Beloved Co-Founder of World Recognized MedicAlert^® Brand Passes Away

TURLOCK, California (January 9, 2001) -- Chrissie Woolcock Collins, co-founder of one of the world's most famous and recognized brands, MedicAlert died January 8, 2001, at the age of 94.

MedicAlert Foundation, a leading international emergency medical information and identification service, and one of the world's largest non-profit organizations, represents over 5 million members worldwide. The service has helped protect and save lives for nearly 45 years.

Mrs. Collins was born on July 30, 1906, in Douglas, Isle of Man, British Isles. She and her family immigrated to Turlock, California, in 1912. She attended elementary schools in Turlock, and graduated from Turlock High School in 1923.

Mrs. Collins earned a bachelor degree in music from the University of the Pacific(UOP), Stockton , California, in 1928. In 1929, she married Marion Carter Collins, whom she met in the eighth grade. Her husband went on to earn his medical degree, and was a practicing physician in Turlock . Mrs. Collins was formerly employed as supervisor of music for the Turlock Elementary School System and as choral director for adult education in Turlock. She and Dr. Collins raised four children, Michael, Linda, Tom and Margaret.

In1953, while Dr. and Mrs. Collins were on vacation, daughter Linda cut her finger. She was taken to the Lillian Collins Hospital in Turlock and attended to by her uncle Dr. James Collins. He performed a skin test before injecting Linda with the full dose of tetanus antitoxin. Instantly, she went into anaphylactic shock, developed hives, had difficulty breathing and had to be sustained by an oxygen tent.

Dr. and Mrs. Collins took the lessons learned from their daughter's mishap and developed them into concepts that today characterize the first and most recognized emergency medical information service, MedicAlert Foundation. They realized that the need for immediate recognition of a medical condition by emergency medical personnel was a concern shared by millions of others. Together, Dr. and Mrs. Collins designed an emblem that has stood the test of time and remained virtually unchanged over the years. They used a version of the healing arts symbol, the caduceus, or staff of Aesculapius, flanked by the words "MedicAlert" in red. A jeweler in San Francisco crafted the bracelet and engraved Linda's allergies to tetanus antitoxin, aspirin and sulfa drugs on the back. That original bracelet, now in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution, signifies the importance of the Collins' efforts and dedication.

Mrs. Collins has been the recipient of many honors and awards. In 1999, she received the University of Pacific 's honorary doctorate degree during commencement. She was awarded the 1998 Medaille d'Excellence and honored as the Laureate for Health" by the World Wins Corporation of Beverly Hills and Geneva , Switzerland . Also in 1998, she received the Everett Koop Health Advocate Award from the American Hospital Association. The University of Pacific 's Alumni Association honored Mrs. Collins for her public service in 1997 and, in1996; she received the Citation for Distinguished Service Award from the American Medical Association (AMA). This is the highest honor the AMA bestows on a layman. Mrs. Collins received the 1996 Emergency Nurses Association Board Special Recognition Award for her significant contribution to emergency nursing. In 1987, she was awarded with the Marion C. Collins Award by MedicAlert Foundation International. Chrissie Collins' contributions and influence on MedicAlert Foundation are legendary. She is recognized as the organization's co-founder, conscience and spirit.

From1960 until her death, Mrs. Collins served as an active member of the board of directors of MedicAlert Foundation. She served as secretary to the board of directors from 1961 to 1980, when she became honorary secretary. In 1999, she was honored as life director for the foundation.

Her life long advocacy on behalf of MedicAlert Foundation testifies to the value o fmedical identification in saving lives during emergencies. Tanya J. Glazebrook, president and chief executive officer of MedicAlert Foundation, said, "Chrissie Collins was a rare individual, a woman who shared her husband's unique vision and stood behind him and beside him as he transformed an idea into one of the world's best recognized symbols of help. She witnessed the growth of MedicAlert ® ; from her garage to an office front to an internationally recognized organization serving 4 million members. Through 44 years of ups and downs, change and challenge, she was the constant voice of reason and the gentle but insistent reminder that our mission is as vital and relevant today as it was in 1956. I am indeed fortunate that Chrissie remained involved until the end as my personal advisor, consultant and historian. Her insight and instincts were remarkable, her stamina and commitment unwavering and her sense of humor a very special asset."

William T. Robinson, life director and former MedicAlert Foundation board chairman added, "Her greatest contribution has been inspiration. She was one of the great ladies of America , living proof that one or two people can make a difference --forever."

She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Dr. Marion Collins, Founder of MedicAlert Foundation, passed away in 1977.