Caviezels, Gelardi honored at Summit

Although the main focus of the World Chiropractic Alliance International Summit is political action, members of Congress aren't the only VIPs lauded during the event. The WCA always takes time to honor members of the profession, and their supporters, who have made exceptional contributions to chiropractic.

In 2004, the WCA board handed out its annual awards to Jerry Hardee, EdD ("Outstanding Service"), Leona Fischer, DC ("Chiropractor of the Year"), Madeline Behrendt, DC ("Researcher of the Year") and Bobby Doscher, DC ("Humanitarian of the Year"). In addition, the organization paid tribute to a dedicated chiropractic family and to a world-renowned chiropractic educator.

The Caviezel family was presented with a special "Spotlight" award in recognition of their efforts to put chiropractic in a good light. Jim Caviezel gained international media attention last year for his portrayal of Jesus in the movie "The Passion of Christ." Newspapers and magazines around the world wrote articles on Caviezel and frequently noted that his father was a doctor of chiropractic.

The actor's dad ‑‑ James Caviezel, DC ‑‑ is a member of the World Chiropractic Alliance and CBS Malpractice program. In addition, his sister is on her way to becoming a DC and Jim himself considered becoming a chiropractor before show business lured him away from the profession.

The entire Caviezel family was presented with the award, the first ever given to honor those who "put chiropractic in a good light."

"You can't buy that kind of good publicity," stated Terry A. Rondberg, DC. "When people read about a famous actor like Jim Caviezel coming from a chiropractic family and speaking of it with pride, they are more apt to consider chiropractic for themselves and their own families."

Although Jim wasn't able to attend the awards ceremony (he had to be at the premiere of his new movie, "Bobby Jones ‑ Stroke of Genius") the audience was delighted to meet the rest of the Caviezel family and applaud them for the publicity his son garnered for the profession.

The Summit's other major tribute was given to Thom Gelardi, DC, who founded Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic in 1973 and served as its president for 23 years. Also honored was his wife Betty, who is equally beloved by Sherman students past and present.

Dr. Gelardi is known as one of the most dedicated and persevering champions of subluxation‑centered chiropractic and, although he's officially retired as president, chiropractic leaders often turn to him for advice on chiropractic education and philosophy.  Dr. Rondberg had often noted that "No one ‑‑ other than BJ himself ‑‑ had a more profound impact on my life than Thom Gelardi, D.C."

The tribute to Gelardi was attended by many of his friends, colleagues, and admirers, some of whom traveled from as far away as Japan to honor him in a candle lighting ceremony.