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NewsBriefs:October 2007 10/18/07 12:04 AM Page 12 NewsBriefs HOUSE OF DELEGATES 2007 CNA/NNOC Honors Awards Recipients for 2007 t each biennial House of Delegates convention, CNA/NNOC recognizes members, public figures, and allies who have been friends to nurses and helped advance the movement for true universal healthcare. This year's awards ceremonies fell on Sept. 11, a day marked by national reflection. CNA/NNOC nurses and their guests were honored that two men in particular, John Graham and Billy Maher, chose to share this meaningful day with them. Graham and Maher, who were featured in Michael Moore's film SiCKO, were both volunteer rescue workers at Ground Zero in the days following the 2001 attacks in New York City. They were honored at the Capitol rally with the Courage Under Fire Award for their crusade to win healthcare justice after developing major respiratory problems but being abandoned by healthcare authorities. After receiving their awards, Maher and Graham were joined by their SiCKO costars Dawnelle Keys, Julie Pierce, and Donna and Larry Smith, who turned the tables by presenting the nurses an award of their own for promoting the movie's single-payer message and providing compassion and friendship to the film's subjects. The nurses then welcomed Dr. Quentin Young, national coordinator of the group A Physicians for a National Health Program, who was honored with the newly created Healthcare Warrior award in recognition of PNHP's dedication and partnership with nurses in pursuing a guaranteed healthcare system for all Americans. The remaining awards were presented during the nighttime gala. The first honorees were some of the most recognizable guests at the House of Delegates: Keys, Pierce, and the Smiths of SiCKO; and Cynthia and Allen Campbell, who have been actively involved in CNA/NNOC's single-payer actions over the past several months (see the May 2007 issue of Registered Nurse). All received the Courage Under Fire award for their bravery and activism in the 2007 AWARDS RECIPIENTS Healthcare Warrior: Dr. Quentin Young Courage Under Fire: Cynthia Campbell, RN and Allen Campbell, John Graham, Dawnelle Keys, William Maher, Julie Pierce, and Donna and Larry Smith Burning the Flame For All Americans: Ralph Nader Soul of a Nurse: Sen. Sheila Kuehl Distinguished Service Award: Retiring CNA/NNOC board members Phyllis Brown, RN; Relie Dema-ala, RN; John Harwood, RN; Laura Miller, RN; Hilda Paraiso, RN; and Martha Utz, RN Distinguished Healthcare Research: Dr. Marcia Angell 12 REGISTERED NURSE Service With Integrity: Assemblymember Loni Hancock Social and Political Change Activist of the Year: Leo Gerard Patient Social Advocacy: Patricia Berryhill, RN and Alice Craft-Kerney, RN Public Voice for Political Activism: Michael Moore Lifetime Achievement: Barbara Williams, RN Gloria McNerney Award: DeAnn McEwen,RN It was also announced at this time that the Courage Under Fire Award shall hereafter be known as the Marilynn Kenefick Courage Under Fire Award. W W W. C A L N U R S E S . O R G face of great personal tragedy. Patricia Berryhill, RN and Alice Craft-Kerney, RN received the Patient Social Advocacy award for opening the Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic in Berryhill's former family home to provide essential medical attention for the citizens of flood-ravaged New Orleans (see the June 2007 issue of Registered Nurse). Assemblywoman Loni Hancock ran over from a late-night legislative session to accept her Service with Integrity award for sponsoring legislation, which CNA/NNOC champions, to reduce the influence of money on politics by establishing a publicly-funded system of financing campaigns. Several of CNA/NNOC's leaders were also honored. Six retired or retiring board members were recognized, and former board member and CHW bargaining team member Barbara Williamsreceivedalifetimeachievementaward. Former Joint Nursing Practice Commission Chair DeAnn McEwen was surprised with the Gloria McNerney award, meant to honor those who embrace radical action and civil disobedience in their agitation for patient advocacy. Williams and McEwen weren't the only ones surprised by their awards. CNA/NNOC Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro was stunned when, at the end of the ceremony, Deborah Burger premiered a special film compiled by board and staff to commemorate DeMoro's more than two decades of leadership of the organization. "I'm actually speechless," she said, wiping tears from her eyes, "and we all know how rarely that happens." —erika larson OCTOBER 2007