Three local teenagers have become actively involved in welcoming John Ellis and the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour to Doylestown. The Hepatitis B Foundation has sponsored John Ellis, a 17-year-old from Pensacola, Fla., to ride his bike from Pensacola to Doylestown to raise awareness of hepatitis B. John and his best friend, Jamaal Warren, left Florida on June 2 and will arrive in Doylestown on Monday, June 23 – John’s 18th birthday.

John’s courage and conviction has captured the attention of Central Bucks High School juniors Suzanne Block of CB West, Allison Broadbent of CB East, and Cara Barskey of CB South. Block, Broadbent and Barskey volunteered to assist the Hepatitis B Foundation in a Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour local awareness campaign as their high school graduation projects. The three students have combined efforts to mobilize all of their friends in organizing a Doylestown celebration welcoming John and Jamaal to town and commemorating John’s birthday and journey. The power of one to make a difference has inspired these three students to demonstrate that teens really can help teens.

Members of the public are invited to attend the free, Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour finale on Monday, June 23 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm at the Hepatitis B Foundation – 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown. An audience of enthusiastic teens, local dignitaries and many others will join the celebration where citations from Representatives Kathy Watson and Marguerite Quinn, and Congressman Patrick Murphy will be presented to John and Jamaal in recognition of their extraordinary efforts. Other festivities will include live teen bands; refreshments from Rita’s water ice, soft pretzels and birthday cake; plus an appearance by O’Liver, the Foundation’s mascot.

About John Ellis and the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour: In 2006, two weeks before John’s 16th birthday, he was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. At first, John had no idea what this diagnosis meant and how it would affect his life. Instead of becoming discouraged by the news, John set out to learn more about his condition and found that hundreds of teens are infected with the hepatitis B virus each week. Armed with the knowledge that hepatitis B is preventable, he decided to turn his devastating diagnosis into an awareness opportunity to help educate other teens about the hepatitis B virus. John is also working to help raise funds to support the Foundation’s cause to find a cure for this serious liver disease.

John contacted the Hepatitis B Foundation to ask for their support in sponsoring a Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour. On June 2, John’s 1,100 mile journey began with a kick-off event at his high school in Pensacola. John is joined by his best friend Jamaal riding alongside him and several family members riding in a chase van behind them for support.

Two of our Women's Business Forum members are working on a really fun children's picture book called: Mommy's High Heel Shoes. The book is for pre-school to early readers and will be available in September of 2008!


The book was written by Kristie Finnan and is being illustrated by Pat Achilles. The two women met through the women's business forum and found out later that they were neighbors for over five years, but never knew each other. Kristie has two little ones at home and found it very hard to find a children's book that showed happy positive relationships in working mom families so she wrote one herself! Pat is also a mother of two, now high school/college age. She is able to use the experiences in her own life and funny sense of humor to create vivid & modern illustrations that are classic and timeless!

Mommy’s High Heel Shoes is a story about a little girl who loves two things: her mommy and cupcakes! After Mommy leaves for work, the little girl plays in Mommy’s closet with her brother and imagines she is Mommy! She tries on all of Mommy's different shoes and realizes Mommy's shoes are hard to walk in. The story explores the complex stories young children make up about the world and how important the relationship is between a mother and her children.

This is a story working moms everywhere will want to share with their kids, and everyone will have fun finding the hidden ladybug, cupcake and heart in every full page spread!

Find out more about this book at http://www.mommyworkshop.com

The results of a first-of-its-kind Top Corporate Givers in Greater Philadelphia list was debuted on April 30, 2008 which included Furia Rubel Communications among the top 60. Furia Rubel received awards for ranking number one for In-Kind Donations Per Employee and number two among the region’s small companies for Community Impact and Top Volunteer Hours.

The Philadelphia Business Journal hosted the inaugural Partners in Corporate Philanthropy Summit designed to give credit to the region’s companies that give back to the community.

Summit attendees heard an inspiring keynote delivered by Joe Banner, President and COO of the Philadelphia Eagles and Co-chair of the Philadelphia City Year Board. Banner invited a local City Year man on stage who share his awe-inspiring story of being a drug dealer turned community activist, volunteer and college student.

