The AFA Blog

My Sung Hero

by Corey Whelan

 

So I want to talk about my friend Mark.  I met Mark in a cold country, which works for him because a) he skis and b) he has the clothes for it.  Me, not so much.  However, after many conversations and many years I’ve gotten to know this man very well, and wanted to share some of what I know with you.

Mark is a warrior and served his country proudly in the Army.  But that “Used to be a soldier warrior fierceness” has since metabolized into a fierce warrior like caring for his patients.  Do or die.  That is the level of his commitment to those he serves.

Mark is kind.  I am honor bound to not tell you about most of the good stuff he does behind the scenes in our world.  If I broke rank and told, Mark would be the feature lead story on 60 Minutes and in People Magazine.  Suffice it to say, for Mark, no man gets left behind.  No patient gets left behind either.  Sorry I can’t say more but I do want you to know that this man is guided by faith, and conscience.  .

Mark is honorable.  He says what he means and he means what he says.  End of story.

Mark is my friend.

The AFA is honoring Mark Bush, M.D., at Illuminations Denver this year.  I am writing this blog post on my plane on the way to Denver, but opted not  to WIIFI on this trip (glorious freedom) so I will publish this post as soon as I can.  (The glorious not connected freedom never lasts for too long).

Oh, and one more thing.  The folks at The AFA and the folks at Mark’s practice, Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado, really dig each other.  In many ways, we are all renegades in this field, and we recognize that in each other.  We all do what needs to be done, we all go where it is needed that we go.  BPA and repro health?  Let’s talk about it.  Toxic nail salons and infertility?  Done. Infertility Prevention and Women Not Ever Needing an RE?  Yup, we go there too.  And towards that end, Mark Bush, M.D. is one of the only docs that I know that would use his time to talk to college women about infertility prevention.   Our gig tomorrow is at the University of Colorado at Boulder and Mark, Brenda, Ken Mosesian and myself will be speaking to young men and women about not ever needing to become patients.  Some RE’s I know if asked to do that, just wouldn’t feel it a good use of their time.  Not a good marketing opp.  Oh hush, of course not all, there are tons of unsung heroes in our field but let me tell you, Mark jumped on this opportunity, again, on behalf of young women everywhere and for The AFA.   He jumped on this non ROI, educational opportunity, for which I want to publicly say, thank you.  For all the unsung heroes out there, you are my sung one.

 And he’s done this kind of thing, behind the scenes, with The AFA for years. 

 So hat’s off to you, Mark.  You deserve to be honored.  We are honored to know you. Hat’s off to you, Dr. Bush, and to your team of amazing renegade thinkers and doers..  Ski hat’s, of course.

 See you tomorrow.

Leading experts bring infertility prevention awareness to University of Colorado

DENVER, Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Fertility Association (The AFA), a national family-building non-profit organization, is heading to college campuses around the country to educate young men and women about infertility - a disease affecting one out of 6 couples in the U.S. The 2011 College Tour Series kicks off on March 4th at the University of Colorado in Boulder with a presentation entitled "Why Mother Nature Wants You To Get Laid Right Now". Students will learn about preventing infertility by avoiding certain environmental toxins, STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) prevention, and about the realities of the biological clock. Brenda Strong, The AFA's national spokesperson, board member, and Desperate Housewives actress, will be on hand to talk about the benefits of yoga to help alleviate stress, which can affect fertility. She will also lead a yoga demonstration for the students. Though The AFA's goal is to prevent infertility whenever possible, sometimes infertility can't be avoided. Dr. Mark Bush, a reproductive endocrinologist with Conceptions Reproductive Associates in Denver, will speak at the event so students are aware of savvy treatment options.  Executive Director Ken Mosesian and Program Director Corey Whelan will discuss infertility prevention for men and women, environmental toxin avoidance, and STI (sexually transmitted infection) avoidance.

Later that night, The AFA will honor Dr. Mark Bush with the Joyce M. Vargyas, MD, Visionary Award at the Illuminations Denver cocktail party. Dr. Bush has extensive experience in all aspects of reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and assisted reproductive technologies. He has published numerous scientific and clinical papers in the field of women's health. Recently, Dr. Bush has taken a serious interest in elective single embryo transfer in order to avoid multiple births. The AFA strongly supports the use of single embryo transfer when possible for the safety of the patient and the child.

This year's Illuminations Denver will focus on The AFA's work, empowering young men and women to take control of their fertility. Illuminations Denver will be held at Palazzo Verdi at Fiddler's Green, and special guests will include Brenda Strong, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald from Comedy Central and Animal Planet and pianist Joseph Eisele with the prestigious Young Musicians Foundation of Colorado. The event is designed to raise much-needed funds to support the educational outreach work of The American Fertility Association.

The media is welcome, and encouraged, to attend both events. The AFA would like to thank all of our sponsors who are helping to make both of these events a huge success, including our Platinum Event Sponsors, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Conceptions Reproductive Associates, and our Gold Event Sponsor EMD Serono. Special thanks to Disney / ABC Television Group for their support as the Charter Sponsor of our 2011 College Tour. If you're interested in sponsoring Illuminations Denver or purchasing tickets, please contact Corey Whelan at 718-853-1411.

Press Contact: Merry Armentrout Director of Communications, The AFA 205-470-9406 [email protected]

The American Fertility Association, a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization, is a resource for infertility prevention, reproductive health and family-building. AFA services and materials are provided free of charge and without reservation. These services include an extensive online library, resource directory, hosted message boards, daily fertility news and a toll-free support line. http://www.theafa.org or 888.917.3777

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE American Fertility Association

Read more: Preventing Infertility and the Future of Fertility Treatments - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/coloradocorporatestatements/ci_17442679#ixzz1EdBw9Rec
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