BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) today named Nani E. Vinken, well-known designer and TV celebrity of TLC's "In A Fix" home improvement program, to be a spokesperson for the organization.
NOCC is the leading ovarian cancer public information and education organization in the U.S. It enlisted Ms. Vinken to drive its mission to create more awareness about ovarian cancer across the country.
"We feel Nani shares our core values of enhancing awareness of ovarian cancer and educating healthcare providers, as well as women, about diagnosis and treatment. She has a strong voice in empowering women to believe in themselves and to take control of their lives," says Jim Mueller, NOCC's CEO. "Her enthusiasm and creative ideas are a welcome infusion as we unfold a dynamic awareness campaign for our 10th anniversary."
Nani plans to donate her time and creative talents to support NOCC's functions and educational programs throughout the year.
"I am very excited about this opportunity," says Nani. "Like most people today, my life has been touched by cancer through the loss of a loved one and I want to help the educational efforts of NOCC."
Ovarian cancer will strike 25,000 women this year. It is estimated that over 16,000 women lose their lives to this disease annually. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Known as the "silent disease," it often goes undetected until its later stages wherein the five-year survival rate drops significantly.
About NOCC
Founded in 1995, NOCC is the nation's leading source for public information and education on ovarian cancer. NOCC has 67 divisions in 36 states committed to raising awareness, providing support and raising funds to continue the cause for better education and quality of life.
Mission Statement: The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's mission is to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to promote education about the disease. By dispelling myths and misunderstanding, the Coalition is committed to improving the overall survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.
About Nani E. Vinken http://www.nanivinken.com/images/nani.jpg
In addition to her role as featured designer on "In A Fix" -- offering design tips during home improvement projects for the TLC cable TV program -- Nani Vinken is principal of Nani Vinken Design Inc., Fort Lauderdale, a high-end, home interior design firm. Nani also designs luxury yachts and super yachts through Nani Vinken Yacht Design.
Creativity, design expertise and respect for celebrity privacy issues earns Nani a clientele of international, high-profile figures from the sports, music and fashion industries.
An award-winning painter, exhibiting in U.S.A. and Europe, Nani trained in Switzerland where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Center College of Design, and a Master of Arts from Webster University in Geneva.
Contacts
NOCC: Shelly Rozenberg, Director, Volunteer Programs and
Services
561-393-0005 srozenberg@ovarian.org
www.ovarian.org
NV Design: Sue Prelozni, Executive Director
619-861-5141 sue@nanivinken.com
www.nanivinken.com
http://www.nanivinken.com/images/nani.jpg