Michael Donovan
Founding NFOSD Board Member
In Memoriam April 2018
Award Description:
This award is open to any individual impacted by or serving those with a swallowing disorder, including but not limited to: healthcare providers, persons with dysphagia, and their families. It is specifically targeted to swallowing disorder advocacy, activism, and volunteerism within a clinical or community setting.
Michael Donovan was an original founder of the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders and served as a board member from 2006 to 2018. He survived head and neck cancer for 23 years before passing away in April 2018. His love for and commitment to the Foundation brought family and friends together to provide hope and support to people worldwide living with a swallowing disorder. Michael’s optimism will always live on within the Foundation and this award is one way of honoring him for his never-ending engagement, volunteerism and advocacy for the swallowing disorder community.
Requirements
- Applicant must submit the following through the Dysphagia Research Society webpage:
- Application form
- 1-page essay describing their swallowing disorder advocacy/volunteerism efforts and how these impact the community
- Optional: Letter of support from another individual familiar with their efforts
- Can be a family member, community member, colleague, etc.
- Application can be submitted on behalf of another individual.
- Applicant does *not* need to be a member of the DRS or NFOSD to apply for the award.
- Applicant does *not* need to be present at the DRS Annual Meeting to receive the award.
- Applicant does *not* need to be located in the United States.
Exclusionary Criteria
- Currently serving on the Board of the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorder or the Dysphagia Research Society
- Applicant has received the Michael Donovan Advocacy Award within the last 3 years
Monetary Value
$1,000 funded by the NFOSD + complimentary registration for the 2022 DRS Conference.
Application submission for 2022 Award by Friday, January 7, 2022.
Please email DRS@badgerbay.co (not .com) if you have any questions.