www.cardsbydrsharon.comPublished by Carlden Media, Marketing and Publishing

www.carldenpublishing.com • Email to: info@carldenpublishing.com10104 Senate Drive, Suite 228

Lanham, Maryland 20706Phone: 301-731-8890Fax: 301-731-8808

Cards by dr. sharon is a new and ground breaking greeting card line. Described

as “Cards with a Purpose,” “Cards by Dr. Sharon” are inspirational, comforting, and most of all, celebratory—all the things desired for the perfect greeting card. However, what is unique about this line of greeting cards is its direct link to wellness.

It is the life mission of Sharon D. Allison-Ottey, MD (Dr. Sharon), creator of the greeting card line, to provide valuable health information in a manner that positively impacts lives. She describes the cards as, “the cards that keep on giving.” This has deeper meaning because 10% of the purchase price of each card from the “Cards by Dr. Sharon” line will be donated to the Avon Foundation for Women to support its mission to improve the lives of women through its ongoing efforts to fight breast cancer and the devastating cycle of domestic violence.

By giving “Cards by Dr. Sharon”—you not only give encouragement, a pat on the back, comfort, or special acknowledgement—you also give lifelong health and wellness information that will empower the recipient. On the back of each card is a unique informational section called, “A Moment of Health and Wellness” which provides valuable information about health and well-being for the card’s recipient.

To learn more about “Cards by Dr. Sharon” visit www.cardsbydrsharon.com or call 301-731-8890. Carlden Media, Marketing and Publishing Inc. is the publisher of this innovative line.

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distinct graphics

Quote, or inspirational messaging

original text in beautiful fonts which compliment the messaging

The Unique Aspects and Opportunity with Cards by Dr. Sharon: A full line of cards for all occasions...

This is the signature of the line, and makes for a very special card that consumers will appreciate and for which they will search. It is indeed the “card that keeps on giving” because of the unique messages that relay health and wellness information to the fortunate recipient. The messages are NOT “clinical” but rather warm, inviting and informational which can be easily easily utilized in everyday life. The messages focus on various topics which include: general health/wellness, tips on talking to your doctor, depression, prevention, fitness, stress reduction and other important topics. “The Moment of Health & Wellness” section makes the card an active tool for the consumer as well as a treasured keepsake.

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For Immediate Release Contact: Chris Foster202-530-4624

New Brand of Greeting Cards Introduces Wellness to InspirationCreator Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey is Committed to Personal Health, Empowerment and Wellness

Washington, DC – June 26, 2009 - - Carlden Media, Marketing and Publishing Group announced today the release of a new line of greeting cards with inspirational messages about health and wellness. The brainchild of Sharon Allison-Ottey, MD, this innovative card line is a natural extension of her recent fiction novels which have been coined “fiction with a purpose.” This new line of greeting cards will feature cards for every occasion, each with “A Moment of Health and Wellness” on the back.

It is the life mission of Dr. Sharon to provide valuable health information in a manner that positively impacts lives. She describes the cards as “the cards that keep on giving.” Along with providing inspirational messages, 10 percent of the purchase price of each card from the “Cards by Dr. Sharon” line will be donated to the Avon Foundation for Women to support its mission to improve the lives of women through its ongoing efforts to fight breast cancer and end the devastating cycle of domestic violence.  

Currently the cards are available on the “Cards by Dr. Sharon” website at www.cardsbydrsharon.com and other selected venues. Plans for the broad distribution of the cards are underway.

In the past three years, Dr. Sharon has published books that use storytelling to communicate critical health education and empowerment messages. Her first book, All I Ever Did Was Love Man, published by Hilton Publishing and released in December 2006, used the story of a young faithful, divorced, middle-aged, self-help woman to educate her readers of the dangers, risk factors and treatment options for HIV/AIDS. Her first publication was extremely successful and continues to be a favorite of reading groups, colleges, women and other organizations. She has plans for a series of seven books which will address health topics with intriguing fictional story lines. Additionally, she has authored a practical self help book, Is That Fried Chicken Wing Worth It?, about weight and lifestyle choices which will be released this month. A frequently requested speaker and writer, Dr. Sharon has a popular newsletter which provides information that is easily digestible and put into practice.

