BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Oct. 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This past Saturday October 15, in honor of Cancer Awareness Month, Ava MD proudly served as a 'silver sponsor' at El Sueno de Esperanza(sm) (The Dream of Hope)--PADRES Contra el Cáncer's (Parents Against Cancer) annual fundraising gala, which took place at the Tropicana Las Vegas. Hosted by Eva Longoria, the A-list evening featured George Lopez as Master of Ceremonies and honored Giselle Fernandez, Tim Leiweke and AEG for their inspiring efforts to raise awareness and funds for children struggling with cancer. Aside from providing financial support for the Gala Event, Ava MD donated Skin Recovery Clinic packages to five of PADRES' adolescent participants struggling with cancer. In addition, Ava MD will be partnering with PADRES Contra el Cancer on an ongoing basis to support the self-esteem and healing of their adolescent participants.
Most patients undergoing cancer therapy expect hair loss, nausea, and loss of energy--but they are unprepared for the side effects that chemotherapy, drug treatments and radiation can have on their skin. These effects differ from patient to patient, but can include: severe dryness, burning sensations, various skin infections and rashes (due to compromise of the immune system), hand-foot syndrome, painful nail beds, body acne, itching, dry mouth and pigmentation, among many others. The Skin Recovery Clinic at Ava MD offers treatments to address the skin challenges patients face while undergoing cancer treatment; it also provides treatment to those who have completed their courses of therapy. The partnership with PADRES is part of ongoing outreach to non-profits in the cancer community; Ava MD is striving to make patients in need aware of the launch of the Skin Recovery Clinic, and the availability of these much-needed services.
"Knowing that their appearance can be maintained, or at least retrieved at the end of treatment, is incredibly reassuring to my patients," says Dr. Ava Shamban, author of Heal Your Skin and founder of the Ava MD Skin Recovery Clinic. "Without exception, my patients tell me how grateful they are to be alive. But during or after the battle with their cancer, they want to continue their daily lives--looking and feeling their very best."
"Cancer treatment is incredibly difficult for patients to go through at any age," stated Suzanne Gonzales, Director of Development for PADRES. "It is especially challenging for young adults—not just because of the physical trauma, but also because of the peer acceptance issues and emphasis on appearance young people experience at this time in their lives. We are grateful to Dr. Shamban and The Skin Recovery Clinic at Ava MD for helping to heal and to raise the self-esteem of our participants through this donation of services, and through our ongoing partnership."
For more than 25 years, PADRES Contra El Cáncer (PADRES) has been dedicated to improving the lives of children with cancer and the families who love them. As the only organization of its kind operating within the United States, PADRES brings together children, families, healthcare professionals and community leaders to promote a comprehensive understanding of childhood cancer and other blood disorders as well as effective methods for treatment. PADRES provides an array of bilingual and bicultural health education programs, quality of life activities, and direct support services to thousands of children from all ethnic and economic backgrounds. No family is turned away. To learn more about PADRES, please visit www.IAmHOPE.org. For more information about PADRES Gala, please contact Suzanne Gonzalez (PADRES' Director of Development) at 818.980.0208 extension 234 or via email at sgonzalez@IAmHOPE.org.
AVA MD, a Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology practice, was founded by Dr. Ava Shamban to provide a spirited, results-driven approach to skin care, supported by advanced technology and a rigorously trained staff committed to extraordinary service. Dr. Ava Shamban--a renowned board-certified dermatologist licensed to practice medicine in California, New York and Hawaii--graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University before receiving her medical degree from Case Western Reserve Medical School. In addition to serving as Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the UCLA-Geffen School of Medicine, she is recognized as the "Extreme Makeover" dermatologist and the resident expert on the Emmy winning daytime talk show, "The Doctors." Dr. Shamban is also author of the new book, Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal (Wiley). Dr. Ava is a passionate advocate for natural good looks through scientifically proven treatments and healthy lifestyle changes that restore and heal skin and spirit, at the same time empowering men and women of all ages to live more confident, healthy and happy lives. To learn more about Ava MD, please visit www.avamd.com or call 310-828-2282. To learn more about Dr. Ava Shamban, Heal Your Skin, and the Skin Recovery Clinic, please visit www.healyourskinthebook.com. For media inquiries, please contact Isabel Smith at 310-828-2282 or ismith@avamd.com
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http://www.cisionwire.com/ava-md/r/padres-contra-el-cancer-and-ava-md,c9174801
The following pictures are available for download:
| [Image] | Dr. Ava Shamban, Eva Longoria & Giselle Fernandez |