Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Humanitarian of the Week: Mary Tyler Moore

Whether you think of her as Mary Richards, Laura Petrie or, even, murderess Sante Kimes, you have a mental picture of Mary Tyler Moore. She was the girl in the Capri pants who danced with Dick Van Dyke and sobbed, “Oh, Rob.” She was the young woman who could turn the world on with her smile. She had spunk! She still does.

Aside from her well-known acting career, Mary Tyler Moore has made her life’s work helping other people, and giving aid to animals in need. As the International Chairman for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, Mary Tyler more has tirelessly worked to raise funds for and awareness of Diabetes Mellitus, Type I—a condition with which she was diagnosed as a young woman. In 2007, the JDRF created the “Forever Moore” program in her honor. This program is a research initiative which strives to turn research findings into useable treatments for Type I Diabetes.

A long-time animal lover, Moore is a firm believer in pet adoption. Along with friend, Bernadette Peters, she founded Broadway Barks to help find homes for rescued dogs. This is just one piece of Moore’s life-long fight for animal rights.

The Conrad Shindler House in 1880 and today.
Shepherd University
Moore is also a supporter of historical causes. Named for her father, a Civil War enthusiast, The George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War was made possible by a generous donation from Mary Tyler Moore to Shepherd University. Moore funded the purchase and renovation of the Conrad Shindler House (built in 1795 and named for Moore’s great-great-great grandfather who once owned the property.) The house had been used as Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters at the start of the American Civil War.

Not only has Mary Tyler Moore brought legendary moments of entertainment into our homes and our lives, but she has actively worked to maintain the health and dignity of many people and animals as well as preserve an important part of American history. For this reason, Mary Tyler Moore is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”

Remember, you can still submit your nominations for “Humanitarian of the Year” throughout November.


No comments: