Celebrity
Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen; Ed Damiano, PhD; Betty Ferrell, RN, PhD; and Trisha Prabhu Receive WebMD Health Hero Awards
Published
9 years agoon
NEW YORK, (FNN NEWS) By WebMD Health Corp. WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD), the leading source of health information, celebrated the accomplishments of five extraordinary individuals who are meeting health and medical challenges head-on and effecting change through their insights, courage, and perseverance last night during its annual Health Hero Awards Gala in New York City.
After brief remarks from WebMD’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Steve Zatz, Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, the host of the Awards Gala for the third straight year, shared her perspective on the significance of WebMD’s Health Hero Awards, as well as a few stories before kicking-off the Awards presentation.
The 2016 WebMD Health Hero Award recipients are:
Seth and Lauren Miller Rogen — People’s Choice
Entertainers Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen together created Hilarity for Charity, an annual celebrity-packed variety show in Los Angeles that raises money to help fund Alzheimer’s research. They’ve brought in more than $6.5 million since they started in 2012 and have helped fund over 80,000 hours of free in home care. But they didn’t stop there: The pair extended the concept to the college crowd with HFC U, which helps students host similar events on campus.
Ed Damiano, PhD — Scientist
Ed Damiano, a biomedical engineering professor at Boston University, brought his work home with him when his son, David, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 11 months old. Insulin pumps and other tools couldn’t keep David’s blood sugar under control, so Damiano set out to design something that would. The result: a bionic pancreas that’s in clinical trials now and could hit the market by 2018.
Betty Ferrell, RN, PhD — Advocate
When the concept of palliative care emerged in the 1990s, Betty Ferrell was an early adopter. Now she’s developing a curriculum to teach it in every nursing school in the United States. Her pioneering efforts were recognized by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, which named her one of 30 Visionaries in the field.
Trisha Prabhu — Prodigy
Upset by the effects of cyberbullying, this high school student developed at the age of 13 a smartphone app, ReThink, to help teens pause — and maybe stop — before they post mean thoughts online. It works more than 90 percent of the time. Since it went live, Prabhu’s given TED talks and presented it at both the Google and White House Science Fairs.
“For each of the last 10 years we’ve been sharing our Health Heroes’ stories and spotlighting their accomplishments in the pages of WebMD Magazine, on our site, and for the last three years hosting this event,” said WebMD CEO, Steve Zatz.
“The concept of Health Heroes is one that’s both simple and yet quite profound. It is built on the premise that all of us—whatever our background—can take our stories, our concerns, our passions, and our personal strengths and use them to improve the lives of others,” Robin Roberts, host of WebMD Health Heroes.
“But seriously though, thank you so very much for this award. We started Hilarity for Charity 5 years ago to honor my mom who is my hero,” said Lauren Miller Rogen (winner, alongside Seth Rogen, of the 2016 WebMD People’s Choice Award).
The event featured live appearances by David Krumholtz, Maureen McCormick, Adam Savage, and Sarah Wynter, as well as a message from Sonequa Martin-Green. Attendees at the annual gala were treated to inspired musical performances from Naturally 7, who opened the show with a cappella performances of The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” and GRAMMY® winners A Great Big World, who performed hits including “This is the New Year,” “Won’t Stop Running” and “Say Something.” At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, The Dolls unleashed their unique blend of DJing and live string accompaniment on the crowd.
Each WebMD Health Hero received a $10,000 donation from WebMD to the charitable cause of his or her choice and will be featured in the November/December issue of WebMD Magazine. This year’s WebMD Health Hero Awards Gala was presented by Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (cancercenter.com).
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
