FASD United hosted the second annual Circle of Stars, a night in celebration of the FASD community, on Friday, December 9, 2022. The virtual event was held on Zoom and live-streamed on Facebook. The full event can be viewed on YouTube here.
The fast-paced hour-long event highlighted achievements in the field of FASD, featured exciting new FASD United programs for service and support, and showcased leading lawmakers fighting for passage of the FASD Respect Act. Generous donors gave at the event to support the work of FASD United.
The Circle of Stars recognized champions from the FASD field in the areas of advocacy, awareness, justice, research, and service. The affiliate of the year, as selected by the member organizations of the FASD United Affiliate Network, was announced as well.
Annette Kunzman, President of The FASD Network of Southern California, received the Advocacy Star for her leadership and dedication, culminating in this year’s passage of a landmark law in California that for the first time specifies FASD as a named condition that qualifies a person to receive special education services under the category “Other Health Impairment.” She graciously accepted acknowledging the efforts and input of many including FASD Now! a collaborative group of professionals, organizations and advocates in California who worked together on the bill.
Kenny LaJoy, a renowned self-advocate and published author, received the Awareness Star for his passionate and personal work to amplify the voice of the FASD community, exemplified in his book It’s OK to Be You: Living Well with FASD or Other Disabilities.
William J. Edwards, attorney and expert on FASD and the law, received the Justice Star for his years of service to countless people affected by FASD in the criminal justice system, his legal trainings, writing, and passionate advocacy.
Dr. Christie Petrenko, a researcher in the field of FASD and prenatal alcohol exposure, received the Research Star for her pioneering work to develop practical interventions for children, adults, and families living with FASD, including the development of a landmark app for people with FASD.
Sister Suzette Fisher, a longtime FASD expert and advocate, received the Service Star for her decades-spanning career dedicated to serving individuals living with FASD through her work leading the Double ARC Center for FASD in Toledo, Ohio, whose clinic has diagnosed over 320 children and adults with FASD.
The Star Award for Affiliate of the Year, chosen by members of the Affiliate Network, was presented to Heather Morris on behalf of Nevada Families for FASD Awareness for their tireless commitment to providing resources, education, and support to individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals impacted by FASD, as well as their outstanding service to the entire FASD United Affiliate Network.
In addition to these incredible Star Award winners, the Circle of Star event featured our incredible team at FASD United of dedicated staff and board members, who spoke about their particular program areas and the importance of the work we do every day. Julia Rivera, a major donor and supporter of FASD United, gave an impassioned call to give to FASD United and support our work. Co-sponsors of the FASD Respect Act, Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and Susan Collins of Maine, spoke on the importance of passing this needed federal legislation.
The Circle of Stars was a great success, attended by many members of the FASD community across the country and around the world, including advocates, family members, professionals, affiliate members, and a strong international contingent from the Adult Leadership Committee (ALC) of the FASD Changemakers, a group of dedicated self-advocates. We look forward to a third successful Circle of Stars in 2023!