Meredith's husband receives Inspire Award

Posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 10:55 AM by Vidya Rao

Brendan Hoffman / Getty Images

With his wife Meredith Vieira by his side, Richard Cohen was honored Monday night by AARP The Magazine for being a "voice for the chronically ill." Cohen, 60, was one of 10 honorees to receive the 2009 Inspire Award, which recognizes people over 50 who "are putting their passion into action to make the world a better place." Watch a clip of the event.

Cohen discovered he had multiple sclerosis in 1973 -- but he didn't let the illness get in the way of his work as a CBS producer. By 1996, his disabilities prevented him from working in television and he has since spent his time advocating for others who have the debilitating disease.

"Everybody is touched by chronic illness," he told the magazine. "It's the flood under the door."

The event was held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. Other recipients of the 2009 Inspire Award include actress Glenn Close, who has been a mental health advocate, and record producer Quincy Jones, who has worked to fight poverty.

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Comments

Just would like to say Thank-you. my Mother had M.S. passed away at a very young age of 36 yrs. Myself along with my sister also have M.S. So I can really andtruly respect those with this disease. We all have difrent degrees along with good days with bad. I am a single mother of a 9yr.old daughter.

I definitley appreciate all the help and kindness from my Family and Friends. Love everybody's support. I always try to remember ther will be bettr days ahead. Keep Smilin

Beth, Elizabethtown,Pa. (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 1:26 PM)

The media should focus on people like Richard, whose efforts are making a positive difference....rather than spotlighting self-serving celebrities whose behavior has a negative effect on kids.

Georgia (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 2:35 PM)

Life is not necessarily a case of being dealt a good hand, but rather, of playing a bad hand well. I too have MS, I was diagnosed in 1983 while my children were still young and my disability has continued to progress ever since. In 1991 I recieved a master's degree in Philosophy and I graduated from law school in 2005. My 2 children, now grown, walked me across the stage to receive my J.D. Many snaps and props to Richard Cohen. Thank you for your advocacy. You make my accomplishments possible.

Donna, Long Island (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 2:59 PM)

I have profound admiration for anyone who is dealing with a disease. One day at a time...hang in there. I love you, whoever you are:-).

Will Lightfoot, Florence, South Carolina (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:35 PM)

Congrats to Richard Cohen for his work and fight against this terrible disease. I have a dear friedn who I have watched become more and more disabled. I am so glad he was recognized for his work.

Bonnie B., Spring Hill, FL (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:42 PM)

Thanks for bringing awareness to this disease.
I am a new mother of a 10 week old and the disease has returned. Keeping positive to get better son!

Kelli, Washington Twp., NJ (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 6:16 PM)

I'm delighted to see that Cohen's efforts highlight the attempts of individuals to create meaningful and productive lives while living with chronic illness. Tragically, there is currently little support for these efforts in our society.Stories like his and the stories he tells of others go a long way toward helping us get the supports we (with MS and other chronic illnesses) need to be succesful - against the odds.

Rosalind Joffe Newton MA (Sent Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:57 AM)

"Suffering can be a challenge to grow, or an occasion to surrender to defeat." Congrats to Mr.Cohen - I stand up for you. And to Meredith, your compassion for the human soul is evident. Thanks for all the inspiration and may YOU stay strong and be supported in the face of whatever life brings your way.

TL, Kew Gardens, NY (Sent Wednesday, December 10, 2008 11:08 AM)

It is wonderful that Richard can still help others, when he is in trouble as well. Shows people that you can have a life and be happy. Doing for others always seems to do that for us. I have emphysema and on oxygen 24/7 and I do almost everything I have always done, it takes a lot longer now, but that is OK. I think at 75 years old, we are all a little slower. We love Meredith.

Marjean Klotz Lawrence, Ks (Sent Wednesday, December 10, 2008 11:25 AM)

Dear Richard and Meredith:

Thank you both for shedding light on this disease. I was diagnosed 3 years ago and cannot tell you how much your story has helped me and my family. It is always helpful to know you're not alone.

Congratulations, Richard on your acknowledgement - well deserved - you have helped so many.

Michele, Stewart Manor, NY (Sent Wednesday, December 10, 2008 12:26 PM)

Thank you both for sharing your lives with us. May you have a wonderful holiday season.

Bernie, medford, ma (Sent Thursday, December 11, 2008 8:01 AM)

I have a girlfriend who is 42 and has had MS for 10 years. I would like to purchase the book written by Mr. Cohen and I cannot remember the book title. Is it possible to email me the name of the book, it would be most appreciated.
Thanks so much.
CJ

CJ Jackson (Sent Thursday, December 11, 2008 9:20 PM)

best wishes for you

Joth,seattle,wash. (Sent Friday, December 12, 2008 2:05 AM)

Thank you Richard for sharing your story with us and with all of the others in your book, I found it very interesting. Love you Meredith. The name of the book is Blindsided.

Joan K. Wisconsin (Sent Monday, December 15, 2008 2:31 PM)

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