When successful businessman Phil Sokolof suffered a heart attack at age 43, he identified high cholesterol as the culprit. He changed his diet and resolved to alert Americans to the dangers of a high fat diet. Ironically, his wife Ruth was diagnosed with a slow growing brain tumor, and Sokolof supported her through 15 surgeries over 20 years.

Throughout her illness they continued to support numerous charities. After Ruth’s death, Sokolof started the National Heart Savers Association in his wife’s memory. His good health campaign kicked off in high gear in 1984, after the release of a ten-year study that conclusively established a causal connection between high cholesterol and heart attacks.

Using some $14 million of his own money, Sokolof took out ads in national magazines and conducted hundreds of free cholesterol screening programs.Through publicity he forced many food companies to lower the levels of saturated fats in their foods.

His crowning achievement was persuading the U.S. Congress to enact food labeling legislation, giving every American the right to know what was in the processed food they ate. By conquering his own fears and working in honor the memory of his late wife, Sokolof has done more than just about anyone to improve the quality of public health in America.

Phil Sokolof Omaha, Nebraska
Recipient of the 2001 Caring Institute Award

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