“My goal with this new line extension is to use the greeting cards to provide personal health information, encouragement and uplifting messages for my readers,” says Dr. Sharon. “I want to provide useful, practical and relevant health messages in simple terms that everyone can understand.” According to Dr. Sharon, “These cards can be given to uplift, wish Happy Birthday, give condolences and express any sentiment. These cards can also be tucked away and taken to the doctor’s office and serve as a reminder that health is a personal responsibility.”

“I am proud of what Dr. Sharon is doing through her novels and now her greeting cards, she continues to raise the bar and innovate for how to deliver useful health messages for those who follow her” says Dr. Randall Maxey, President of the Association of Minority Medical Associations.

In addition to her publications and line of wellness cards with a purpose, Dr. Sharon is a frequent lecturer, health strategist, medical researcher and health literacy advocate. She is the Executive Director of The COSHAR Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to health outreach and education. You can learn more about the work of Dr. Sharon on her website: www.drsharononline.com.

About the Avon Foundation for Women:The Avon Foundation for Women was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families. The Avon Foundation currently brings this mission to life through two key areas of focus: breast cancer and domestic violence. Thanks to the support of generous and committed people worldwide, more than $660 million has been raised for these causes through 2008, with millions more being raised in 2009. For more information: avonfoundation.org.

10% of the purchase price of this card is donated to the Avon Foundation for

Women to support its mission to improve the lives of women through its ongoing

efforts to fight breast cancer and end the devastating cycle of domestic violence.

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Type: CongratulatoryTitle: Congratulations I’m So Proud of YouTarget: GeneralPurpose: To congratulate on accomplishmentSample of Text: Hard work, Dedication and Commitment has now rewarded you with achieving your Goal!A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Stress management and reductionCard Number: 001

Type: CongratulatoryTitle: Congratulations I’m So Proud of YouTarget: GeneralPurpose: To congratulate on accomplishmentSample of Text: Take time to celebrate, you certainly earned it. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Stress management and reductionCard Number: 002

Type: CongratulatoryTitle: Congratulations I’m So Proud of YouTarget: General Purpose: To congratulate on accomplishmentSample of Text: I’m so proud of you and wish you many, many, many more successes!A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Stress management and reductionCard Number: 003

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Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Happy Birthday Target: General Purpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: Another year has quickly passed; add another candle to your cake. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General wellness and preventionCard Number: 004

Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: My Birthday Wish for You Target: General Purpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: My Wish for you is that of Love, Health, Wellness, Success, Peace….A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: A few “presents” from me—health/wellness remindersCard Number: 005

Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Happy Birthday Target: General Purpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: We live in today, we learn from yesterday and we look forward to tomorrowA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General wellness and preventionCard Number: 006

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Type: Happy BirthdayTitle:Happy Birthday Celebrate and ReflectTarget: GeneralPurpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: Today is your day for Celebration and GratitudeA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: A few health/wellness tips for your life’s journey.Card Number: 007

Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Happy Birthday to One of God’s MasterpiecesTarget: General Purpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: You are wonderfully and creatively made.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health info and checklist that includes how to talk to your healthcare professional.Card Number: 009

Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Happy Birthday to One of God’s MasterpiecesTarget: General Purpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: Yes, you are one of His masterpieces still being crafted, molded and fine tuned.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health info and checklist that includes how to talk to your healthcare professional.Card Number: 008

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Type: EncouragementTitle: Heard that you’re feeling BlueTarget: General Purpose: To encourage someone that is going through a difficult period.Sample of Text: I know that right now things are challenging….A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Focus on mental health, with questionnaire and resources.Card Number: 012

Type: EncouragementTitle: Heard that you’re feeling BlueTarget: General Purpose: To encourage someone that is going through a difficult period.Sample of Text: I know that right now things are challenging for you, but this too shall pass.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Focus on mental health, with questionnaire and resources.Card Number: 010

Type: EncouragementTitle: Heard that you’re feeling BlueTarget: GeneralPurpose: To encourage someone that is going through a difficult period.Sample of Text: Take a deep breath and rest in the assurance of knowing that a new day is coming.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Focus on mental health, with questionnaire and resources.Card Number: 011

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Type: Love Title: I Love You Fully Target: MalePurpose: Love for maleSample of Text: My heart is full of love for youA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health/wellnessCard Number: 013

Type: Love Title: I Love You Fully Target: MalePurpose: Love for MaleSample of Text: I don’t just love you with words…A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health/wellness for menCard Number: 014

Type: Love Title: I Love You Fully Target: MalePurpose: Love for MaleSample of Text: I love you with the fullness of my beingA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health/wellness for menCard Number: 015

