Cheryl Koenig

Minister for Women, Verity Firth MP said Ms Koenig was announced as the winner at a reception hosted by the Premier celebrating International Women’s Day, on March 5.
 
“Ms Koenig’s devotion to the cause of brain injury awareness is one of the finest examples of selfless citizenship I have ever seen,” said Ms Firth.

Premier Nathan Rees said the ‘NSW Woman of the Year Award’ recognises the achievements of a group of exceptional, hard-working and dedicated women whose leadership and outstanding work benefits the entire community.
 
 “Cheryl Koenig has displayed remarkable compassion, courage and commitment following her son’s brain injury in a tragic car accident,” Mr Rees said.
 
“Her story is an inspiration to all of us, delivering hope and strength to people with traumatic brain injury, their families and anyone who has experienced a tragic event.
 
“Not only has she cared for her son Jonathon for the past 11 years, she has tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness of brain injury by writing books and volunteering much of her free time to improving brain injury services.”

Cheryl with the Minister for Women and the NSW Premier.

"The winner of the Sassy Award for Strength of Purpose has written a wonderful book that is full of love, hope and proving that a mother’s love can move mountains. The book is 'Paper Cranes'. Cheryl Koenig, you are an inspiration!"

On Saturday 15 November 2008, Australian author management agency, Selwa Anthony, hosted their annual Sassy Awards (Selwa's Authors' Success Stories of the Year).

Juanita Phillips from ABC News presented Cheryl with the Sassy Award for Strength of Purpose for her latest book, 'Paper Cranes'.

Cheryl with Juanita Phillips, ABC News

The 5th Satellite Symposium on Neuropsychological Rehabilitation is being held in Brazil in July 2008. Cheryl was asked to submit an abstract to speak at the Symposium and her abstract was accepted by the Worldwide Neurospychological Selection Panel. Cheryl will represent Australia at the international event.

To download a PDF of Cheryl's abstract, click here.

The official launch of 'Paper Cranes' was held on Thursday 3 April 2008 at The Grand Roxy in Brighton Le Sands. Hosted by Glenn Wheeler (The Morning Show / 2UE) and attended by nearly 300 guests, the event, which was held as a fundraiser for  brain injury services, was a phenomenal success.

Through Cheryl's tireless efforts, the support of local businesses that donated prizes, and the generosity of guests on the night, over $20,000 was raised to help two organisations that provide essential services and support in the area of brain injury.

All proceeds from the event were donated to ‘The Friendship Foundation’, a not-for-profit organisation set up to assist carers and people who are socially disadvantaged due to chronic illness or injury, and ‘Head2Work’, a specialised vocational training provider servicing people with Traumatic Brain Injury in southern and south-west Sydney.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who supported and attended the event, making it such a success.