Our Public Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health was presented to Boomer Esiason & The Boomer Esiason Foundation

Most people recognize Boomer Esiason as the most prolific left-handed quarterback in NFL history. After all, his career marks rank among the top 10 in the NFL in all-time passing yards, career completions and career attempts. As a veteran quarterback of 14 years with the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, Esiason was recognized as an NFL Most Valuable Player and a four-time Pro Bowl player. Esiason's impressive broadcast career, both radio and television, spans two decades.

Tonight we honor Boomer Esiason for a passion other than football: his leadership in the fight against cystic fibrosis. Boomer and his wife, Cheryl, established the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars to battle cystic fibrosis. The Boomer Esiason Foundation is a dynamic partnership of leaders in the medical and business communities that joins with a committed core of volunteers to heighten awareness, education and quality of life for those affected by cystic fibrosis. The foundation also provides financial support to research aimed at finding a cure.

The Boomer Esiason Foundation works to ensure that the brightest researchers and scientists, who every day come closer to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis, have the resources they need to expand and accelerate their efforts. The foundation is committed to making sure that dedicated doctors and caregivers have access to innovative and effective treatments that ease the suffering and enhance the lives of the children and young adults afflicted with cystic fibrosis.

Thanks to the Boomer Esiason Foundation, people from all walks of life are educated and motivated to become committed participants in the ongoing battle against cystic fibrosis. And those directly affected by cystic fibrosis are encouraged and empowered to fully understand this deadly disease and take active roles in combating it. The foundation also provides students and hospital staff with the financial resources and educational tools they need to prepare for life's challenges and create a legacy of quality health care for generations to come.

Boomer and Cheryl Esiason have been named honorary chairs of Building Bridges to a Cure, the national Cystic Fibrosis Foundation major gift campaign for its Therapeutics Development Program.

Our Public Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health was presented to Erik Weihenmayer

Erik Weihenmayer, a former middle school teacher and wrestling coach, earned his recognition as one of the most exciting and well-known athletes in the world by breaking boundaries. Despite losing his vision at age 13, Weihenmayer became an accomplished mountain climber, paraglider and skier. He has never let his blindness interfere with his passion for an exhilarating and fulfilling life. We honor him tonight for the inspiration he gives to so many, but especially for the example he sets for other visually impaired young people. Weihenmayer truly embraces the motto, "One does not have to have perfect eyesight to have extraordinary vision."

In May 2001, Weihenmayer became the first blind man in history to reach the summit of the world's highest peak — Mount Everest. And in September 2002, when he stood on top of Mount Kosciusko in Australia, Weihenmayer completed his seven-year quest to climb the Seven Summits — the highest mountains on each of the seven continents — joining only 100 mountaineers who have accomplished that feat. At age 33, he was also one of the youngest.

After Weihenmayer's 2001 Mount Everest ascent, a school for the blind in Tibet invited him to teach its students mountaineering and rock climbing. His many climbs gave the disabled teenagers the courage to excel in a culture that affords few opportunities for the blind. A film about Weihenmayer's climb with the blind teenagers on Mount Everest, Climb Higher, produced by famed filmmaker Steven Haft, will go a long way toward changing the mind-set regarding disabled people throughout the Third World and beyond. Indeed, Weihenmayer has inspired thousands all around the globe with his courage, humor and honesty.

Weihenmayer joined Stevie Wonder, George Shearing, Ray Charles and Ronnie Milsap as a recipient of the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award from the American Foundation for the Blind. He was honored as the Colorado Athlete of the Year, following John Elway and Frank Shorter. Weihenmayer's documentary of his historic Everest climb, which earned a Time magazine cover story, aired several times during the anniversary celebration of Sir Edmund Hillary's ascent 50 years ago. The documentary, Farther Than the Eye Can See, has played to standing ovations around the globe, won 17 film festival awards and was nominated for two Emmys.

Weihenmayer has authored two books. Touch the Top of the World is published in 10 countries in six languages and was the basis of the feature film with the same name on A&E. His second book, The Adversity Advantage, with coauthor business guru Paul Stoltz, includes a forward by Stephen Covey.

Our Public Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health was presented to The American Heart Association

Women, men, boys and girls — people of all ages, all races, all across America — are threatened by cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association and its division, the American Stroke Association, are working to protect them from the nation's number one killer: heart disease.