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Type: Love Title: I Love You Fully Target: FemalePurpose: Love for femaleSample of Text: I don’t hesitate to share it or to show itA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health/wellness for womenCard Number: 016

Type: Love Title: I Love You Fully Target: FemalePurpose: Love for femaleSample of Text: I don’t just love you with wordsA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health/wellness for womenCard Number: 017

Type: FriendshipTitle: “One is not born a woman, one becomes one” Simone de BeauvoirTarget: FemalePurpose: Celebrate friendshipSample of Text: I call you my friend, but my heart and soul calls to you my beloved sisterA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Breast health with recommended screeningCard Number: 018

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Type: FriendshipTitle: “One is not born a woman, one becomes one” Simone de BeauvoirTarget: FemalePurpose: Celebrate friendshipSample of Text: I wanted you to know today that I love you, I value you and I will always cherish our very special bond. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Breast health with recommended screeningCard Number: 019

Type: Encouragement and GratitudeTitle: Phenomenal Woman Target: FemalePurpose: Tell someone how much you appreciate them. Can be friendship or love interestSample of Text: There aren’t enough words full of the necessary richnessA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Women’s health/screening tips that can be taken to the doctor.Card Number: 020

Type: Encouragement and GratitudeTitle: Phenomenal WomanTarget: FemalePurpose: Tell someone how much you appreciate them. Can be friendship or love interestSample of Text: You’re marvelously, uniquely and phenomenally just you.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Women’s health/screening tips that can be taken to the doctor.Card Number: 021

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Type: Encouragement and GratitudeTitle: Phenomenal Woman AKATarget: FemalePurpose: Tell someone how much you appreciate them; can be friendship or love interest. This is a special group, members of a Greek letter organization (Alpha Kappa Alpha). Sample of Text: I’m so very grateful for You!A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Women’s health/screening tips that can be taken to the doctor.Card Number: 022

Type: Encouragement and GratitudeTitle: Phenomenal Woman DSQTarget: FemalePurpose: Tell someone how much you appreciate them. Can be friendship or love interest. This is a special group, members of a Greek letter organization (Delta Sigma Theta). Sample of Text: That’s more than enough for me to love, admire and respect.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Women’s health/screening tips that can be taken to the doctor.Card Number: 023

Type: Encouragement and GratitudeTitle: Phenomenal Woman ZFB

Target: FemalePurpose: Tell someone how much you appreciate them. Can be friendship or love interest. This is a special group, members of a Greek letter organization (Zeta Phi Beta).Sample of Text: That’s more than enough for me to love, admire and respect.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Women’s health/screening tips that can be taken to the doctor.Card Number: 024

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Type: Encouragement in difficult situationTitle: Take the StepTarget: FemalePurpose: Encourage women to take a step forward out of a difficult situation.Sample of Text: The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one single step.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Domestic violence resources Card Number: 025

Type: Comfort during difficult time/lossTitle: Time Truly Does Heal All WoundsTarget: GeneralPurpose: Encourage persons that life gets betterSample of Text: I can’t tell you that you will ever truly be numb to the pain, but I can tell you that…A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Mental health/depression info and resourcesCard Number: 026

Type: Comfort during difficult time/lossTitle: Time Truly Does Heal All WoundsTarget: GeneralPurpose: Encourage persons that life gets betterSample of Text: Trust yourself and your emotions; don’t ignore them or try to be “strong” but don’t allow yourself to be stuck.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Mental health/depression info and resourcesCard Number: 027

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Type: Comfort /SympathyTitle: To Comfort YouTarget: GeneralPurpose: Sympathy with loss of loved oneSample of Text: I wish that I could tell you that your hurt and loss will go away quickly, but I can’tA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: The stages of grief and resourcesCard Number: 028

Type: Comfort /SympathyTitle: To Comfort YouTarget: GeneralPurpose: Sympathy with loss of loved oneSample of Text: I CAN tell you that time does ease the sharp, stabbing painA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: The stages of grief and resourcesCard Number: 029

Type: FriendshipTitle: You are My Dearest Friend and My FamilyTarget: GeneralPurpose: To tell a friend how much you love and value them.Sample of Text: Time and life experiences have taught me the value of a true friendA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health/wellness questions and challenge to being “health” buddy. Card Number: 030

