Writing Awards
“Still Life with Dick Van Dyke”
A Comic Superstar, a Shy Writer, and an Unexpected Epiphany
The Pennsylvania Gazette
May-June 2019
Winner, 2020 Award for First-Person Essay
American Society of Journalists and Authors
“Sandmaier lets us share her nervousness as she, a new, rather hesitant journalist of 24, quakes before interviewing Dick Van Dyke, then at the height of his fame, only to discover that Van Dyke is the shyer of the two.” - The Judges
“Listening for Zebras”
Solving a Medical Mystery on the Internet
The Washington Post
June 3, 2003
Winner, 2004 Award for First-Person Essay
American Society of Journalists and Authors
“Accept my thanks for letting me get a great story in the paper—and without lifting a finger! An editor’s life doesn’t get much better than that.” Craig Stoltz, Former Health Editor,
The Washington Post
“The Breakthrough”
When You’re Chronically Ill, How Do You Live?
Family Therapy Networker
May-June 2000
Winner, 2001 Award for Medical Journalism
American Society of Journalists and Authors
“Marian Sandmaier has written some of the finest pieces ever published in our magazine. Her skill, grit and heart have made her a legend here.” Rich Simon, former Editor-in-Chief, Family Therapy Networker