The American Geriatrics Society

For Immediate Release
October 26, 2005

For Further Information
Erin Weller
(212) 308-1414 x329

Doris Roberts, Christine Poon Feted at American Geriatrics Society's
Foundation for Health in Aging "Lifetime of Caring" Gala

New York, NY- Emmy-winning actress Doris Roberts picked up another big award-as did Johnson & Johnson executive Christine Poon-at the AGS' Foundation for Health in Aging's sixth annual "Lifetime of Caring" Gala at New York City's Pierre Hotel last night.

More than 250 philanthropists, geriatricians and other health care professionals who provide care to older adults, and friends of the FHA turned out for the black tie event. The Gala raised over $300,000 to support the Foundation's vital work on behalf of older adults. Established by the American Geriatrics Society in 1999, the FHA advocates on behalf of older people and their special health care needs, supports research on aging, and offers numerous public education and support programs for older adults and those who care for them.

"With the help, support, and generosity of organizations and individuals such as yourselves, we look forward to bringing many more important projects to fruition this coming year," said Meghan Gerety, MD, chair of both the FHA and the AGS.

Roberts, who won her fourth Emmy Award for her role in "Everybody Loves Raymond" last month, received the FHA's Lifetime of Caring Award for her anti-ageism activism. The award recognizes individuals who, through personal example, public service, philanthropy or research have made significant contributions to the care and wellbeing of older adults. In 2001, Roberts testified before Congress on the devastating toll age discrimination takes-on its immediate victims, and on the nation as a whole.

"We have wisdom; we have lived lives; we have intelligence and experience that cannot be dismissed. There's no reason we should be airbrushed out of society," Doris Roberts said, accepting the award. "In a week and a half, I'll be 75. I've never had more courage. I've never been more outrageous. I'm really having a ball. I rock, as my grandchildren say. And I'll rock forever - until the day I die."

In recognition of her business, civic and philanthropic leadership, and for Johnson & Johnson's commitment to the well being of older adults, their families and the communities in which they live, the AGS Foundation awarded Poon its 2005 Discovery Award. The award recognizes trailblazers committed to translating research into improvements in the lives of older adults. Known as a champion of research, Poon is Worldwide Chairman of Medicine & Nutritionals and Vice Chairman of Johnson & Johnson. She was named Woman of the Year by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association in 2004.

"We find out partnership with the AGS and FHA to be extraordinarily gratifying…and look forward to strengthening it," said J&J Divisional Vice President Kaye Foster-Cheek, accepting the award on behalf of Christine Poon.

President Jimmy Carter, who received the very first Lifetime of Caring Award in 2000, and Rosalynn Carter were Honorary Gala Co-Chairs. Janet Vergis of Janssen Pharmaceutica was the Gala Dinner Chair. Karen Katen, President of Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals and winner of the 2004 Discovery Award, Richard T. Clark, CEO and President of Merck & Co, Inc., and Sheila Worthington Lirtzman, a sustaining member of the New York Junior League and member of the FHA's Board of Directors, were Gala Dinner Co-Chairs.

ABOUT THE AGS

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The society supports this mission through activities in: clinical practice; professional education on the clinical care of older people; research; public education and information; public policy efforts; and through collaborative relationships with other organizations. For more information about AGS programs and initiatives, visit the AGS Web site at www.americangeriatrics.org.

ABOUT THE FHA

In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that:

Advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine;
Educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults;
Support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes;
Encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care;
Help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.