WebMD honored its 2014 Health Hero winners at an awards ceremony hosted by Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts. This year”s Health Heroes, who were recognized for meeting a health challenge and giving back to others, were Carson Daly, Michael J. Fox, Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, Dr. Frank Papay, Zarin Ibnat Rahman and Martha Stewart.
The star studded event included Rocco DiSpirito, Susie Essman, Jordin Sparks, Beth Stern, and Dr. Brent Ridge, who presented this year”s winners with WebMD”s Health Hero Awards. The evening also featured musical performances by Gavin DeGraw and Lee England Jr.
Actor Michael J. Fox was honored as the first WebMD Health Hero Hall of Fame winner for his significant accomplishments, both personally and through his foundation, to raise awareness, expand funding, develop treatment options, and advocate for patients in his tireless quest to find a cure for Parkinson”s disease.
Martha Stewart was selected by the WebMD community as the 2014 People”s Choice award winner for her work to promote and facilitate access to needed health care resources for older adults while also working to enhance the public perception of aging.
Carson Daly received the Philanthropist Award for his partnership with KidsGardening.org, helping to create an outdoor classroom where kids learn the importance of healthy eating.
Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz was honored with the Activist Award for providing accessible mental health care services to children and fostering international collaboration to improve understanding of children”s brain development and accelerate the pace of mental health treatment breakthroughs.
Dr. Frank Papay was presented with the Scientist Award for pioneering a new surgical approach to treat painful cluster and migraine headaches by modifying the transmission of headache pain signals to the brain.
Zarin Ibnat Rahman received the Prodigy Award for launching a research study to investigate the effects of computer and cellphone use on teens’ sleep, mood, and academic performance.
WebMD”s Health Heroes each received a $10,000 donation from WebMD to his or her cause as well as a custom designed award created by Thingsmiths using 3D printing technology.
To learn more about this year”s WebMD Health Heroes, visit: www.webmd.com/healthheroes.
