Dr. Ken Altshuler and Ruth Altshuler; Sara Martineau, recipient of the 2014 Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier Care Award |
The
3rd annual Callier Cares
luncheon, benefiting the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, was
chaired by sisters Betsy Cullum and Sissy Cullum. The event honored Sara
Martineau with the 2014 Ruth and Ken
Altshuler Callier Care Award. Sara’s connection to the Callier Center began
when she chaired The Crystal Charity Ball in 1993, the year that Callier
received funding for the Cochlear Implant Program. In 1994, Sara joined the
Foundation for the Callier Center board.
Dr. Thomas Campbell, the Ludwig A.
Michael, M.D. Callier Center Executive Director and the Sara T. Martineau
Professor in Communication Disorders, welcomed underwriters, sponsors and the
sold-out crowd. Dr. Blair Monie,
Pastor, Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, led the invocation followed by a delicious
luncheon of Niçoise salad accompanied with a dessert of strawberry mousse and
chocolate mousse.
Betsy
introduced the informative video, which was personalized with patient stories
and testimonies, and also “revealed groundbreaking research projects that will
transform patients’ lives in the future.”
Keynote speaker, Terry Price, Director of Music at
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and grateful patient, shared his heartfelt,
moving story. Tinnitus had been haunting him for years, getting louder and worse
in recent years to the point of interfering with his career and life. After
consulting with various doctors, receiving brain scans and MRIs, and even
trying alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, with no results, Terry was
referred to Callier. He visited the center and underwent intense personalized evaluation
and treatment. His life has been changed forever for the better, giving him
hope for the future. His tearful story brought a standing ovation.
Dr.
Campbell introduced Ruth Altshuler, a namesake of the Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier
Care Award with her husband, Dr. Ken Altshuler. Ruth shared personal stories of
Sara’s accomplishments with Callier and thanked the Cullum sisters for their
leadership and dedication to Callier. She read a passage from a letter that she
wrote to Sara 20 years ago, remarking that Sara was a leader at that time and
has continued supporting her community in so many ways.
Dr. Ken Altshuler took the podium and
presented the Ruth and Ken Altshuler
Callier Care Award to Sara. Sara recognized her family, friends and
supporters. She especially thanked her husband, David, who for the past 52
years has supported her as she has dedicated so much time to volunteering in
the community. Quoting Gandhi, she said, “The future depends on what we do in
the present.” Again, a rousing, standing ovation.
The
Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier Care
Award is presented annually to an individual or group of individuals who
has contributed significantly to the betterment of the community and to
advancing the care of patients with communication disorders. Mrs. Martineau,
past president of the Foundation for the Callier Center and longtime Callier
advocate, was recognized for her passionate commitment to making life better
for people of all ages with communication disorders. Proceeds from the event
will benefit patients in need through the Callier Care Fund.
Ruth
and Ken Altshuler created the fund to help children and adults who would
otherwise be unable to afford treatment to overcome speech, language and
hearing disorders.
Libby Hunt, former luncheon chair; Tucean Franks |
Lois Wolf, Lauren Trahan, Andrea Wolf, Gabriela Jones |
Rue Henry, Bennett Cullum, Linda McFarland |
John and Barbara Stuart, former luncheon chair |
Betsy Cullum and Sissy Cullum, luncheon chairs |
No comments:
Post a Comment