By: Steve Webner Staff Writer for World Liberty TV

A countdown to its “Give Kids A Shot!” Gala this May.

This year’s NMA honorees NHL Hall of Famer and NY Ranger Legend, RODGILBERT and FRANCESCA TESTA, will be joined by NMA Gala Chairs SARA HERBERT-GALLOWAY, LENORE COONEY, GARY SPRINGER, ERROL RAPPAPORT and NMA supporters, JUDY GILBERT, fashion icon IRIS APFEL, RITA COSBY and TOMACZEK BEDNAREK, celebrated photographer ROBERT FARBER, Grammy Nominated songwriter PAUL HAMPTON, actress CINDY MARINANGEL,  actor/ teacher GARY SWANSON, actor/producer JOE SIROLA and award-winning actor RICHARD THOMAS and more.

This year’s NMA’s “Give Kids A Shot!” Gala will take place on Monday, May 8, 2017 and will honor “Hall of Fame” hockey player and NY Ranger Legend Rod Gilbert, Francesca Testa, Kayla St. Pierre, Dr. Amy Middleman, and the McKenzie Meningitis Foundation. The event will take place at NYC’s ESPACE (635 West 42nd Street).  This event will toast this year’s honorees and offer support to the 2017 NMA “Give Kids A Shot!” Gala chairs Lenore Cooney, Sara Herbert-Galloway, Errol Rappaport, and Gary Springer and Honorary Event Chairs are Ambassador and Mrs. John L. Loeb, Jr. Heather Randall, Liv Ullman and Donald Saunders, and Nick Springer and Honorary Event Committee includes fashion icon Iris Apfel,

The National Meningitis Association works to protect families from the devastating effects of meningococcal disease by educating the public, medical professionals and others about the disease and vaccines available to prevent it.   NMA was formed in 2002 by parents whose children died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease. Like many families, NMA’s founders were unaware that meningococcal vaccination could have prevented their anguish. Since NMA was founded, great strides have been made. NMA has supported the creation of broad recommendations for meningococcal vaccines to protect preteens and teens, worked to advocate for state vaccination requirements and helped increase awareness and vaccine uptake. The organization also provides emotional support for individuals and families who have been affected by meningococcal disease.

To accomplish its goals, NMA develops programs and resources that reach audiences on national and grassroots levels. Parents, disease survivors and other family members help carry out NMA’s mission by conducting community awareness activities across the country through two key programs: Moms on Meningitis (M.O.M.s) and Together Educating About Meningitis (T.E.A.M.).

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