Notably, J. Louis Brown was:  Richie was baptized and grew up in the Episcopal Church (United States). He considered becoming an Episcopalian priest instead of taking up a career in music. Richie suffered prolonged throat problems and had surgery four times in four years before being told by conventional doctors that he could lose his singing career. He finally turned to a holistic doctor who ascertained that the problem was simply acid reflux caused by foods Richie was eating before going to bed. Richie helped to raise over $3.1 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. He was the featured performer at the Foundation's Soirée Bouquet, the annual spring gala, in 2003. Richie told the crowd that his grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 80s, but survived and lived until she was 103 years old. He stated that she was his enduring symbol of hope and his reason for becoming a breast cancer activist. Richie has won four Grammy Awards including Song of the Year in 1985 for "We Are the World" which he co-wrote with Michael Jackson, Album of the Year in 1984 for "Can't Slow Down", Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) in 1984 and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for Truly in 1982. Richie was the first person to receive an RIAA diamond album award. Richie has been nominated for two Golden Globe awards and won one. In 1982 he was nominated for Best Original Song for the film "Endless Love". In 1986 he was nominated and won the award for Best Original Song for the song "Say You, Say Me", featured in the film "White Nights". This song also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.