CHADDS FORD, Pa., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a market leader in pain management, today announced the winners of the second annual “Making A Difference” Award, designed to honor and celebrate the exceptional work and achievements of those treating and/or living with pain. Three winners were selected in the categories of patient, professional, and caregiver by a panel of judges comprised of experts in the field of pain management. The winners are Chris Gatlin, professional, John Gold, caregiver, and Bert Jenkins, patient.
“With millions of Americans suffering with chronic pain every year, it’s important to acknowledge those who are committed to both keeping pain on the national agenda and improving the lives of people with pain,” said Peter A. Lankau, president and chief executive officer. “Endo is proud to recognize these remarkable individuals, who through their efforts are truly making a difference for those suffering from pain.”
The “Making A Difference” Award was developed by Endo Pharmaceuticals to showcase and encourage the professional and personal contributions made by individuals in the struggle to manage chronic and acute pain. The three winners were chosen because of their inspiring achievements in dealing with their own pain and helping others in pain.
An expert panel, including Dr. Charles Argoff, director of North Shore University Hospital - Cohn Pain Center, Dr. Paul Arnstein, associate professor at Boston College and 2004 president of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing, and Dr. James N. Campbell, president and chairman of the board of the American Pain Foundation and professor of neurosurgery of the Blaustein Pain Treatment Center at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, reviewed the nominations and selected the winners from among 60 nominations received from across the United States. Each winner will receive a $1,500 cash award from Endo Pharmaceuticals, which may be distributed to the individual or to his or her charity of choice.
Winners Professional: Chris Gatlin Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Chris Gatlin is the founder and organizer of the Louisiana Pain Initiative (LPI), which includes four subgroups: Initiative Development, Professional Education, Public Awareness, and Legislative Issues. Chris has facilitated partnerships with the American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives, American Pain Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Along with recent Louisiana governors, she instituted September as “Pain Awareness Month” in the state.
Caregiver: John Gold Portland, Maine
As the husband of a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer, John has been an exceptional and compassionate caregiver. John assists his wife, Susan Gold, in her home and work duties. With gentle humor, he keeps his wife on track in tending to her physical needs. He is by her side for medical appointments, tests, and even surgery. Perhaps most important, he encourages her to continue her work with the Chronic Pain Support Group as the creator of the group’s website and provider of support to callers experiencing pain.
Patient: Bert Jenkins Hattiesburg, Mississippi
An 80-year-old World War II veteran, Bert Jenkins lost a leg in a crude amputation at the hands of a German surgeon while a prisoner of war. Jenkins has managed his pain and the use of prosthesis through physical therapy and a determination to live a full and active life. He is a member of both the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame. In 1989, Jenkins was honored by the NCAA as the National High School Coach of the Year. He coached NBA notable Chris Jackson, who said, “Mr. Jenkins was the single most influential person in my life.” His life on and off the court shows his strengths by serving as a model of endurance and recovery in the face of obstinate pain.
About Endo
A wholly owned subsidiary of Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. , Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company with market leadership in pain management products. The company researches, develops, produces and markets a broad product offering of branded and generic pharmaceuticals, meeting the needs of healthcare professionals and consumers alike. More information, including this and past press releases of Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc., is available online at http://www.endo.com.
Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CONTACT: Bill Newbould of Endo Pharmaceuticals, +1-610-558-9800; or KatieSilverwood of Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9844
Web site: http://www.endo.com/
