Burlington County Freeholders presented the Loretta O’Donnell Courage Award to Katie Bednarek, a Cherokee High School senior whose battle against brain cancer has, in the words of Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio, “underscored her determination and her strength of character and, in the process, inspired us all.”
“From the time our search for an award recipient began, all arrows pointed to Katie,” Garganio said. “Her battle inspired her lacrosse teammates, then the entire Cherokee school community, and finally, the South Jersey community-at-large. Even rival lacrosse teams wore special ribbons adorned with Katie’s initials in her honor.
“Katie is unique in many ways, but one thing that really strikes us is her resolve,” Garganio said. “She is a young woman facing a huge challenge, with the same ‘never give up’ mentality that has enabled her to excel in academics and in sports.”
Garganio presented the Courage Award, to Bednarek, a National Honor Society Student who will graduate from Cherokee this Friday, during a ceremonial meeting held at the Burlington County College’s Mount Holly Center. She is the second recipient of the award.
Dozens of well-wishers were in attendance, including Katie’s mother, Denise, her father, Joseph, her brother, Joe, family members, friends, neighbors, as well as her lacrosse coaches and teammates, and Cherokee teachers and staff.
Freeholders created the Courage Award last year in honor of the late Loretta O’Donnell, a former journalist and county employee whose fight against cancer became a “cause.” She joined support groups, wrote newsletter articles, and engaged in a variety of activities to uplift and encourage others who were in her situation.
Her husband, Bill, and son, Michael, also attended this evening’s ceremony, and extended best wishes to Bednarek.
Garganio told Bednarek that “we all know what you have been facing, and we have heard time and again that you are a very humble person — really a team player — who never likes to be the center of attention. But this is our way of letting you know we are sensitive to your challenge, we are moved by your courage, and most of all, we wish you well.”
It was exactly nine months ago that Bednarek was diagnosed. Because of medical treatments, she completed her senior year on a modified schedule, with tutors coming to her home to help her complete her schoolwork. While she was unable to compete in lacrosse this spring, she attended many games, and her teammates dedicated their season to her.
By all accounts, she was the team’s “lucky charm.” When she was on the sidelines, the team excelled, and team members made it clear that they “wanted to win for Katie.”
Bednarek also managed to participate in other senior year activities, including the senior prom where she was pleasantly surprised when she was chosen prom queen.
The plaque presented to Bednarek reads: Proudly Presented to Katie Bednarek who, in the face of physical and mental adversity, has demonstrated extraordinary strength of character, has emerged as an outstanding role model for others, and has touched and inspired us all.
