“We don’t want another family to go through what we’ve been through. No parent should ever have to bury a child. “
–Philadelphia resident Phyllis Sudman, Founder of Simon’s Fund
Simon’s Fund Co-Founder Phyllis Sudman with L’Oréal Paris Ambassador Julianne Moore
This week L’Oréal Paris honored 10 women for contributions they make to their communities at the ninth annual Women of Worth event in New York City. The event, which is held annually, recognizes women who embody the spirit of the L’Oréal Paris brand, through commitment to their communities, selflessness and drive to make a difference in the world.
At this year’s event Philly-based health crusader Phyllis Sudman – co-founder of the non-profit, Simon’s Fund – was among the 2014 Women of Worth National Honorees.
After losing her son, Simon, to an undetected heart condition just 13 weeks after his birth, Phyllis Sudman founded Simon’s Fund to help raise awareness about the warning signs and conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death in children. At the urging of Simon’s pediatrician, Phyllis got her heart checked and learned that she had a heart condition called Long QT Syndrome. This arrhythmia is linked to up to 15% of all sudden infant deaths (SIDS).
Phyllis pledged to spare other families from losing their children to detectable and treatable heart conditions by offering free heart screenings through Simon’s Fund. Under her leadership, the organization has provided free heart screening to over 10,000 students throughout Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio and Tennessee.
Thought -leaders, celebrities and leading female executives from a variety of industries convened at the event to hear and share the incredible stories of the inspiring women being honored. This year’s star-studded celebration featured special presentations from L’Oréal Paris ambassadors Blake Lively, Julianne Moore, Diane Keaton, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell and Aimee Mullins – the largest gathering of the brand’s leading ladies in the history of the Women of Worth program. Hoda Kotb, Mika Brzezinski and Mary Alice Stephenson were also in attendance to pay tribute to the 2014 Women of Worth honorees.
To learn more about Simon’s Fund, click here.
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