Rene Syler to Receive First Motherhood Out Loud Award

Motherhood Out Loud, conceived by Susan R. Rose and Joan Stein, is a play featuring a culturally and gender diverse series of candid monologues on the subject of motherhood, written by a host of celebrated writers. Motherhood Out Loud traverses the experience of motherhood from inception, birth, sexuality, growing up, letting go and the sandwich generation. The show has had successful productions all over the country, including an off-Broadway run at Primary Stages in New York City.

With an eye toward Mother's Day, Motherhood Out Loud has launched the first annual MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD AWARD. It is given to an outspoken mother who through her written word and voice isn't afraid to deliver straight up mom talk that inspires, empowers, tickles and stirs others.....much like the stories presented in Motherhood Out Loud.

The recipient for this year's award is Rene Syler, author/founder, Good Enough Mother. Give a watch -- http://youtu.be/byJH-wEJuhY.

"We wanted to recognize and celebrate mothers in the public eye who aren't afraid to tell it like it is, and in so doing, help others through the sharing of experiences in an upfront, candid fashion," explained Susan Rose, Co-Creator and Producer, Motherhood Out Loud.

"Rene was a natural choice for the title because she's a dynamic role model for moms on so many levels. She wears different hats and broadcasts her views in a refreshingly outspoken fashion and has the power to change lives," said Robin Gorman Newman, Associate Producer, Motherhood Out Loud.

"I'm so very flattered to be chosen to receive the MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD AWARD," said Rene Syler. "I started Good Enough Mother almost a decade ago to pull back the curtain on modern motherhood. Surely I was not the only mom who served breakfast for dinner and stapled her kids' hems in a pinch. Or was I? Over the last 10 years or so, I have learned that no, I was not alone in that and other things. My goal then and now is to help improve the lives of women, wives, mothers and others through mutual and shared experience. I'm proud that we have done just that, and that Motherhood Out Loud embraces and shares that mission."

Rene Syler, the TV personality, knew she wanted a career in television. Unfortunately, Rene did not come to that realization until after she had spent thousands of dollars on a degree in psychology. She forged ahead and, after reporter/anchor jobs in Reno, Birmingham and Dallas, she landed a plum assignment as one of the anchors of The Early Show on CBS. There, she interviewed the likes of former First Lady Laura Bush, politicians, authors and actors like Senator John McCain, Antonio Banderas, Denzel Washington, Beyoncé and Will Smith, etc.

In 2006, Rene made a life-changing decision. As the daughter of two breast cancer survivors who had recently been diagnosed with her own breast disease, Rene decided to have a preventive mastectomy, a surgery profiled by Oprah Winfrey on her show. Rene now travels the country as an ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, spreading the word about early detection and treatment of the disease. Rene was also awarded the prestigious Gracie Allen award for her television series on breast cancer.

But just as she had made the decision to have a mastectomy, Rene was fired from her high-profile TV job. After battling a significant depression, she began to rebuild her life and career. She started by assembling an online presence and community at www.goodenoughmother.com, born of the publication of her first book, Good Enough Mother: The Perfectly Imperfect Book of Parenting (Simon & Schuster).

Rene continues with her television work as host of Sweet Retreats on the Live Well Network, Exhale on Magic Johnson's Aspire as well as a sought after expert on The Today Show, The Bill Cunningham Show, CNN Headline News, The Doctors and Wendy Williams, among others.

When not on the road preaching the gospel of imperfection, Rene spends time with her husband Buff Parham, her kids, Casey and Cole and their yellow lab, Olivia in their Westchester, New York home.

Motherhood Out Loud, is written by a collection of award- winning American writers including Leslie Ayvazian, Brooke Berman, David Cale, Jessica Goldberg, Beth Henley, Lameece Issaq, Claire LaZebnik, Lisa Loomer, Michele Lowe, Marco Pennette, Theresa Rebeck, Luanne Rice, Annie Weisman and Cheryl L. West. Henley is a Pulitzer-Prize winner, Rebeck is the creator of the television series SMASH, and Pennette was Executive Producer of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and UGLY BETTY and is Executive Producer of KIRSTIE, Kirstie Alley's television show.