Sykes Award Ceremony 
Honors Scott Cannon

In October 2002, Atlantic County, New Jersey, honored ten residents with disabilities for their contributions to their communities at the 14th annual Donald J. Sykes Award Ceremony. The awards program was established by the county in 1989 to recognize outstanding individuals who help dispel the myths that typically surround individuals with disabilities. A ceremony is held each October during Disability Awareness Month.

This year’s honorees include Scott Cannon, a probation officer with the Superior Court system, who has VHL. Due to complications from brain stem surgery, he had to learn to walk and talk all over again. His story appears in the June 2002 issue of VHL Family Forum.

"Not only have our honorees met the challenges related to their disabilities, but they have contributed to the betterment of our community. They are truly an inspiration to all of us," stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. "I am proud to honor their abilities and acknowledge their accomplishments."

The ceremony also featured guest speaker Doug Heir, a distinguished attorney, an Olympic wheelchair champion and one of the world’s most decorated athletes. Paralyzed since he was 18 years old, Heir has overcome many obstacles to attain success. He serves as president of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association and is dedicated to helping others be the best they can be.

Scott too has overcome very serious obstacles that demanded perseverance and grit on his part, and loving support and hard work on the part of his family. Scott and his family maintain a delightful sense of humor and an intense cohesiveness that are marvelous to watch.

Scott’s mother, Joan, is campaigning to raise the visibility of VHL both in her local community and in Congress. "Other diseases have their ‘celebrity spokespeople.’ Actors appear before Congress to champion their diseases, and Congress applauds. Where is the celebrity spokesperson for VHL? They should meet my son." In recognition of this award Scott also received a "Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition" emblazoned with the Great Seal of Congress.

There is no question that within his community Scott is indeed a celebrity, a valued friend, and a valued co-worker.

"I get to work early so that by 8:30 a.m. I’m at my desk and out of everyone’s way. I move slower than most people because of my surgeries and I don’t want a train of people stuck behind me. I’ve had three brain tumor surgeries. My first was eight years ago. The second was five years ago. The most recent was in February 2001.

"I’m a probation officer, but technically I’m a case manager. I handle pre-trial intervention (PTI) cases. Half of this stack of cases is PTIs to be interviewed. The other stack the Prosecutor’s Office has already rejected. I enjoy my job because every case is
different."