We were delighted to be able to recognize Tim Shriver with the MDSC's 2014 Allen C. Crocker Award of Excellence, our highest honor, for his worldwide impact creating creating public awareness and advancing acceptance and inclusion for people with disabilities. 

Shriver is a social leader, an educator, activist, film producer, and business entrepreneur. As the Chairman of Special Olympics, he serves nearly 4 million athletes and their families in 180 countries. In his 17 years at the helm, Tim has helped transform Special Olympics into a movement that focuses on acceptance, inclusion, and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities in all corners of the globe, launching the organization's most ambitious growth agenda that has led to the recruitment of over 2 million new athletes around the world. 

Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the day was the Keynote Address by John Dunleavy. We first met John a couple of years ago when he and his mom Toni visited our office and announced he wanted to run the Falmouth Road Race for the MDSC.  We were immediately struck by his poise, positive attitude and enthusiasm.

Although he ultimately was unable to run due to medical issues, he instantly become an integral member, soon thereafter joining the MDSC's Self Advocate Advisory Council. Today, John works for Delaware North Companies, the parent company of the Bruins and Celtics and is a well-loved member of the Bruins front office.

Just as when he coached the Bruins Alumni team at our Annual Hockey Benefit in November and gave a pre-game pep talk to the current Bruins team earlier this season, John's keynote brought people to their feet and left the crowd inspired and smiling ear-to-ear.   

Check out John's Powerpoint Presentation and stay tuned to our YouTube channel for his complete speech. 

One of two MDSC Leadership Awards this year went to Senate President Therese Murray, who in her leadership position over the past eight years has been a Champion for creating expanded opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. 

In a heartwarming presentation, Sen. Murray was given her award by Dave Falcone and his daughter Lucy, who has Down syndrome. Dave served as Sen. Murray's Director of Communications & Operations for six years. 

In 2012, President Murray was instrumental in Massachusetts' passage of the MDSC's landmark Prenatal Bill, known as An Act Relative to Down Syndrome Genetic Test Results, the first state legislation of its kind in the nation, which mandated that new or expectant parents of children with Down syndrome were given culturally-appropriate, accurate, up-to-date information about what it means to have a child with Down syndrome. 

Over the past two years, President Murray has played a key role in providing state funding for essential MDSC programs and services. Without her leadership, the MDSC would not be able to do what we do. 

Under her watch six years ago, the Senate budget included historic language changing the name of DMR to the Department of Developmental Services, beginning the movement in Massachusetts to remove the "R-word" from government language entirely. Arguably most important of all, she has helped deliver the best possible budget for people with disabilities year after year despite a difficult economic climate. President Murray will truly be missed at the State House when she leaves office later this year.