A CEO panel discussion was moderated by Andrew Swinney, President of the Philadelphia Foundation. The panelists included Pamela Browner-Crawley, Senior VP & Director of Public Affairs, Citizens Bank; Chuck Pennoni, Chairman, Pennoni & Associates inc.; Jim Rudolph, CEO, Rita's Water Ice; Rosemary Turner, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Metro Philadelphia District, United Parcel Service (UPS).

Additional sponsors of the event included The Philadelphia Foundation, Community Foundation of South Jersey, Citizens Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, FOX 29, KYW, PECO, Comcast, Deloitte, Sovereign Bank and US Airways; and in association with: Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, Delaware Valley Grant Makers, Greater Philadelphia Cares, The Nonprofit Center La Salle University, and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Exciting Fashion Event, “High Heels Kick Out Kidney Disease,” Raises $35,000 to Benefit the National Kidney Foundation

On May 1, the National Kidney Foundation Serving the Delaware Valley presented an exciting fashion fund-raiser, High Heels Kick Out Kidney Disease. Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus hosted the event at its King of Prussia, Pa., location. The high-end event raised $35,000 to benefit the Foundation’s mission and those it serves.

The evening of education, networking, and fashion featured collections by premier designers Phillip Lim, Roberto Rodriguez, See by Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Rebecca Taylor. Guests went home with Neiman Marcus goodie bags and enjoyed complimentary makeovers and opportunities to win exclusive gifts.

Celebrities who lent their support included NBC 10 Reporter Kristen Welker, 95.7 BEN FM’s Marilyn Russell, Philadelphia singer/songwriter Lauren Hart, State Representative Daylin Leach and radio and TV personality Melissa Daley. Philadelphia STYLE Magazine, Aroundphilly.com, and many more were also in attendance. All enjoyed promoting the Foundation’s mission of improving the health and well-being of those affected by kidney disease.

“We are thrilled that so many area businesswomen and celebrities strapped on their high heels to kick out kidney disease and support this worthy cause,” stated Foundation Development Manager Jen Wolf. “More than 250 women enjoyed combining their community spirit fashion enthusiasm.”

Throughout the evening the Foundation, which strives to increase organ transplant opportunities, offered information about kidney disease and its prevention.

Two special guests spoke about their personal experiences with kidney disease. In February, Marlene Moran of Bucks County, Pa., gave one of her kidneys to her husband, Sean Moran. Sean suffers from an autoimmune disease that affects the upper and lower respiratory systems as well as the kidneys, lungs, and additional organs.

The evening’s sponsors included Belmont Dialysis Centers, Furia Rubel Communications, Jones Apparel Group, Diversified Specialty Institutes (DSI), Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and others. Gourmet catering and cocktails were provided by local eateries Bertolini’s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Melting Pot and PINK Vodka.

For more information about the Foundation and the event, please visit www.nkfdv.org.

About the National Kidney Foundation Serving the Delaware Valley
The Mission of the National Kidney Foundation is to prevent kidney and urinary tract disease, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. More than 10,000 area residents are on dialysis and thousands are waiting for kidney transplants. For more information, go to www.nkfdv.org.

(Feature Appearance by Doylestown Native and NBC 10 Meteorologist Michelle Grossman)

The Hepatitis B Foundation will sponsor the May 2, 2008 First Friday Doylestown in support of National Hepatitis Awareness Month for a third year.

The Foundation’s role in First Friday is to educate local community leaders, educators, business owners and residents that one in 20 individuals in the U.S. has been affected by hepatitis B. That means someone you know and love has been touched by the deadly virus. Hepatitis B Foundation staff and volunteers will be on hand to speak to members of the public about their work. The Foundation’s tent will feature Michelle Grossman NBC 10 Weather Plus Meteorologist; local singer/songwriters Christy Jefferson & Band and The Waltons; O’Liver, the Hepatitis B Foundation’s mascot; a display of Cold Spring Elementary School students’ artwork; hepatitis B literature for adults and youth and much more.

For the Foundation, First Friday Doylestown is an evening to educate the public and celebrate the arts. Doylestown establishments will stay open late to exhibit artwork from local artists and invite you to enjoy the sounds of local musicians. The event runs from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and is FREE.

