Swedish Covenant Hospital Honors Galters, G. Timothy Johnson

CHICAGO, IL (October 10, 2005) - ABC-TV medical editor Dr. G. Timothy Johnson is one of this year's recipients of the Spirit of Compassion Award given by Swedish Covenant Hospital. This year's award also honors the late Jack and Dollie Galter (lower photo), longtime supporters and major donors in the hospital's growth and expansion over the years.

The award, which was presented Saturday evening during the 50th annual celebration gala at the downtown Chicago Hilton Hotel, recognizes individuals who have given selflessly of themselves to improve the human condition of others beyond the walls of Swedish Covenant Hospital.

"This year's Spirit of Compassion Award recipients have exhibited compassion . . . in many ways," it was observed during the presentation remarks. Johnson was honored in part for his work in "educating millions about healthcare issues through his nationally recognized commentaries, as well as enlightening many about their physical and spiritual needs." Johnson, a longtime and well-known member of the Evangelical Covenant Church, also is an ordained Covenant pastor. (Accompanying photo shows Johnson, right, with Mark Newton, CEO of Swedish Covenant Hospital.)

In accepting his award, Johnson recalled many wonderful memories of his work at Swedish during the early years of his career, noting it was the place where he also met his wife, Nancy. To read more about Johnson's life, his training as both a medical doctor and a pastor, and his career as a television medical journalist, please see Johnson.

The Galters' spirit of philanthropy was praised, noting their generosity "has touched the health and lives of thousands" and continues to have a profound impact today. "The 2005 Spirit of Compassion Award recipients truly epitomize care, concern and compassion – the very characteristics that the hospital embodies." To read more of the lives and philanthropy of the Galters, please see Galters.

Past award recipients include:

2002 – Virginia M. Olson, Ph.D., and Roger G. Thorpe, M.D.

2003 – Ron Santo and Ingvar Wikstrom

2004 – Paul Carlson, M.D.; Chicago Magazine, and Studs Terkel

More than 900 were in attendance at this year's 50th Anniversary Benefit Gala in the Grand Ballroom. Funds raised during the evening event will be used to help finance expansion of the emergency room, which serves more than 40,000 patients each year. Chairs of the gala were Mark and Karen Newton, with co-chairs Dr. James and Marisa Boffa and Dr. Loren and Pamela Dardi. The Master and Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening were local Chicago television personalities Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano.

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