Congratulations to 2011 inductee Robert Garofalo, for being awarded the “Ellen Perrin Award for Excellence in LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness” by the American Academy of Pediatrics for a lifetime of commitment, service and work. By the American Academy of Pediatrics!
On his Facebook page, Garofalo wrote, “When I started my career so many people told me I could never be an openly gay pediatrician. Truth is, a lot (…A LOT) of people have told me I could not do certain things in my life or career — I NEVER LISTENED!! NEVER….
A few things:
1. To be given this award by the AAP – by my colleagues…pediatricians is amazing really;
2. To be doing this work for so many years and get to just be myself; quirky, socially awkward, messy me – is equally amazing;
3. If you are wearing a rainbow-colored boa, it does not much matter if your shirt is too big.
Honored. Humbled. Grateful.
To many people to thank…family, friends, colleagues within the The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, the leadership at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, colleagues outside of our Division, mentors, the NIH, philanthropists and funders even those that gave us $5 to support our work & the especially the thousands of youth and family I have had the honor and pleasure of working with.
And thanks to my Mom & Dad – without their love and support I would not be the man I am today. Wherever they both are, I’d like to think they are both proud.
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Today was a good day.”