Healing the Culture 2008 Cultural Hero Award

The following is the text of the 2008 Cultural Hero Award Announcement, written by Michael Pauley, and read by Healing the Culture board member, Dirk Bartram:

"Every year, Healing the Culture presents a very special honor called the "Cultural Hero Award." It is bestowed upon an individual who has been a heroic witness to the great dignity of human life.

"The Board of Directors of Healing the Culture selects the recipient, giving preference to ordinary people who do extraordinary things.

"This year's recipient is Mr. John Peyton. John and his wife Patricia became involved in the pro-life movement years before Roe v. Wade, after Washington state legalized abortion in 1970.

"Their pro-life involvement has taken many forms. They were involved in Birthright International. As many of you know, this is a mission that helps care for the needs of pregnant women. It was through Birthright that John and Patricia welcomed several expectant mothers into their home.

"John also joined the speakers' bureau for Human Life of Washington. He took the pro-life message to many schools, churches, and other groups. He also served as the state pro-life chairman for the Knights of Columbus in Washington State.

"John is now fighting his last pro-life battle. He has been diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. His physicians told him this summer that he has less than three to six months to live.

"In keeping with his pro-life values, John decided to make a statement - a statement that the final chapter of his life is not less important, or less dignified, than all the chapters that preceded it. He has become a bold and eloquent witness against the growing movement to legalize physician-assisted suicide.

"There is no way to describe the simple eloquence of John's witness for life, other than to let you hear his own words. I'd invite you to direct your attention to the video screen, as we play a recent interview with John. [Click here to see John's 3 minute interview with Laura Ingraham on FOX News.]

"When our President, Camille Pauley, told John last week that he had been selected to receive the Cultural Hero Award, he smiled and said, 'I humbly accept your award. But please tell them, that what I was able to do was only by the grace of the Holy Spirit. He put the opportunity in my way, and I tripped right over it!'

"That comment is typical of John's humility and grace. A recent article in the Catholic Northwest Progress captured the frank and authentic way that John views the end of his life:

"John said, 'Well, I'm disappointed, there's no denying that. But I don't feel any anger or bitterness. I don't feel cheated of anything. I've told people that if this is what God demands of me to improve my chances of living with him in the hereafter, mine is a pretty poor negotiating position.'

"The article concludes with the following narrative:

"...after more than 30 years of speaking about the pro-life issues, John Peyton's voice is giving out. He's prepared to leave this life with trust in God's mercy, though he will leave behind much unfinished work. 'I've just about said the last pro-life thing that I'm going to be able to say,' he gasps at the end of a long interview. A single tear runs down his cheek, but his eyes burn with urgency and intensity. 'It's up to you guys now. Take it up. May God go with you.'"

"Ladies and gentlemen, because of John's illness, he could not be with us this evening. But his wife, Patricia, and his daughter, Theresa, are here to accept the 'Cultural Hero Award' on his behalf. At this time I would ask them to come forward. Let's welcome Patricia and Theresa and show them how much we appreciate John's eloquent witness for life."

The following is the text of John Peyton's acceptance speech, read by his wife, Patricia:

"I truly wish I could be with you tonight to accept this honor in person, but I am consoled by knowing that I am represented quite ably by my wife Patricia, our daughter Theresa and our grandson Nathaniel. There are many whose hard work put me in the public eye during the recent campaign, without them I could not have spoken. I know but a few, many more I will never meet. I truly feel that it is more on their behalf than my own that I accept this award. I give praise and thanks to God for their having followed His promptings and having made some good use of me. Thank you and God bless your future efforts, for as we all know, there is much work to be done."