Come to the Hepatitis B Foundation Tent (parking lot at Main and Hamilton Streets)

• Celebrity guest, Michelle Grossman NBC 10 Weather Plus Meteorologist who will meet with members of the community for photos and to sign autographs from 6:30 pm – 8 pm

• Photo opportunities with the Foundation’s mascot, O’Liver

• Cold Spring Elementary School students’ artwork on display

• Opening act performance: The Waltons Band

• Headline performance: Christy Jefferson & Band

The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

About First Friday Doylestown: First Friday Doylestown was designed to generate excitement for visiting historic Doylestown, build a greater sense of community and foster a better appreciation for local artists and musicians. Each participating venue will display a First Friday Doylestown flag outside their shops, restaurants or business so that visitors know they are open for business and entertainment. Just follow the yellow-and-black flags around town to discover a new side of Doylestown!

(Feature Appearance by Doylestown Native and NBC 10 Meteorologist Michelle Grossman)

The Hepatitis B Foundation will sponsor the May 2, 2008 First Friday Doylestown in support of National Hepatitis Awareness Month for a third year.

The Foundation’s role in First Friday is to educate local community leaders, educators, business owners and residents that one in 20 individuals in the U.S. has been affected by hepatitis B. That means someone you know and love has been touched by the deadly virus. Hepatitis B Foundation staff and volunteers will be on hand to speak to members of the public about their work. The Foundation’s tent will feature Michelle Grossman NBC 10 Weather Plus Meteorologist; local singer/songwriters Christy Jefferson & Band and The Waltons; O’Liver, the Hepatitis B Foundation’s mascot; a display of Cold Spring Elementary School students’ artwork; hepatitis B literature for adults and youth and much more.

For the Foundation, First Friday Doylestown is an evening to educate the public and celebrate the arts. Doylestown establishments will stay open late to exhibit artwork from local artists and invite you to enjoy the sounds of local musicians. The event runs from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and is FREE.

Come to the Hepatitis B Foundation Tent (parking lot at Main and Hamilton Streets)

• Celebrity guest, Michelle Grossman NBC 10 Weather Plus Meteorologist who will meet with members of the community for photos and to sign autographs from 6:30 pm – 8 pm

• Photo opportunities with the Foundation’s mascot, O’Liver

• Cold Spring Elementary School students’ artwork on display

• Opening act performance: The Waltons Band

• Headline performance: Christy Jefferson & Band

The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

About First Friday Doylestown: First Friday Doylestown was designed to generate excitement for visiting historic Doylestown, build a greater sense of community and foster a better appreciation for local artists and musicians. Each participating venue will display a First Friday Doylestown flag outside their shops, restaurants or business so that visitors know they are open for business and entertainment. Just follow the yellow-and-black flags around town to discover a new side of Doylestown!

The Hepatitis B Foundation held its annual Crystal Ball Gala on Saturday, April 12 at the Doylestown Country Club with more than 200 guests and community leaders attending the Foundation’s signature fundraising event. CBS 3 News Anchor Larry Mendte served as the celebrity host and Congressman Patrick Murphy kicked-off the evening by recognizing the Foundation’s important work and outreach.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Foundation’s “Distinguished Scientist Award 2008” to Anna Lok, M.D., Professor and Director of Clinical Hepatology, University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Lok was honored with the Foundation’s highest scientific award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to advancing the science and medicine of hepatitis B.

“The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to recognize the accomplishments and commitment of Dr. Anna Lok who has been a leader in the scholarship and practice of caring for people with chronic hepatitis B,” said Timothy M. Block, Ph.D., President of the Hepatitis B Foundation. “By the example of her dedication, compassion, relentlessness and effectiveness, Dr. Lok has provided hope and inspiration to patients and providers alike."

Dr. Lok is a world renowned hepatologist and one of the premier leaders in hepatitis B research. She has made seminal contributions to our understanding of the natural history of hepatitis B and the role of hepatitis B virus genotypes and variants in the outcome of chronic hepatitis B infection with more than 250 publications. She has made significant contributions to the management and treatment of hepatitis B as co-author of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Practice Guidelines on Management of Hepatitis B.

Dr. Block and Nobel Laureate Dr. Baruch Blumberg presented the award to Dr. Lok who shared how as a medical student she was told not to pursue hepatitis B because, “there’s a vaccine, so the problem will go away and then you’ll be out of work.” But this warning only strengthened her resolve and after 20 years of working on hepatitis B, she has learned that, “although there have been good advances in the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B, it has not yet been eliminated and so much more still needs to be done.” Gala guests were moved to give Dr. Lok a standing ovation as she left the podium.

