Actress Brooke Shields, who joined the Menendez/Rush group of advocates when The MOTHERS Act was introduced at a Capitol Hill Briefing three years ago, will now celebrate with N.J. advocates who also fought for its passage during a special press conference Monday, May 10th, in Ridgewood, N.J.

Shields, through her book, ]]>Down Came the Rain]]>, public acknowledgments of her struggle with postpartum depression, and consistent support of groups and organizations devoted to the eradication of these illnesses, has lent her considerable celebrity to walk alongside the 10 - 20 percent of America's mothers who may experience this unexpected maternal anguish. Her passionate statements in support of this legislation encouraged thousands of women to rally in support of its passage.

The office of Senator Menendez extended this celebratory invitation to Ms. Shields. We are thrilled that she is able to join us for this continuing historic celebration!

Here is a wonderful video of part of the celebration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oosq2oQuzA

Here is the media advisory just released:

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

A MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION FOR NEW MOTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

SEN. MENENDEZ, BROOKE SHIELDS,MARY JO CODEY: ADVOCATES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION CELEBRATE MAJOR VICTORY

Support services for Postpartum Depression are law! MOTHERS Act is part of Health Insurance Reform – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Ridgewood, New Jersey - U. S. Senator Robert Menendez and renowned advocates, actress Brooke Shields and former New Jersey First Lady Mary Jo Codey will stand with dozens of mothers and postpartum depression advocates to celebrate a major victory for women and their families that have been affected by postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a devastating mood disorder which strikes many women during and after pregnancy that affects anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of new mothers.

WHAT:

A Mother’s Day Celebration for the MOTHERS Act, postpartum legislation included in the Health Insurance Reform law!

WHO:

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

Actress/mother Brooke Shields

Former New Jersey First Lady Mary Jo Codey

Susan Dowd Stone, LCSW, Postpartum Support Int’l PAC Chair and National Board Member Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition

Sylvia Lasalandra Frodella, Author of "A Daughter’s Touch” and Community Outreach Director, www.perinatalpro.com

WHEN:

Monday May 10, 2010 11:00 AM

WHERE:

Ridgewood Women’s Club
Ridgewood, New Jersey, 07450

http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/galleries/gallery/?id=89963b3a-bc68-4c32-bb8e-b1943101cf29

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