Jill Kelly was presented with The Arc of Orleans County's inaugural Legacy of Leadership Award on October 26, at Bender's Christian Supplies in Williamsville. She received the award for the work she has done and continues to do in fighting the fatal disease Krabbe Leukodystrophy through Hunter's Hope Foundation. Jill Kelly, along with her husband, Jim, and the Hunter's Hope Foundation were instrumental in increasing public awareness on the need for universal newborn screening for over 50 treatable diseases. Thanks to their efforts, New York state has established an expansion of the Newborn Screening Program. The Kellys and Hunter's Hope Foundation continue to enlighten the rest of the United States about the significance of screening newborns. Jill Kelly was originally slated to receive the award at The Arc's Signature Series Dinner & Silent Auction held September 10, at the Holiday Inn in Batavia, but due to the death of her son, Hunter, she was unable to attend. The Arc of Orleans also presented Jill and Jim Kelly with a gift in support of Hunter's Hope Foundation. All proceeds from The Arc's Signature Series Dinner benefits The Legacy of Love Arc Endowment. The endowment was set up to ensure the provision of services for people served well into the future. The Arc of Orleans County provides services and opportunities to over 600 children, women and men with developmental and other disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, traumatic brain injury and mental illness. November 6, 2005 |
