the true hero.”
Actors Richard Thomas and James Naughton were on hand to support the National Meningitis Association.