Judi Masters Award 2023
RMRA IS HONORED TO PRESENT THE 2023 JUDI MASTERS AWARD TO: Patrick Callahan
RMRA IS THRILLED TO PRESENT PATRICK CALLAHAN WITH THE JUDi MASTERS AWARD.
Tim Moore presented this award during the Mardi Gras Fete:
“I have the honor to award the 2023 Judi Masters Award. Judi Masters was the epitome of the Rett Village and she did whatever it took to raise awareness and funds for our cause.
The recipient of the 2023 Judi Masters Award is a member of the community who has no family member with Rett. The first time I met him, he was one of the first 18 participants of our first fly fishing tournament. In most cases the participants that year were friends of friends. The first time I met Pat Callahan, he had no idea about Rett. I remember it well, because he was so inquisitive about my daughter Tatum. He asked tons of questions. Let me give you some nuance here. We were outside, looking at the stars standing next to a bonfire - and if you know Ed Kammerer, he loves fire. We were getting to know each other and the Roaring Fork river was nearby. Patrick is very passionate and looked me in the eyes and said “I’m in.” - Now even though I was humbled that night, I thought “What a great guy, and maybe after the Bourbon wears off, he might go home and tell his family what a good time he had. Let’s fast forward a few months. My buddy Orwin called me and he asked me what I thought of the name “Risers 4 Rett”. He told me Pat came up with the name an he is now a member of the newly formed Risers 4 Rett fishing tournaments.
As the years passed we had a lot of great experiences, good memories, we got a lot of fishing done in Almont before we moved the tournament there. And that was amazing. I once caught 44 fish in one day. But I also think about the many other founders of Risers. I think the term “passing the torch” is not very fair when we talk about Pat. And some point of your life the inner fire seems to be dissipate over the years. Like all parents and season of life, we get tired.
Pat didn’t pass the torch. He took my inner fire and helped grow Risers 4 Rett and RMRA and grow the Clinic and made it more renowned. During Pat’s stewardship, Risers raised over $500,000 for RMRA. He also became the interim president of RMRA. He passed his inner fire to another friend of his, David Shaw, and we now a friend of a friend who is taking care of our angels and is moving forward. Thank you Dave!
For someone who doesn’t have a child with Rett Pat for many years not only brought strong passions and skills but lost time with his wife, daughter and son while fighting hard for our cause. There is an old saying the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Patrick Callahan not only gave his time, but his heart and soul to this organization and we are forever grateful.”
The legacy of Judi Masters
Judi Masters was an incredible promoter of knowledge and information about Rett Syndrome. She engaged her community in supporting all children with Rett. She made amazing inroads into building this awareness. In fact many past and existing RMRA board of directors and volunteers got involved thanks to Judi’s tireless efforts.
After Judi passed away, RMRA decided to name the award in her honor for her efforts and legacy in promoting awareness and engagement around Rett Syndrome.
