For many nonprofessional caregivers, helping those in need is instinctive and comes naturally. Caregivers who provide regular, consistent care and give their time, support, and compassion to care for a relative, neighbor, or friend generally do so without the expectation of compensation or recognition, and often at a great personal expense. In fact, a recent study conducted by AARP estimated the economic value of caregivers' unpaid contributions in 2009 to be approximately $450 billion.

As a global biopharmaceutical company that seeks to make a real difference in people's lives, Shire decided to recognize this significant but underappreciated group – caregivers – by launching the BRAVE Awards. The first of its kind, the BRAVE Awards are an extension of Shire's BRAVE culture, which encourages employees to be “as brave as the people we help.” 

To be considered for the BRAVE Awards, a caregiver is defined as a lay person – a non-professional – who provides regular, consistent care for another person. The caregiver cannot be a professional healthcare provider, and cannot be compensated in any formal way through their employment as a caregiver. 

There are no restrictions on the type of care being provided and the care recipient need not be prescribed a Shire medicine or treatment. To nominate a caregiver, visit the BRAVE Awards website (www.shirebraveawards.com), and complete the nomination form, which is very straightforward.  We will seek to honor up to 10 nonprofessional caregivers and each winner will receive $10,000 USD (or local currency equivalent).

Submissions are being accepted in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States until August 31, 2011. During September and October, a selection committee consisting of Shire employees and non-Shire representatives will choose the finalists. Winners will be announced in November 2011. 

Caregivers play an extremely important role in the lives of millions of people.  If you know a caregiver worthy of recognition through a BRAVE Award, we'd love to hear from you. 

We look forward to reading your nomination!

Angus Russell is the CEO of Shire.