Most Inspiring Person of the Year Award 2004

FINALIST:
Nancy Reagan
Devoted wife, caregiver, advocate


On Friday, June 11, Nancy Reagan said goodbye to former President Ronald Reagan, her husband of 52 years, at his state funeral in Washington, D.C. Staying close to him as long as possible, she kissed his casket and whispered, "I love you."

Ron and Nancy offered one of America's most enduring love stories. The storybook nature of the romance was tested when, ten years ago, President Reagan announced he was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. As his memory and his physical abilities faded, his wife steadfastly cared for her beloved "Ronnie." Her utter devotion and love served as a model for the millions of Americans who know the horrible stress of caring for an ailing spouse, sibling, friend or parent.

She also found a new role as an advocate for Alzheimer's research. In 1995, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, she created the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute, to fund scientific research for treating or preventing Alzheimer's.

The most controversial of these treatment areas involves embryonic stem-cell research, which the Bush administration opposes on ethical grounds.

Last May the former first lady made an impassioned plea for President Bush to reverse his position, saying that embryonic stem-cell research "may provide our scientists with many answers that for so long have been beyond our grasp."

"I just don't see how we can turn our backs on this," she said. "We have lost so much time already. I just really can't bear to lose any more."

Actor Michael J. Fox, a supporter of stem-cell research because it could help lead to a cure for Parkinson's disease from which he suffers, said, "For someone like Mrs. Reagan to step outside of political or ideological groupings and just speak to what she believes can help people is tremendously valuable." With his mother's blessing, son Ron Jr. spoke to the nation about the need for stem cell research at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

At age 82, when she might enjoy a quiet retirement, Nancy Reagan continues to be a passionate and dignified advocate for the causes she believes in, and ever loyal to the memory of the man she loved so well for so long.

Nominated by member Justly:
I am almost ashamed to admit I had forgotten Nancy Reagan. I am going thru similar circumstances as she did for many years. And while I know she had much more help than many of us and I was not a "fan" of hers during her White House years, I did truly come to admire her in recent years. A good choice.

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