www.marfan.org receives a 'Webby Worthy' Distinction

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eileen Masciale
Consulting Director of Communications
631.665.2163
publicity@marfan.org

NATIONAL MARFAN FOUNDATION RECEIVED “WEBBY WORTHY” DISTINCTION FOR THE NINTH ANNUAL WEBBY AWARDS

www.MARFAN.org Recognized by Top International Honor for Web Sites

Port Washington, NY, July 2005 – The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites, recognized the National Marfan Foundation’s web site – http://www.marfan.org – as Webby Worthy, a distinction made for the first time this year to recognize sites exhibiting remarkable achievement. The site was produced by the NMF in conjunction with Evolving Solutions and nuvisionbiz, of New Brunswick, Canada.

Hailed as the "online Oscars" by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards are determined by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

“The Webby Awards honors the outstanding web sites that are setting the standards for the internet,” said Tiffany Shlain, creative director and founder of The Webby Awards. “The National Marfan Foundation’s Webby Worthy selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.”

“The new NMF web site has proven to be a great benefit to the Marfan community, as well as to those who need more information about a possible diagnosis, because of the clarity of information and the ease of use.” said Karen Wolk, LMSW, Director of Support Services for the NMF. “In particular, the Ask a Question section and the opportunity to find a local doctor with Marfan syndrome experience are very popular among visitors to the site.”

The 9th Annual Webby Awards received a record number of entries from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Out of the over 4,000 entries submitted, fewer than 20% received this honor and were deemed Webby Worthy.

Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-words-or-less acceptance speeches.

About www.MARFAN.org
The NMF’s web site, http://www.marfan.org, was re-launched in 2004 to better provide the medical community and the general public with information about the Marfan syndrome, a potentially life-threatening genetic disorder of connective tissue that affects the heart, blood vessels, skeletal system, lungs and eyes. The site provides separate tracks for health care providers and for people affected by the Marfan syndrome. All NMF medical information brochures and consumer fact sheets are accessible on-line.

Affected people can also find out about local support groups and chapters, and discover volunteer opportunities with the Foundation. Additionally, extensive information about the NMF’s Annual Conference is available on-line.

About The Webby Awards:
Called the “Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times, the Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality. Established in 1996, the 9th Annual Webby Awards received over 4,000 entries from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: The Creative Group; Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines; IDG; Fortune and FSB; 2advanced Studius; The Online Publishing Association; PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Rackspace Managed Hosting. For more information visit: http://www.webbyawards.com

About the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS):
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 500 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields, such as musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, business guru and author Tom Peters, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, fashion designer Max Azria, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening and Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of International Data Group. For more information, visit: http://www.iadas.net