Mr. Dean Paranicas, President of HealthCare Institute of NJ and Co-Chair of We Work for Health-NJ presented a Patient Courage Award to Ms. Karen Shepherd of Whiting at the August 14, 2017, Township Council meeting on behalf of the NJ League of Municipalities/Mayors’ Committee on Life Sciences.
The award is in recognition of her strength in the face of adversity and her commitment to helping others. Ms. Shepherd, a 20-year cancer survivor and currently battling an autoimmune disease, finds the time, strength and motivation to volunteer as a peer leader with the Taking Care of Your Health program for the past six years. Ms. Shepherd’s determination and perseverance is an inspiration! Brenda Sloan, Director of Senior Services for Manchester, and Mayor Kenneth Palmer nominated Ms. Shepherd for the Patient Courage Award.