TRIBUTES

Nancy Hug

My son suffers from schizophrenia. As a past National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliate president, I attended a NAMI National Convention in D.C. years back. Ted was the featured speaker.  He had an entire ballroom on its feet cheering at 7:30 on a Saturday morning. Each of us needed that champion desperately. We all were there because our family members were at risk.  He were there because he cared. 

Medicare and Medicaid saved my son's life. Without Ted my son would not be alive. There is no greater debt. Because of Ted my son is doing well.  He has a job and sings in our church choir.  I am deeply saddened at the loss of Ted but his inspiration is embedded in us all.  Caroline Kennedy is right:  It is up to us, even if we feel we don't have the capacity, to continue his work. We really do and we really can.