Poise Brand Passion Award Honors Pelvic Healt...( Linda Michael of Portage Ind. Recogni...),Health

Linda Michael of Portage, Ind., Recognized for Dedication to Women's Health

NEENAH, Wis., June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eighty percent of women who suffer from light bladder leakage are embarrassed to talk to their peers about this sensitive topic.(1) To help open a dialogue about pelvic health and reverse the stigma often associated with bladder control issues, Kimberly- Clark's Poise brand has partnered with the Women's Health Foundation (WHF) to recognize champions of women's pelvic health.

On June 7, 2008, WHF, a Chicago-based non-profit organization, celebrated its fourth anniversary with "Below the Belt," a benefit to support the Foundation's mission to increase awareness of pelvic health and wellness. During the benefit, Poise brand presented the inaugural Passion Award to Linda Michael of Portage, Ind. in front of nearly 300 fellow women's health champions.

Nominated by a friend, Linda won the award because her story of personal triumph over pelvic pain and bladder control issues -- and her willingness to tell it -- has been instrumental in inspiring women and doctors alike.

"We're thrilled to present Linda the first-ever Poise brand Passion Award," said Amy Attenberger, Poise brand manager. "Confident, tenacious and strong, Linda is a remarkable advocate for women's health. We hope that by celebrating Linda, 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."

"The Passion Award is an important step in recognizing and supporting those who fight for women's health," asserted Missy Lavender, founder and executive director of WHF. "We continue to empower women to become evangelists for pelvic wellness."

Linda's Story

After giving birth to her son (a healthy 10-pound, eight-ounce baby), Linda experienced constant pelvic discomfort and from then on, never felt quite right.
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