PRESS RELEASE

Washington, DC – November 9, 2009

Sibley is big enough to take care of you and small enough to care. George Michael shared this sentiment with the black tie crowd at Sibley Memorial Hospital's ninth annual Celebration of Hope and Progress gala Saturday night. "The room was brought to tears as we learned of George's battle with cancer," said Audry Carter, president of the Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation. "Yet with his next breath, he had us all on the floor with laughter." Part of the gala's tradition has been to highlight testimonials from those suffering cancer and George Michael’s heart wrenching acknowledgement of the tremendous role Sibley now plays in his life underscored the important role of the cancer programs and services that benefited from the proceeds of over $1 million raised in support of the event.

The Hope & Progress Award was presented to Andrea Roane for "your candor and perseverance, and for your willingness to use your media stature to effectively draw attention to the need to find a cure for cancer and specifically for women to help themselves with early detection."

The Mars Family Care Award recognized a staff member who works on the front lines quietly and behind the scenes, but makes the lives of many patients and their families just that little bit better by going the extra mile, and doing it all with a smile. Said Dr. Fred Smith of the winner Sheila Evans, director of oncology services, "She is the most indefatigable, energetic, can-do person with a smile I know."

Hundreds of Sibley's friends joined this year's gala Chair, Nina Pillsbury in a ballroom that glowed with autumnal colors and offered up a sumptuous fall inspired meal.

Next year's 10th annual gala will be on Saturday, November 6th and will be chaired by its founder, Rachel Sullivan.

For more information contact Carol Perline at SMHF – cperline@sibley.org or at 202-364-7696.