Countless medical advances taken for granted today can be traced to the work of the American Heart Association. The organization was founded in 1924 by six physicians from different societies who united to exchange information and find solutions for heart disease. In 1948 the American Heart Association reorganized from a professional society to a voluntary health agency. This move opened the doors for nonmedical volunteers with skills in business management, communication, public education, community organization and fund-raising to unite for a common cause: to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The world has the American Heart Association to thank for a number of significant accomplishments. The association funded research into diet and cardiovascular disease that laid the scientific foundation for understanding dietary fat and cholesterol as major risk factors. It played a leading role in developing the heart-lung machine, which made open-heart surgery possible. It also funded early work in microsurgery, leading to coronary artery surgery, neurosurgery and many other innovations.

The American Heart Association funded the development of CPR and work that led to today's automated external defibrillators. In addition, it trained more than 60 million people in CPR through 40 training organizations serving 57 countries. The association played a significant role in developing clot-busting drugs and drug-eluting stents, both critical for acute cardiovascular treatment.

Countless advocacy achievements have come about as a result of the association's tireless efforts, including clean-air legislation, improved emergency care, and increased federal funding for heart disease and stroke research.

The success of the American Heart Association in supporting research, public and professional education, community services, and advocacy is evident in the dramatic decline in cardiovascular disease death rates over the past 40 years. Millions of Americans live longer, healthier lives today because of the work of the American Heart Association.

Our Public Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Psychology Field was presented to Dr. Phil McGraw & The Dr. Phil Foundation

Dr. Phil McGraw has galvanized millions of people to "get real" about their own behavior and create more positive lives. His nationally syndicated daily one-hour series, Dr. Phil, has been making headlines and breaking records since its 2002 launch. The hit series draws on Dr. Phil's many years of experience in psychology and human functioning. Having begun his TV career as Oprah's resident expert on human behavior, Dr. Phil continues to deal with real-life, in-the-real-world issues with his signature style.

In season one, Dr. Phil combined enlightenment with entertainment value as the show took on topics ranging from human functioning to behavioral medicine to legal issues. In season two, he introduced several signature themes such as the Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge that inspired hundreds of local groups throughout the country, and the Dr. Phil Families series that exposed and dealt with the underlying problems facing families today. Other themes included the groundbreaking Relationship Rescue Retreat series, which examined the marriages of couples on the brink of divorce, and Brandon's Intervention, which included an actual on-stage drug intervention that saved a 21-year-old's life. The third season of Dr. Phil features such topics as family, how to raise your children to be outstanding adults and mother-daughter relationships. The fourth season of Dr. Phil will focus on women's empowerment and will include topics on how to leave an abusive relationship.

Dr. Phil is author of six number one New York Times bestsellers: Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters; Relationship Rescue: A Seven-Step Strategy for Reconnecting With Your Partner; Self Matters: Creating Your Life From the Inside Out; The Ultimate Weight Solution: The Seven Keys to Weight Loss Freedom; Family First; and his most recent book, Love Smart: Find the One You Want, Fix the One You Got.

His books have been published in 37 languages with more than 23 million copies in print.

In concert with his books and television work, Dr. Phil provides strategic guidance for millions of Americans through his monthly column in O, The Oprah Magazine. As a professional psychologist, he has published numerous scholarly articles and practiced in clinical psychology and behavioral medicine. Dr. Phil has a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Dr. Phil has also launched the Dr. Phil Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization that is committed to helping children and families at risk. It is also devoted to rewarding remarkable children who are working hard to overcome tremendous obstacles and give back to their family and community. The foundation is another tool in Dr. Phil's arsenal to fight what he calls the "silent epidemics" in America — those problems that cripple our society in subtle but undeniable ways.

Our Public Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health was presented to Marsha Evans

Marsha J. Evans has held the office of president and chief executive officer of the American Red Cross since August 2002. With an annual operating budget of $3.4 billion, the Red Cross is the largest and possibly the most distinguished humanitarian aid organization in the nation. From helping victims of disasters to teaching safetypreparedness and lifesaving skills, to processing nearly half the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross assists millions of Americans every year.

Because of its important role in history—comforting countless GIs and Americans through wars, economic depression, natural tragedies and terrorism—the Red Cross has become part of the fabric of America. Today, the Red Cross is synonymous with help and hope in times of need, and it is an institution Americans rely upon unlike any other.