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Type: FriendshipTitle: You are My Dearest Friend and My FamilyTarget: GeneralPurpose: To tell a friend how much you love and value them.Sample of Text: You are my friend; time has forged a strong bond between usA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health/wellness questions and challenge to being “health” buddy.Card Number: 031

Type: FriendshipTitle: You are My Dearest Friend and My FamilyTarget: GeneralPurpose: To tell a friend how much you love and value them.Sample of Text: You are my family; maybe not by blood, but certainly by our history.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health/wellness questions and challenge to being “health” buddy.Card Number: 032

Type: Inspirational EncouragementTitle: Beloved I Wish….Target: General Purpose: To inspire and upliftSample of Text: The journey of life has many twists and turns….A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Five general health and wellness tips.Card Number: 033

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Type: Inspirational EncouragementTitle: Beloved I Wish….Target: GeneralPurpose: To inspire and upliftSample of Text: Rest in the assurance that God is the ultimate physician and healer.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Five general health and wellness tips.Card Number: 034

Type: Inspirational EncouragementTitle: Grasp the Mustard SeedTarget: GeneralPurpose: To encourage when things are going roughSample of Text: It’s okay to have doubts and to sometimes feel afraid.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Seven Seeds for Better Health (general wellness/prevention message)Card Number: 035

Type: Inspirational EncouragementTitle: God Grant You/SerenityTarget: GeneralPurpose: To inspire, uplift and encourageSample of Text: It is my constant prayer for you that God grant you peaceA Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Mental health/ depressionCard Number: 036

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Type: EncouragementTitle: Keep SteppingTarget: General Purpose: Sample of Text: Failure and disappointment is just a “sidebar” to our eventual success.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Stress management and reductionCard Number: 038

Type: Friendship Title: Just BecauseTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation for friendshipSample of Text: I know that it’s not your birthday. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health and wellness tipsCard Number: 037

Type: Inspirational GratitudeTitle: Virtuous WomanTarget: FemalePurpose: Tell a special woman that appreciate and applaud herSample of Text: Thank you for being such a Mighty Woman of God!A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Women’s health/screening tips that can be taken to the doctor.Card Number: 039

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Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Happy 50th BirthdayTarget: MalePurpose: Celebration of 50th BirthdaySample of Text: Celebrate all that you’ve accomplished and all that you shall achieve.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Men’s health/screening tips which are specific for 50-year-oldsCard Number: 040

Type: EncouragementTitle: Keep SteppingTarget: General Purpose: To encourage and upliftSample of Text: It’s hard when things aren’t working out the way that we planned.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Stress management and reductionCard Number: 041

Type: I’m SorryTitle: I’m Only Human and I Make MistakesTarget: GeneralPurpose: To apologize and ask for forgivenessSample of Text: I’m certainly not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.A Moment of Health and Wellness FocusStress management and reductionCard Number: 042

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Type: EncouragementTitle: Keep SteppingTarget: General Purpose: To encourage and upliftSample of Text: I refuse to believe that failure or giving up is an option.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Stress management and reductionCard Number: 043

Type: EncouragementTitle: Hold OnTarget: GeneralPurpose: To encourage and upliftSample of Text: Hold on tight and let your desire, faith and commitment keep you going. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Stress management and reductionCard Number: 044

Type: EncouragementTitle: Hold OnTarget: General Purpose: To encourage and upliftSample of Text: You don’t have to conquer this war all at once, take it one small battle at a time.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Stress management and reductionCard Number: 045

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Type: Thank You/Gratitude Title: My Sincere GratitudeTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: I’m truly touched and my heart is full of gratitude.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health and wellness informationCard Number: 046

Type: FriendshipTitle: Our Amazing FriendshipTarget: FemalePurpose: To tell a friend how much you love and value them.Sample of Text: Our friendship is a constant source of security for me; I know that I can trust you. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health and wellness informationCard Number: 047

Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Enjoy Your Special DayTarget: GeneralPurpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: We live in today, we learn from yesterday and we look forward to tomorrow.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health and wellness informationCard Number: 048

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Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Happy BirthdayTarget: General (although pink may work best for female)Purpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: I wanted to join in the chorus of family and friends and say a joyous---A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: The benefits of physical activity.Card Number: 050

Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Enjoy Your Special Day Target: GeneralPurpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: I wish you all of the Happiness, Joy, Love, Success and Peace that your life can hold!A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health and wellness informationCard Number: 049

Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Happy BirthdayTarget: General (although blue may work best for male)Purpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: Today is a very special day.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: The benefits of physical activity.Card Number: 051

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Type: Happy BirthdayTitle: Happy BirthdayTarget: GeneralPurpose: Celebration of birthdaySample of Text: Birthdays are good for you.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: The benefits of physical activity.Card Number: 052

Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: I’ve tried to find a way to let you know that I appreciate your thoughtfulness.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health and wellness information.Card Number: 053

Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: I need you to know that I don’t take your kindness for granted.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Healthy eating and fitness.Card Number: 054

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Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: In two little words that are Great Big words from me to you A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Healthy eating and fitness.Card Number: 055

Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: You didn’t have to but you did.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Information on prevention of heart disease.Card Number: 056

Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: Kindness of thought, word or deed is a gift for which I am eternally grateful.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Information on prevention of heart disease.Card Number: 057

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Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: Feeling gratitude and not expressing it...A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Information on prevention of heart disease.Card Number: 058

Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: You didn’t have to, but you did.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Information on prevention of heart disease.Card Number: 060

Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: I am eternally grateful.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Information on prevention of heart disease.Card Number: 059

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Type: InspirationalTitle: Fruit of the SpiritTarget: GeneralPurpose: To inspire and upliftSample of Text: The fruit of the Spirit is alive and growing for all to see in you. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Healthy eating and fitnessCard Number: 061

Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: I’ve tried to find a way to let you know that I appreciate your thoughtfulness. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Healthy eating and fitness.Card Number: 063

Type: FriendshipTitle: Our Amazing FriendshipTarget: FemalePurpose: To tell a friend how much you love and value them.Sample of Text: You’ve been there during my darkest nights and my wonderfully bright days.A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health and wellness information.Card Number: 062

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Type: Friendship Title: Just BecauseTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation for friendshipSample of Text: No, there’s no traditional reason for me to give you this card. A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: General health and wellness tipsCard Number: 065

Type: Thank You Title: Thank YouTarget: General Purpose: To show appreciation/thanks.Sample of Text: “How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it” A Moment of Health and Wellness Focus: Healthy eating and fitness.Card Number: 064

The Team:Creator, Creative Director and Lead Author: Sharon Denise Allison-Ottey, MD

Creative Assistant: Thomas E. Allison

Editorial Assistant: Cheryl Buchman

Executive Assistant to Dr. Sharon: Sherri Warren

Website Designer: Rachelle Gould-Harris

Public & Media Relations: Chris Foster

Graphic Artists:

Alexis McDowell, Lead Artist

Ashley Coleman

Juliana Doan

Ronda Quillen

Crystal Ware

Granville Woodson

Boxed AssortmentsBe ready to bring a smile or to brighten one’s day with the “cards that keep on giving.” “Cards by Dr. Sharon” have created several collections of our favorite cards for Birthdays, Thank-You, Comfort/Sympathy, Encouragement, and Friendship. These cards are separated by “collections” which you will treasure.

“Cards by Dr. Sharon” offers boxed assortments of cards specially priced and packaged to meet the consumer’s needs. These boxed sets come with ten (10) cards and are nicely packaged in a clear-topped, gold foiled box with a “Cards by Dr. Sharon” label.

Collection #1: Thank You

Collection #2: Happy Birthday

Collection #3: Thank you, Appreciation, Encouragement and Just Because

Collection #4: Thank You, Appreciation, Happy Birthday, Comfort/Sympathy, Encouragement/Friendship and Just Because

Collection #5: Inspirational Cards; Thank You, Happy Birthday, Comfort/Sympathy, Encouragement/Friendship and Just Because

Creator of the Card Line: Sharon Denise Allison-Ottey, MD is an energetic and engaging speaker, author, health educator/physician and health strategist/consultant. Dr. Allison-Ottey

serves as Executive Director of The COSHAR Foundation. The foundation is a 501c 3 organization focused on impacting the health of the world, one community at a time. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded its presence and impact with innovative programs that have touched millions of lives. Dr. Allison-Ottey completed a three year residency program in Internal Medicine (Adult Medicine) at Union Memorial Hospital. It was during her residency training that she developed a keen interest in the elderly and subsequently completed an additional two year fellowship in Geriatric Medicine (adults over 65) at the same institution. She received her medical degree from East Carolina University School of Medicine. Dr. Allison-Ottey is a proud alumna of North Carolina Central University where she earned dual degrees in Biology and Chemistry with minors in Physics, African American History and English with honors.

