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Atlantic County Government DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Division of Intergenerational Services Office of Disability Services |
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Each October the county celebrates Disability Awareness Month by presenting awards to individuals who were nominated by area organizations, family or friends in recognition of their approach to life and personal accomplishments, and for enriching the lives of others. Established by the county in 1989, the ceremony was later named in memory of Donald J. Sykes, a longtime community advocate and former chairman of the county's Disabled Citizens Advisory Board. About Donald J. Sykes Donald J. Sykes was born in 1956. At the age of eight, he contracted a rare auto-immune disease called dermato-myositis. This debilitating disease necessitated Donny spending the next eight years in intense physical therapy at the Children’s Seashore House and Moss Rehabilitation Hospital. Donny tried hard and never gave up but the disease continued to progress. His somewhat “off beat” sense of humor and his desire to lead a “normal” and productive life, in spite of constant pain, made people from every walk of life seek out Donny’s company. Donny was an avid sports fan, and he found ways to participate from the side lines. He was involved in many community causes. He worked on the annual summer barbecue and organized softball and volleyball tournaments for the Winchell School, worked on the Maloney’s Bike-A-Thon, and he organized and acted as general manager for the Bacharach Bombers, a wheelchair basketball team. He was a member of the Local Citizen’s Transportation Advisory Committee and Chair of the Atlantic County Disabled Citizens Advisory Board. Shortly before his death in 1991, he was presented the Silver Sword Award by the American Cancer -Remembered by Anne Sykes McCabe (Sister) This year’s honorees include:
Dr. Suzanna Brown of Somers Point is the owner and chief veterinarian of Best Friends Veterinary Hospital in Hamilton Township. Dr. Brown earned a biology degree from The Richard Stockton College of NJ in 1998 and her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University in 2003. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in public health to support her interest in the control of diseases that travel from animals to humans. In addition to her practice, she provides free veterinary clinics for low-income pet owners in conjunction with the Community Food Bank and American Red Cross. She is also the proud mother of twin daughters. Laurie Haines of Atlantic City gradually lost her sight but continued to move forward with raising her family and learning new skills. Laurie began attending the John D. Young Lions Blind Center in Absecon where she excelled and eventually created the "New Beginnings” support group and also serves as a teaching aide for De Witt computer classes at the center. Haines also volunteers for CONTACT Cape-Atlantic where she has been recognized as its Volunteer of the Month for living and serving, above the call of duty. Ivan Merilson of Mays Landing lost his arm in an accident at age 17. For 26 years he worked at Career Opportunity Development Inc. (CODI) and eventually rose to rank of Director of Operations with responsibility for 120 clients. Merilson has also contributed to his community as a police dispatcher. He is now enjoying retirement but remains active and devoted to his family and continues to be an inspiration to all. Karen Saunders of Somers Point is a Reassurance volunteer at CONTACT Cape-Atlantic where she makes an average of 59 calls a week to elderly and clients with disabilities who wish to maintain their independent lifestyles. Saunders is herself legally blind and routinely volunteers to work an extra shift and assists with the mailings of the monthly newsletter to over 1,000 people. Saunders has been honored by both CONTACT Cape Atlantic and the United Way of Atlantic County for her volunteer efforts.
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