As president and CEO, Evans leads an organization that last year alone, assisted the victims of more than 70,000 natural and human-caused disasters, from single-family fires to large-scale events including acts of terrorism; collected almost 6.5 million units of blood; trained more than 11 million people in lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR; helped thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected; responded to humanitarian emergencies including four back-to-back hurricanes in the United States and a devastating tsunami in South Asia; and launched the Measles Initiative, a health intervention campaign to eradicate measles deaths in Africa.

As one of the country's top leaders, Evans brought impressive experience to the organization. During her 29-year career with the United States Navy, Evans distinguished herself as one of only a handful of women to reach the honored rank of rear admiral and gained a reputation for forging new ground for women in the military. Evans held a variety of command positions overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and thousands of employees. She led the Navy Recruiting Command, where she managed 6,000 employees in 1,200 locations and recruited more than 70,000 officers and enlisted personnel annually. She also held top positions at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the Treasure Island Naval Station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Evans retired in 1998 as a rear admiral.

In January 1998, Evans assumed leadership of Girl Scouts of the USA, the largest organization representing girls in the world, with troops in every ZIP code in America. Evans revolutionized the 90-year-old organization and modernized its vision and programs for its nearly 3 million young members.

Our Public Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Global Fitness was presented to Jack LaLanne

Jack LaLanne was into fitness before fitness was in! A man ahead of his time, he has a number of firsts to his credit. In 1936, LaLanne opened the very first modern health club in Oakland, Calif. He developed the first cable/pulley and leg extension machines along with the first weight selectors. Much of the standard equipment now used in spas and health clubs all over the world utilizes his concepts.

LaLanne was the first to have women, athletes and seniors working out with weights. He was the first to have a gym and healthfood bar combination and the first to develop an instant breakfast meal replacement drink, along with an edible nutrition bar. He was also the first to encourage the physically challenged to exercise around their disabilities. A more famous first was his daily syndicated television show Health and Fitness, which inspired millions and ran for more than 34 years. LaLanne is also remembered for his incredible birthday feats. These included doing 1,000 chin-ups and 1,000 push-ups in one hour and 22 minutes. He swam from Alcatraz on his 60th birthday, handcuffed with feet shackled, towing a 1,000-pound boat. On his 70th birthday he towed 70 people in 70 boats, for one-and-a-half miles, handcuffed and shackled. He used these events to increase public awareness for the need of systematic exercise and proper nutrition.

It is no wonder that Jack LaLanne is commonly referred to as the "Godfather of Fitness." Even today he continues to inspire millions around the world. His programming still airs on the ESPN Classic Network Monday through Friday. He also continues to contribute to his Web site, www.jacklalanne.com.

Jack LaLanne's beloved wife, Elaine, is herself an author and lecturer and has written five books on exercise and nutrition. She continues to travel all over the world with her husband, preaching the message of longer life through better living. No strangers to the FREDDIE Awards, their turns on the dance floor are memorable.

When asked about the difference in attitudes toward fitness from 70 years ago to today, LaLanne laughs and replies with a gleam in his eye, "It is most gratifying to me to see that everything that I was preaching and advocating more than 75 years ago, for both exercise and nutrition, has come into fruition. I was considered a crackpot and a charlatan. Today I am an authority. Believe me, I can't die. It would ruin my image!"

Actress, producer and social activist Marlo Thomas has been a role model for women and children for three decades. As television's first single woman living alone in the hit TV series That Girl, Thomas was a trail blazer. She has since produced numerous inspiring projects, such as the highly successful television special, book and record Free to Be.You and Me and the best seller The Right Words at the Right Time, of which all the royalties were donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Marlo is the first-born child of Danny and Rose Thomas. Danny was one of the best-loved entertainers of his time. Throughout his successes he never forgot his promise to St. Jude-that he would build a hospital for needy children, who would be cared for regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. Danny contributed his talents, time and money in the effort to realize his dream.

Marlo Thomas has tirelessly promoted the hospital's causes to corporations, individual donors and other celebrities. As national outreach director she hosts an hour-long television special that documents the lifesaving work of St. Jude and its impact on the lives of the patients and their families. This show helps raise millions for cancer research and treatment at St. Jude.