The award acknowledgement was topped off by the presentation of a formal citation from the Pennsylvania Representatives Chris King and Marguerite Quinn in recognition of Dr. Lok’s significant contributions to hepatitis B research. Both House Representatives noted, “Hepatitis B crosses all political lines – it is a non-partisan disease that affects so many.”

Past recipients of the Foundation’s distinguished awards include Nobel Laureate Baruch S. Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus; National Academy of Sciences members Dr. Harvey Alter, Dr. Francis Chisari, and Dr. Jesse Summers; and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Major Gala sponsors included Gilead, Idenix, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Fox Rothschild LLP, Genesis Biotechnology, High Swartz LLP, Drexel University, Nucleonics, Univest, The Intelligencer, and Wilmington Trust. All proceeds raised through the Gala will help fund the Foundation’s research, education and advocacy programs. For more information about the Hepatitis B Foundation, the Gala and the distinguished honoree Dr. Anna Lok, visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

ABOUT DR. ANNA LOK: Dr. Lok is a world renowned hepatologist and one of the premier leaders in hepatitis B research. She has made seminal contributions to our understanding of the natural history of hepatitis B and the role of hepatitis B virus genotypes and variants in the outcome of chronic hepatitis B infection with more than 250 publications. She has made significant contributions to the management and treatment of hepatitis B as co-author of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Practice Guidelines on Management of Hepatitis B.

In addition to her important research contributions, Dr. Lok has also played a major role in educating the medical community as well as the lay public on hepatitis B. She has served on the Consensus panels for the European Association for the Study of the Liver on Management of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C; co-organized the 2000 and 2006 NIH Meetings on Management of Hepatitis B; and is a co-organizer for the first NIH Consensus Conference on the Management of Hepatitis B scheduled for October 2008. In addition to hepatitis B, Dr. Lok is also actively involved in research projects on hepatitis C, liver cancer and liver transplantation. Her research is funded by the NIH, CDC, and major foundations.

During her distinguished career, Dr. Lok has received numerous awards for research and teaching. In 1996, Dr. Lok received the Hugh R. Butt Award for Distinguished Achievement in Clinical Research in Hepatology from the American Digestive Health Foundation. In 2002, she was awarded the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Foundation’s Distinguished Visiting Professorship that honors women in science and medicine. In 2005, she received a Freedom to Discover Award from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation for her contributions to infectious diseases research. This year she will be recognized as one of the American Gastroenterological Association Foundation’s 2008 Outstanding AGA Women in Science.

ABOUT THE HEPATITIS B FOUNDATION: The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

(Governor Affirms Commitment to Help Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses)

Doylestown, PA (March 25, 2008) – Gina F. Rubel, President/CEO of Furia Rubel Communications in Doylestown, Pa., was named today among the winners of the 2008 Best 50 Women in Business by Governor Edward G. Rendell.

"Once again this year, choosing just 50 women out of all the worthy nominees we received wasn't easy," Governor Rendell said. "…All of the winners have one thing in common - they're all hard-working people who are making Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and play."

According to a release issued by the Governor’s office, “An independent panel of judges selected the top 50 candidates based on their dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement, and advocacy for women in business. Recipients must also be a female resident of Pennsylvania, be employed in the state as an owner, partner, president, chief executive officer, board chair, in a senior executive management-level position, or a woman with significant authority in decision-making in a business or company.”

Honorees will be invited to several events on May 19, including an evening reception at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg. Winners will be highlighted in special supplements in several business journals throughout the commonwealth.

Rubel is an attorney, author and public relations agency owner. Most recently, she published the book “Everyday Public Relations For Lawyers” and was honored by her peers with the 2007 Public Relations Society of America Philadelphia Chapter DeAnn White Award.

She serves as the president of the Women's Business Forum of Bucks County (www.womensbusinessforum.org), the vice chancellor of The Justinian Society of Italian-American Lawyers of Philadelphia (www.justinian.org), the Bar-News Media Committee Chair for the Philadelphia Bar Association (www.philadelphiabar.org), and the 2008 Crystal Ball Committee for the Hepatitis B Foundation (www.hepb.org). Rubel is also a regular contributor to The Legal Intelligencer Media and Law Blog (http://wordpress.com/tag/gina-f-rubel/) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Drexel University Alumni Association (http://www.drexel.edu/ia/alumrel/) where she chairs the Communications Committee.

