Founder Award Presentation

Presentation of the NCCNHR Elma Holder Founder's Award 
in recognition of a life's work exemplifying leadership in long-term care reform.

Remarks by Faith Fish, NCCNHR Board Member and
Former NY State Ombudsman

October 19, 2003

On behalf of the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home reform, I am honored to present the "Elma Holder Founder's Award" to Sue Wheaton. This is the second time I have been able to give Sue an award, the first from the ombudsman program in New York and now a national award.

Dr. Susan Wehry, our key note speaker today, always talks about long term care advocates as having "fire in the belly".  We all know it is the passion for our work that keeps all of us fueled to take on all of the challenges we face.  Sue Wheaton understands this and has been willing to take the risks necessary to keep the fires burning to make life better for residents living in long-term care facilities.

Sue is a gracious and appreciative person, besides being a strong advocate.  How many times have we heard Sue say: Aren't we lucky to be able to do this important work?" "Aren’t we lucky to be together at a conference like this?" - as well as, "Where is the bar - I need a drink."   

I want to share some remarks from Elma Holder who is not able to be with us today that depict Sue's important contributions.

Sue Wheaton is not, and never has been, a typical government bureaucrat.  She is, instead, a brave soldier who fights to the finish for what she believes in.  We have been incredibly fortunate that fate, hard work and a desire to improve nursing homes put Sue at the side of Dr. Arthur Flemming and Ruth Knee at the time the creative ombudsman program was born.  When I first visited Sue at the dull gray HHS office building in the early 70's, I saw and heard vivid sparks of color.  Because it was evident that Sue was (first and foremost) a true blue advocate for people living in nursing homes, I knew immediately that the program was in good hands!   As an outspoken advocate (often chastened by the bureaucrats around her), she helped shape the ombudsman program.  She was also a critical player in saving the program every single time it was threatened - as it has been so many times through the years.

In the process, her devotion to NCCNHR also grew.  Always an honorary member, always a supporter (independent of her government role), Sue helped assure that NCCNHR would always be there to support the program and to hold the program true to the advocacy roots that Dr. Flemming embedded in the program. Sue has always known that NCCNHR would maintain its independent advocacy for residents of nursing homes, regardless of its responsibilities to the resource center.  So, as NCCNHR fought and was successful in helping to achieve the Nursing Home Reform law, Sue was always in the background, cheering us on. 

Sue is colorful indeed.  She is full of love, laughter, smarts, guts and gusto.  Her great pride in the ombudsman program is evident, but, most importantly, she is always honest about its needs.  Sue constantly strives to help improve program guidance and to increase its resources and advocacy to help people in long-term care.  Only a few of us are privileged to know the full extent of Sue's contributions over the years - to the work of the ombudsmen and to the work of NCCNHR.  Barbara Frank and I trust that this tribute to Sue will help extend a lifetime of good will and gratefulness for her loving work. Sue Wheaton plays a rich role in NCCNHR history. I am truly honored that she is being given this particular award.  

Hip, Hip Hurray!!!! Barbara Frank and I send Sue big hugs today.

A note to NCCNHR from Elma:  Please tell NCCNHR that I regret not being there.  My immediate family is priority now, but NCCNHR is always in my heart, mind and soul.  I trust that this small, but mighty organization will continue to be our country's most knowledgeable and forthright advocate for long-term care residents and that our constituents will always strive to be appreciative and supportive advocates for each other in this journey of our life time.