Dr. Allison-Ottey is an avid medical researcher with numerous publications and presentations. She was named the American Geriatric Society’s 1999 Investigator of the Year in recognition of her pioneering work in AIDS in the Elderly and was one of the first in the world to publish on this topic. Throughout her career she’s been involved actively with biomedical research and has served as a Scientific Consultant in Neurobehavioral Toxicology to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, she has been engaged in several research collaborations that include the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute, the Gallup Organization and other academic, private, and public organizations. Her current research interests include Health Literacy, Patient/Physician Communication, the Role of Spirituality in Medical Outcomes, Direct to Consumer Marketing’s effect on Physicians and Patients, and Patient Adherence/Compliance with Medical Treatment.

Dr. Allison-Ottey is a nationally recognized lecturer/speaker for healthcare professionals. She addresses various topics which include but are not limited to: health literacy, women’s health, health disparities and cultural competency, the role of faith based organizations in healthcare, direct to consumer advertisements and health in an aging population. She provides invaluable insight and guidance to the numerous commissions, advisory boards and committees on which she serves. She is a consultant for several Fortune 500 companies and is also frequently invited to give expert testimony/advice to government and other organizations. Dr. Allison-Ottey is recognized for her unique and articulate views on public health policy. She is an advocate for improved healthcare for all and for the elimination of health disparities based on gender, race and/or socioeconomic status. Further, she’s viewed by many as a tireless champion for expanded access to healthcare for the elderly. In recognition for her commitment to health education and reduction in health disparities among minority populations and women, she was honored by Aetna Inc. and featured in the 25th Anniversary Edition of its African American History Calendar.

Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey is active with numerous medical, political and civic organizations. She has served on the Board of Trustees of the National Medical Association (NMA) and as Chair

of the Council on the Concerns of Women Physicians. She was a founding board member of the Partnership for Clear Health Communications which focused on improving health literacy in the United States. Dr. Allison-Ottey’s professional affiliations include the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Geriatric Society, International AIDS Society and numerous other organizations.

Dr. Allison-Ottey has received many awards and citations from organizations and the community; however one of the most notable is being the youngest to ever receive the Scroll of Merit of the NMA in 2002. This award is the highest award of the association and Dr. Allison-Ottey was cited for her service to the organization, research and commitment to the health education of the nation. Additionally, she is the first female to be awarded the title Chairman Emeritus of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). In 2006 she received the Council Award from the Council on the Concerns of Women Physicians in recognition for her significant achievements in medicine and contributions to issues of women’s health. Dr. Allison-Ottey has been further humbled by the National Library of Medicine/ American Medical Woman’s Association’s designation as a Local Legend in Medicine and her inclusion in the national exhibit entitled: Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America’s Women Physicians. She continues to receive national and state recognition for her work and passion and in 2004 and 2008 Dr. Allison-Ottey was named to the Top 100 Women in Maryland.

Dr. Allison-Ottey has appeared on Black Entertainment Television (BET) as well as other local and national television programs. She co-hosted a popular radio program for several years and is a frequent guest on nationally syndicated, as well as regional/local radio programs across the country. Dr. Allison-Ottey is the monthly writer of Gospel Today magazine’s, Health in Action column. She’s been quoted and interviewed by several print publications including Redbook, Essence, Heart and Soul, Jet, Ebony, USA Today, Black Enterprise, The Wall Street Journal and numerous other media outlets. Because of the colorful and “down to earth” manner in which she addresses health, relationships and offers motivation; Dr. Allison-Ottey is a well-recognized and requested speaker for conferences, universities/schools, churches, corporations, community groups and a host of other outlets.

One of Dr. Allison-Ottey’s passions is writing and she introduced a new genre to the world of fiction, “fiction with a purpose” with her first novel, All I Ever Did Was Love a Man with the sequel, My Breaking Heart to be released later this year. She also wrote a nonfiction/self-help book entitled; Is That Fried Chicken Wing Worth It? In 2009, the full greeting card line, “Cards by Dr. Sharon” was launched; they are indeed “Cards with a Purpose.” Visit Dr. Sharon at www.drsharononline.com.

Contact Information:Sharon D. Allison-Ottey, MD, www.drsharononline.com

Phone: 301-773-4811Email: drsharon@sharondeniseallisonottey.com

Meet Dr. Sharon