A South Philadelphia native, Rubel is a graduate of Drexel University and Widener University School of Law. She resides in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Scott, and their two children on a 250 year-old farm.

About Furia Rubel Communications, Inc.
Furia Rubel Communications is a woman-owned certified public relations firm located in Doylestown, Pa. The firm represents a wide range of clients, including law firms, educational institutions, nonprofit associations, consumer retail facilities and professional service firms. For more information, visit www.furiarubel.com.

About Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business
For additional information on the Best 50 Women in Business, visit http://www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972. To read the Governor’s 2008 press release and for a full list of recipients, click here.

A martial artist, Dana Eldridge knew the power of mind over
matter. Then she experienced Cheyenne‘s physical and spiritual healing…

On October 2, 2005, Dana Eldridge, 35, of Coopersburg,
PA, went horseback riding with friends. She didn’t realize that her horse had outgrown his shoes, which caused his
front and back hooves to become stuck together. “I thought he was just trying to eat and tried to bring his head back up,” Dana explains. “The horse was actually falling, panicked and threw his back feet in the air, sending me over his head.”

A martial artist for 13 years, Dana tucked into a dive roll to protect her head and absorb the impact. But her arms buckled when they hit the ground and each broke in six places.

Luckily for Dana, she was riding with her best friend, Dr. JoAnn Burke, who immediately sent another friend back to the farm for materials to splint her arms and get the jeep to get her out of the woods they had been riding in. In the
Emergency Room, Dana’s arms were x-rayed and a specialist was sent for. When the doctor read the x-rays, he wanted to go to the operating room right away to set the arms with pins and plaster. Dana said “no” and asked what her
options were.

“They said they could try to set the arms but did not hold out much hope because the breaks were that bad,” she recalls. “I was told if I went with casts, if the bones did not show signs of healing in two weeks, I would have to have the surgery.”

After discussing the options with Dr. Burke, of Coopersburg Family Health Care, Dana decided to go with the casts and use a complementary form of healing. JoAnn took Dana right from the hospital over to the farm of a healer she knew
locally.

Enter Cheyenne
Cheyenne, owner of Health-Heart-Soul in Springtown, Pa., provides a personalized energy-based health, heart and soul experience. Her passion comes through in her creation of a supportive healing environment to individuals seeking renewed physical vitality and greater personal awareness.

Dana had met Cheyenne a year and a half before the horseback riding accident. She was listening to her friend, JoAnn Burke, talk about Cheyenne and her work. She said, “I’ve spent a lot of time studying Eastern Culture and a lot of
the words and phrases JoAnn used to describe Cheyenne‘s work with energy were in sync with what I read and taught.” Dana then asked JoAnn if she could attend her next meeting with Cheyenne. “We spent about three hours with Cheyenne that day, and I was convinced that she had taken energy work to a whole new level. Cheyenne could feel things that were unspoken.”

Dana then did ongoing work with Cheyenne after the initial meeting. When asked how Cheyenne‘s work differs from other complementary health care she responded, “With acupressure, acupuncture and Reiki, I experienced no change physically or spiritually,” Dana explains. “With massage and chiropractic, I got temporary physical relief. But with Cheyenne, I have experienced both physical and spiritual healing.” She then says, “For most people, spiritual healing is hard to comprehend. The body’s energy is not limited to moving us around or controlling if we are tired. It is affected by our actions and our experiences as well as our environment and can have a positive HEALING or negative influence over how we feel and view the world around us. Cheyenne‘s work taps into that energy and helps you to re-identify with it in order to create positive changes in your life.”

Harnessing her body’s energy
Dana says she believed that if she could harness her body’s energy in martial arts to move a 200-pound man or break through wood and cinder block, why shouldn’t she be able to harness that same energy for healing purposes? “I truly believed that with Cheyenne’s help, it would happen,” Dana explains.“ I also believed that without Cheyenne‘s help, it would not be possible. ”Her faith in Cheyenne was so strong because she had already experienced the benefits of her work in other areas of her life and in the lives of people close to her.