Carer, Cheryl Koenig has been named NSW Woman of the year, following years of tireless campaigning to raise awareness of acquired brain Injuries.
Sydney mother Cheryl received the accolade from Premier Nathan Rees at a dinner at Parliament House on 5 March 2009.
Cheryl has cared for her son Jonathon, who has a brain injury, for the past 11 years. She has courageously shared her experiences through her book Paper Cranes, which details the story of her son’s tragic car accident and the journey that followed.
Cheryl is also a Carers NSW Carer Representative and dedicates much of her time to guest speaking and raising awareness of carers as well as brain injury.
“I accepted the award on behalf of all women carers in NSW,” Cheryl said. It’s an acknowledgment of the often tired and unrecognised work they do, day in day out.”
“This award is thoroughly deserved,” said the CEO of Carers NSW, Ms Elena Katrakis. The dedication and courage Cheryl has shown in sharing her own experiences to help others is truly admirable.
For information about Carer NSW visit the website www.carersnsw.asn.au