The September 24, 2018, Manchester Township Council meeting was something special, thanks to Ava, her family and supporters!
The Manchester Township Council and Ken Palmer, Mayor of Manchester, were proud to welcome Ava to the meeting to present her with an Usher Syndrome Awareness Day proclamation.
Ava is a brave young township resident who is affected by this genetic disorder. She was born profoundly deaf and is slowly going blind. But nothing will slow Ava down, and she is working with her family and friends to raise awareness of #UsherSyndrome. The Mayor and Council were honored to meet Ava and recognize her drive and determination by having the third Saturday of September recognized as Usher Syndrome Awareness Day.
More than 400,000 people are affected by this genetic disorder worldwide, with approximately 50,000 of those in the United States. Usher Syndrome presently has no cure, and impacts vision, hearing and balance.
Ava and her family run the Ava’s Voice organization, which supports those affected by Usher Syndrome. The organization’s website is available at www.avasvoice.com. Ava’s Voice graciously recognized the Manchester Township, NJ School District and Manchester Police for their support, presenting representatives including Superintendent David Trethaway and Chief Lisa Parker with plaques. Ava’s mother Carly said that their family is “truly proud to be a part of the Manchester community. It is a hidden gem.”
Additionally, given Ava’s outstanding performance as a Manchester Police Youth Academy recruit this past summer, SRO Chris Cerullo announced that the department is proud to name her as the Youth Academy’s first juvenile instructor.
Thank you, Ava, for helping our community learn more about Usher Syndrome. We look forward to all the great things you will accomplish in the future! 
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