Polly Arango was one of the greatest advocates for children with special healthcare needs. She began her career as an advocate in the 1960s placing Ecuadorian orphans with families in the United States. When she learned her son had a developmental disability, she shifted her focus to securing a full education and access to healthcare for children with chronic health conditions... Read more.

Karl Buelow was a true Renaissance man with many interests and a strong love for his family. He was also a skilled woodworker. Today, many of his works of art can be seen in the homes of his family and... Read more.

Rick Carlson’s professional accomplishments speak to a life of tireless and successful service. He was Clinical Professor of Health Services and Pharmacy at the University of Washington, as well as a valued colleague in the UW Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program, Center for Genomics and Healthcare Equality, and Resource Center for Health Policy. He spent a lifetime contributing to innovative health policy development, including work on the original HMO legislation... Read more.

Nelson Freed experienced both the promise and challenge of genetics. He lived with Gaucher disease, but benefited from treatments that improved the quality of life. As a member of the Genetic Alliance Board, interactions with concerned parents, patients, physicians, and researchers compelled him to strive for expanded resources and services so people can continue living, loving, and advocating for others... Read more.

Victor McKusick is lovingly called the “Father of Medical Genetics” by the human genetics community for his seminal work founding and defining the field. He founded the Division of Medical Genetics at Johns Hopkins University and wrote Mendelian Inheritance in Man, a comprehensive catalogue of genetic conditions... Read more. Read more and post a comment.

Paul Steven Miller was an internationally renowned leader in the disability rights movement and an expert in disability and employment discrimination law. He touched the lives of all he came in contact with, and it was a privilege to have him be a part of our community... Read more.

Dennis Pollock was a man with bright eyes, a teasing smile, and a natural ability to open your heart to ideas, reason, and laughter. He was also a hero in the fight against genetic nondiscrimination...
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The Honorable Paul G. Rogers truly earned his nickname “Mr. Health” through his service as a Congressman, often taking leadership roles, including chairing the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. His life exemplifies that of a champion of issues related to health, science, and... Read more.

Jonathan Weiss was the motivating force for the formation of the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups (now Genetic Alliance) by his mother, Joan O. Weiss, who recognized the value of a support organization; she did not have one when Jonathan was born with a congenital heart defect... Read more.