Dr. Timothy Johnson has achieved distinction as one of the nation's leading communicators of health care information for the commentary on medical problems, issues and breakthroughs he has provided ABC News Good Morning America since the show's debut in 1975.

In addition to his work for Good Morning America, Dr. Johnson analyzes medical news for World News Tonight, Nightline and 20/20. He also serves a medical consultant to ABC News regarding their coverage of medical news.

Dr. Johnson's health information and advice have won him the trust of millions of Americans, as well as national critical acclaim.

Dr. Johnson holds joint positions in medicine at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, placing him in the mainstream of the nation's top medical resources.

He is also the founding editor of the Harvard Medical School Health Letter and the author of several books.

Caring for the voiceless in our society, Dr. René Rodriguez has devoted his life in medicine to overcoming the unequal burden of disease in our society.

Dr. Rodriguez has championed the belief that America's doctors have a sacred trust to not only treat illness, but also treat the illness in the health system that creates barriers and prevents patients from getting needed care.

Dr. Rodriguez is the founder and current president of the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons, our country's oldest and largest national Hispanic medical association.

He is the founder of the National Hispanic Youth Initiative to motivate, prepare and encourage Hispanic high school students to pursue careers in the health sciences and biomedical research fields.

More than 1,700 students have participated in the program since its inception. Dr. Rodriguez founded a Spanish language medical journal, MEDICO Interamericano, and the popular Spanish consumer health magazine, Medico De Familia. One of his best-known publications is the patient-education book, Usted y Su Medico, or You and Your Doctor.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was founded in January 2000 through a merger of the Gates Learning Foundation, which worked to expand access to technology through public libraries, and the William H. Gates Foundation, which focused on improving global health. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is bringing innovations in health and learning to the global community. Led by Bill Gates's father, William H. Gates Sr., the Seattle-based foundation has an endowment of approximately $24 billion through the personal generosity of Bill and Melinda Gates.

The primary goal of the Gates Foundation is to share lifesaving advances such as vaccines and new medicines, as well as the benefits of the revolution in information technology, with those who need them most.

Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H., became director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in July 2002.

Previously, Dr. Gerberding was acting deputy director of the CDC's National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID); here she played a major role in leading the CDC's response to the anthrax bioterrorism events of 2002. She joined the CDC in 1998 as director of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, NCID, where she developed the CDC's patient safety initiatives and other programs to prevent infections, antimicrobial resistance and medical errors in health care settings. Before joining the CDC, Dr. Gerberding worked at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) as director of the Prevention Epicenter, a multidisciplinary service, teaching and research program focusing on preventing infections in patients and their health care providers.

Matthew "Mattie" J.T. Stepanek of Rockville, Maryland, is only 12 years old and already a best-selling author. His book of poetry, Journey Through Heartsongs, was recently number one on the New York Times bestseller list. He began writing at age 3 and in 1999, at age 9, he was awarded the Melinda Lawrence International Book Award. He is already taking some community college-level courses and has even earned a first-degree black belt in martial arts. He tours the nation giving inspirational talks on shows including "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "Larry King Live." He has met with former president Jimmy Carter and discussed peace in our world.

This would be impressive enough without taking into account that Mattie has a rare form of muscular dystrophy called dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy. He is the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s National Goodwill Ambassador for 2002. Despite being in a wheelchair and ventilator-dependent, Mattie shares his message of peace and hope. He is a peacemaker, a poet and a philosopher who still remembers to take time to play.

Jeni Stepanek had nearly completed her Ph.D. in child clinical psychology when her first child was born. Unfortunately, that child became very ill, so Jeni put her education on hold. Fifteen years later, Jeni is back in graduate school and almost finished with her Ph.D., but this time she is specializing in anticipatory grief at the University of Maryland. Why? Jeni had four children—Katie, Stevie, Jamie and Mattie—each born with a rare, genetic form of muscular dystrophy, three of whom she has already buried. In addition, Jeni herself has muscular dystrophy, an adult-onset form. She had no way of knowing this before passing the illness on to her children.

Jeni speaks of making a choice in life to do something with whatever life holds, rather than choosing to be depressed or angry or bitter. She helps spread the word that families with chronically ill children need special support, including hospice care, although they may not be imminently terminal. Jeni Stepanek tours with Mattie around the country to share their inspiring message of hope and goodwill.