U.S. House of Representatives Approves the 'Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act' to Support Osteoporosis Research

WASHINGTON (Map) - WASHINGTON, June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the "Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act" (HR 2268), which, if passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce a commemorative coin in 2014 in honor of the centennial of the holiday Mother's Day. Each coin will carry a $10.00 surcharge that would be divided evenly between the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to further their research grant programs. NOF applauds Representatives Shelley Moore Capito (WV) and Carolyn Maloney (NY) who introduced the bill, as well as the 297 cosponsors.

"The minting of this coin honoring our mothers is a small step in showing our gratitude for how our mothers have contributed to the successes of our lives," said Representative Capito. "That's why I am so pleased that the proceeds from the coin will be dedicated to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure--two organizations that can continue honoring mothers by improving the health and lives of women nationwide."

Osteoporosis is a disease in which an individual's bones become weak and are more likely to break. As a result, living with osteoporosis and breaking a bone often lead to a downward spiral of pain, disability, deformity and loss of independence and quality of life. Today, 10 million Americans 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and nearly 34 million Americans are estimated to have low bone mass, putting them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.

Funds raised from the sale of the coin will further support NOF's Research Grants Program, which provides peer-reviewed grants to scientists at the beginning of their careers. This helps build a new foundation of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry, discovery and breakthrough in the field of osteoporosis and bone health.

"Research is the foundation for advancing our understanding of osteoporosis and our ability to fight all aspects of the disease," said Ethel Siris, M.D., president of NOF. "The National Osteoporosis Foundation honors all the mothers who have struggled with osteoporosis and related fractures, and with these funds and this great show of support, we renew our dedication to finding a cure for osteoporosis."

Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation's leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. Our mission is to prevent osteoporosis and related fractures, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis, and to find a cure through programs of awareness, advocacy, public and health professional education and research. For more information on osteoporosis and bone health, contact NOF online at www.nof.org or by telephone (800) 223-9994.