|
Cerebral Palsy - Back to News Menu
Boise State student wins congressional gold medal for volunteer work
By Jessica Christensen
News Writer
June 22, 2005 - Over the past year Boise State University health science student Alexandra Audrey-Rose Crawford has volunteered as an assistant at the Boise Art Museum teaching children about art programs and involved herself in clerical duties at the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital as a volunteer. Crawford’s volunteerism includes other places such as St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, and has given her time with local underprivileged children. Crawford’s contributions will be recognized on June 22 with an extraordinary Congressional Award for Youth Gold Medal.
Young Americans between the ages of 14-23 are open to receive a Congressional Award, the U.S. Congress’ award for participants involved in goal setting in four different areas. Areas include: volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. Crawford demonstrated incredible loyalty through contributions in her community, and has previously received the Bronze and Silver Congressional Awards in 2003-04. As a high school freshman, Crawford received the Mayor’s Award for Youth because of her involvement in the community.
“Because of my struggles with cerebral palsy, I spent a lot of my adolescence worrying about fitting in, keeping up and ‘making it with the crowd’. Then I started working on the Congressional Award and, with the help of my incredible mentor Simmone deGlee, I found out there was so much more satisfaction to life than being in the popular crowd,” Crawford said.
Simonne deGlee, the mother of Crawford’s former classmates, has known her since she was seven years old. deGlee met Crawford about four years after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
“Here was a girl seemingly healthy, and was then diagnosed with cerebral palsy, but she continued on despite her trouble with walking, breathing and her speech,” deGlee said. During the course of Crawford’s service, she was asked to set a personal development goal. She chose public speaking, which with cerebral palsy, speech can be difficult.
“One word comes to mind to describe Alexandra- resilient. She has a will of steel, and gets it done. Alexandra is undoubtedly beautiful person, she’s absolutely stunning,” deGlee said. deGlee spends her time mentoring Crawford by constantly being there for her. “She needs no motivation, she’s self motivated,” deGlee said.
Crawford’s demeanor is quiet and soft spoken, but has worked hard for her award. “What I’ve learned through this experience is if you set your mind to it, you can achieve great things,” Crawford said.
The Congressional Award reception is scheduled to take place June 22 in Washington, D.C. Around 170 young Americans are expected to attend this year’s reception in the Atrium Hall of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Survey Finds New England States Best For Disabled On Medicaid
New Hampshire is the top performing state in offering Medicaid services to people with disabilities, according to a survey done by a national group.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- United Cerebral Palsy, based in Washington, DC, says the state scored highest in categories such as coverage and eligibility, home and community-based services, reaching those in need and cost efficiency.
Three other northeastern states, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont, were ranked second, third and fourth, respectively.
United Cerebral Palsy, along with a nationwide network of affiliates, provides services to people with disabilities such as housing, therapy, family support, community living and employment assistance.
|
