Recognizing people making a difference
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Press ReleasesJill Stanek Declared Winner of Life Prizes Pro-Life AwardNurse Among Recipients of $600,000 in Prizes Awarded to Greatest Heroes in the Movement Natick, MA - Natick, MA - The Gerard Health Foundation is pleased to announce Jill Stanek as a winner of its inaugural Life Prizes awards, granted to six individuals or groups that have made unsurpassed strides in preserving and upholding the sanctity of human life. As a labor and delivery nurse, Jill's call to stand up for victims of abortion began in 1999 when she suddenly discovered that babies at her hospital were being aborted alive and left to die in a soiled utility room. Her refusal to remain silent cost her job and catapulted her into the national spotlight as she worked to expose the truth about abortion. Mrs. Stanek testified before Congress in 2000 and 2001 about the lack of born alive protections and has used the media to further educate the public as a prominent blogger and columnist. Cathy Ruse, Executive Director of Life Prizes, offered her congratulations: "Few are able to communicate their passion for the pro-life cause as Jill does, and even fewer are able to look the opposition in the eye without flinching," stated Cathy Ruse. "She has used her firsthand account to help expose the evils of abortion and the movement has become immeasurably stronger as a result. We look forward to see how her work will continue." Jill Stanek accepted graciously: "I've had many ups and downs in fighting for life since I was first called to stand up for its sanctity. Simply put, this is a highlight and an honor that I will receive with an eye towards the future and all the work ahead of us in battling for the most defenseless among us." The Life Prizes winners were measured by their success in saving lives and selected for best demonstrating their leadership and progress in pro-life achievements through public advocacy, scientific research, legal action, outreach and public discourse activities. More than 100 nominations were submitted to the Gerard Health Foundation which worked in conjunction with Cathy Ruse and the Selection Advisory Committee to evaluate each nomination and select the recipients. Members of the committee who brought their own advocacy expertise and knowledge of the pro-life movement include Archbishop of Denver Charles Chaput, the Reverend Dr. Alveda King, Ambassador Ray Flynn, and Professor Hadley Arkes of Amherst College. The $600,000 in total prizes will be divided among all of this year's recipients, including the other five winners:
"The accomplishments of these pro-life heroes are diverse, valiant, and nothing short of inspiring," stated Raymond Ruddy, President of the Gerard Health Foundation. "They are the movement's most successful champions of life and their achievements will inspire future pro-life generations to be bold and brilliant in undertaking the many challenges that lie ahead in spreading a culture of life." After the initial nomination process made on behalf of more than 100 esteemed nominators, the Life Prizes' Selection Advisory Committee assisted the Gerard Health Foundation in the difficult job of narrowing the finalists down to secure the six prominent recipients. The awards will be given at a ceremony held in Washington, DC on January 23, 2009. More information is available at www.LifePrizes.org About Life Prizes |