Laura
06-05-2008, 12:51 AM
from SiLive.com
http://www.silive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/121258171430300.xml&coll=1
Sunnyside resident gets Woman of Distinction award
She has been a tireless advocate for the developmentally disabled
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
By JUDY L. RANDALL
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Donna Long, a tireless advocate for the developmentally disabled and a spokeswoman for the rights of autistic children and adults, was honored yesterday in Albany as a 2008 Woman of Distinction.
In making the selection, state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) called the mother of two from Sunnyside "remarkable."
"Her work for children with disabilities has helped many and she has touched us all with her compassion and service to others," said Lanza.
Mrs. Long joined other female honorees from around the state in being honored at the capital during a ceremony last night.
Mrs. Long, executive director of the Grace Foundation and the Staten Island Children's Campaign, began her advocacy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder when her daughter, Jeanine, was diagnosed with it 27 years ago. Since then, her role has evolved from volunteer to advocate.
A 1996 Advance Woman of Achievement, Mrs. Long currently does sensitivity training at hospitals and police stationhouses and is active in a host of organizations, including the Staten Island Mental Health Society and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
"There are remarkable women in our midst, whose lives, work or special accomplishments contribute to making our communities better, making our families stronger and serve as special examples to others," said Lanza. "On Staten Island, Donna Long is certainly one of them. Her work ... has helped many, and she has touched all of us with her compassion and service to others."
Mrs. Long said she was "touched" and "grateful" for the recognition, but added, "It is not why I do the things I do."
She was joined by her husband, Geoffrey Long, and daughters, Jeanine and Kristen.
Judy L. Randall is a news reporter for the Advance. © 2008 Staten Island Advance
© 2008 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.
http://www.silive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/121258171430300.xml&coll=1
Sunnyside resident gets Woman of Distinction award
She has been a tireless advocate for the developmentally disabled
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
By JUDY L. RANDALL
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Donna Long, a tireless advocate for the developmentally disabled and a spokeswoman for the rights of autistic children and adults, was honored yesterday in Albany as a 2008 Woman of Distinction.
In making the selection, state Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) called the mother of two from Sunnyside "remarkable."
"Her work for children with disabilities has helped many and she has touched us all with her compassion and service to others," said Lanza.
Mrs. Long joined other female honorees from around the state in being honored at the capital during a ceremony last night.
Mrs. Long, executive director of the Grace Foundation and the Staten Island Children's Campaign, began her advocacy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder when her daughter, Jeanine, was diagnosed with it 27 years ago. Since then, her role has evolved from volunteer to advocate.
A 1996 Advance Woman of Achievement, Mrs. Long currently does sensitivity training at hospitals and police stationhouses and is active in a host of organizations, including the Staten Island Mental Health Society and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
"There are remarkable women in our midst, whose lives, work or special accomplishments contribute to making our communities better, making our families stronger and serve as special examples to others," said Lanza. "On Staten Island, Donna Long is certainly one of them. Her work ... has helped many, and she has touched all of us with her compassion and service to others."
Mrs. Long said she was "touched" and "grateful" for the recognition, but added, "It is not why I do the things I do."
She was joined by her husband, Geoffrey Long, and daughters, Jeanine and Kristen.
Judy L. Randall is a news reporter for the Advance. © 2008 Staten Island Advance
© 2008 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.