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On November 12, 2003, NAMI NYC Metro honored advocates who have pursued "Mental Health Care without Boundaries."

Michael Silverberg Award for Long Service

The award for special achievement in Community Leadership went to two-term board president Michael J. Silverberg. Lloyd Sederer, M.D., Executive Deputy Commissioner of New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, presented Mr. Silverberg with the award. Dr. Sederer spoke of the first time he met Michael Silverberg, who wanted better treatment of consumers by the police. The meeting took place shortly after Dr. Sederer took office in 2002 and he recognized that Michael Silverberg and NAMI had a voice that needed to be heard. He mentioned how grateful he was to meet Michael and how he looked forward to a long-lasting relationship between his office and NAMI. He mentioned Michael Silverberg's soft-spoken determination. Under Silverberg, NAMI had doubled in size.

O'Clair's Win for Timothy's Law Campaign

Ms. New York, Jessica Lynch, introduced the Family Advocacy Award to the O'Clair Family for leadership in the Timothy's Law campaign for insurance parity (equality) on behalf of their son Timothy O'Clair. Like the Silverberg's, they lost their son to mental illness. They mentioned how much emotional support they have received for their fight. Mr. O'Clair announced that, five months into his campaign for parity, he began to speak of his personal struggle as a consumer. He was grateful to Jessica Lynch for being so open about her struggle with mental illness. Just by watching them interact, you could tell that the O'Clair's and Ms. Lynch had developed a close bond.

Patti Sacher Volunteer of the Year

The Adele Anshein Volunteer of the Year Award went to Patti Sacher for exemplary service and dedication. This award was also presented by Ms. Lynch. I have known Patti during my year and a half volunteering at NAMI, and I must say she is a powerful, warm, friendly and efficient advocate. She is a hard worker on the helpline, and she has been running the Family-to-Family groups for six years. She always brings snacks for the other volunteers and staff, and makes the NAMI office a home away from home. She mentioned the last time she won an award was when she was twelve for archery. Well this award was right on target.

Gertrude Rudoff Honored for Service as Volunteer and Staff Member

Last, but certainly not least, there was a surprise award, given to the great lady of NAMI, Gertrude Rudoff, who is retiring after 10 years as bookkeeper. Gertrude started as a volunteer, becoming involved with NAMI after her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She became a staff member four years ago and has watched NAMI's funds with an eagle eye. I will surely miss our conversations. But I won't lack for conversation partners. NAMI has many award-winners among its volunteers and staff, enough to fill its new offices.