U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Award [posted 10/25/2006] On October 25, 2006, Ronan received an award from The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services as part of their annual "Celebrating Persons With Disabilities" program. Nominated by Dr. Margaret Giannini, Ronan was one of five individuals honored as a result of his work in empowering people with disabilities to lead lives of independence and self-determination. Photo here of Ronan and Dr. Wade Horn, who presented the award on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The following is the text of Dr. Horn's presentation. "Dr. Ronan Tynan, sometimes referred to as the 'Big Irishman' here in the United States, is a true inspiration to us all. "His accomplishments in so many different fields are nothing short of amazing.  Imagine someone who has been an inventor, won gold medals as an athelete, become a physician, then an eminent singer, and now not only sings, but also motivates audiences all over the world by his speeches! "Let me tell you a bit more about his life, Dr. Tynan's endeavors and his triumphs. "Despite being born with lower limb disability, he was a very active boy, riding horses and racing motorcycles. "When he was twenty, his legs had to be amputated below the knee after an auto accident caused serious complications. "He designed a special prosthesis for bilateral amputees. "Just weeks after the operation, he was climbing up the steps of his college dorm, and within a year, he was winning gold medals in the Paralympics as a multitalented athelete.  He amassed eighteen gold medals and fourteen world records--nine that he still holds. "This extraordinary determination soon propelled him to conquer a whole new field.  Dr. Tynan became the first person with such a disability to ever be admitted to the National College of Physcial Education.  He later became a medical doctor, specializing in orthopedic sports injuries. "Dr. Ronan first considered formal voice study when he was 33 years old and well into his medical residency.  His quick success is a typical development in a life of extraordinary achievement.  He began singing, winning competitions less than one year after beginning the study of voice. "Introduced to international audiences in 1998 as a member of The Irish Tenors, he quickly became known for his unique voice and irresistible appeal. "Following his mother's advice to always follow his dreams, Dr. Tynan decided to launch a solo career. "Dr. Tynan's ability to simultaneously console and inspire is well-documented.  His singing offered great consolation at the funeral of President Ronald Reagan. He performed at many benefits and memorial services in the wake of 9/11, and his singing softened the sorrow of many of those affected by the tragedy. "He is also famous for being the voice of the New York Yankees; his performances of 'God Bless America' at Yankee Stadium during the seventh-inning stretch have been nothing short of unforgettable. "Dr Tynan said one of the things he loves about the United States is, and I quote, 'There are so many people who want you to do well.  They will you to do well.  They encourage you, and they rejoice in your success.  That's a great virtue.' "America in turn has been extremely fortunate that New York is Dr. Tynan's 'home away from home'. "We have been blessed by his beautiful voice, his words of faith and comfort, his example, and his presence among us." Dr. Wade Horn, Hubert Humphrey Center, Washington, DC, October 25, 2006.