(Page 1 of 2)

Throughout history, there have been many examples that prove looking backwards is not such a great idea (just ask Lot’s wife), so I hope it does not bode poorly that I am doing so in my first message of 2013.  Besides, my doctor was adamant I reduce my salt content.

With that said, I could not let another week go by without talking about one of the highlights of 2012 for me.  I am referring to joining the celebrants at the 25th anniversary gala of the Rosalynn Carter Institute on October 25th.  I had just interviewed former First Lady Carter for the cover of the September/October issue Today’s Caregiver magazine and it was a great pleasure to be able to spend time with her at the gala.

The event attendees were resplendent in evening gowns and tuxedos. As well as seeing Mrs. Carter again, I was happy to spend time with many of the leading care advocates I have met across the nation over the past 17 years.

During the gala, Mrs. Carter presented awards for Georgia Paraprofessional Caregiver of the Year, Volunteer Caregiver of the Year, Family Caregiver of the Year, and an award with her name, the Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award – the highest award given in the caregiving field. I think Mrs. Carter and the other advocates will agree it was the impressive work of the caregiving award winners that really stole the show. 

The winners were:

Wilani Martin, a Certified Nursing Assistant from Jefferson who received the Georgia Paraprofessional Caregiver of the Year award. Employed by Bentley Assisted Living, Martin was nominated by the Atlanta Regional Commission Caregivers-Network (CARE-NET).

Lucille Brock Thomas, a retired teacher from Screven, received the Volunteer Caregiver of the Year award. Thomas founded Caregivers Resources and Support Services, Inc. in 1997. She was nominated by the Heart of Georgia Altamaha CARE-NET.