The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) Honors Disney Star Demi Lovato and the Jonas Group's Ned Specktor, as 2009-2010 Honorary Ambassadors of Education

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) Honors Disney Star Demi Lovato and the Jonas Group's Ned Specktor, as 2009-2010 Honorary Ambassadors of Education

- Two honored because of kindness, support and commitment to education about this rare disease -

- Demi, Ned and Honor Society to attend Premier Gala on Monday, May 11, 2009 at the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles -

HOUSTON, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with National Eosinophil Awareness Week, the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) will honor Disney Star Demi Lovato and the Jonas Group's Ned Specktor as 2009-2010 Honorary Ambassadors of Education at its Premier Gala on May 11, 2009 in Los Angeles.

A hugely popular actress and singer, Demi Lovato played 'Mitchie Torres' in the hit Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock, and can be currently seen as 'Sonny Monroe' in the well-received Disney Channel Original Series Sonny With A Chance. She will be starring in the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie Princess Protection Program alongside Selena Gomez. Demi's debut album Don't Forget debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 in September 2008.

After meeting Sarah Wisely of Pennsylvania who lives with an Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder (EGID), Demi and Ned Specktor became very interested in educating themselves about the disease and spreading awareness to help other children and adults who suffer with its symptoms. Ned Specktor works with Demi, The Jonas Brothers, Meaghan Martin, Jordin Sparks and the new musical sensation Honor Society.

"Ned and I are honored to be recognized by APFED," said Demi Lovato. "We hope our affiliation with APFED will help expand awareness, diagnosis, education and funding to help find a cure for our friend Sarah and the tens of thousands others suffering with this difficult disease."

Eosinophilic Disorders (EGIDs) are chronic and characterized by a large number of eosinophils (white blood cells) and inflammation in the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach). Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, vomiting, stomach or chest pain, and a failure to thrive. There is no cure and research is ongoing to advance a new treatment option.

"Demi's heart is as big as her smile," said Sarah Wisely, age 16, living with an EGID. "Most people don't understand the struggles of living with an Eosinophilic Disorder because the disease is relatively unknown. I live daily with diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and gain nutrition through a feeding tube, but I always pull myself up to get through the day at school. Demi and Ned have been so great and supportive to me, and very interested in my disease. I am so proud that my Community is recognizing them for their commitment to helping us."

"We were so moved by Demi and Ned's interest and support of Eosinophilic Disorders that we wanted to honor them and show our appreciation of their efforts," said Elizabeth Mays, Founder of APFED. "The need for education and fundraising in EGIDs is very large and growing rapidly in recent years, yet even this smallest gesture of kindness and understanding goes a long way to make a difference in people's lives. We hope the light shined on APFED through Demi and Ned's involvement will help further our reaching our mission around Education, Awareness, Support and Research to find a cure for all living with eosinophilic disorders."

About APFED

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a non-profit advocacy organization for those living with eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, eosinophilic colitis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and other eosinophilic disorders. We are a resource for patients, their families, physicians and the medical community.

APFED provides accurate, up-to-date information on eosinophilic disorders and related problems. Our goals are to increase awareness, educate patients and physicians, increase funding for research and provide support for the eosinophilic community. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.apfed.org.

APFED Premier Gala to Honor Demi Lovato and Ned Specktor

Sponsored by Abbott Laboratories, Ception Therapeutics, CSL Behring, and Meritage Pharma, Inc.

   Monday, May 11, 2009    6:00 p.m. Cocktails    7:00 p.m. Dinner    9:30 p.m. Awards    Mondrian Hotel/Sky Bar Lounge    8440 Sunset Blvd.    West Hollywood, CA    To purchase a ticket or a table, visit www.apfed.org or call 713-498-8216.  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders

CONTACT: APFED Media, Laura M. Liotta, Sam Brown Inc., +1-610-353-4545,
laura@sambrown.com; or Event Media, Tiffany Caronia, Evolutionary Media Group,
+1-323-658-8700, tiffany@emgpr.com; Contact for Demi Lovato, Lillian Matulic,
lillian.matulic@disney.com

Web Site: http://www.apfed.org/

NOTE TO EDITORS: *Please visit www.apfed.org for a photo of Demi Lovato and Sarah Wisely.

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Profile: International Entertainment