The recipient this year is Bruce Menk

For his many contributions to Dysphonia International, including as Past President, Board Member, and pro bono Legal Counsel, and using his considerable leadership skills to support, educate, and raise awareness about spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions.

In 2015, Dysphonia International created the Dot Sowerby Pioneer Award to recognize an individual who has made a significant positive impact on the community. For the tenth time, Dysphonia International bestows this annual award. We wish to recognize Bruce Menk for the commitment and leadership that he has shown for many years. He is an enthusiastic, empathetic, and organized leader who has served the Dysphonia International community in a variety of ways.

Bruce Menk from Colorado was welcomed back to the Board of Directors in 2020 after his retirement. He served on the Dysphonia International Board of Directors from 1993-1999, as President from 1995-1997, and as pro bono Legal Counsel from 2000-2020.

Bruce served in the practice of law for 47 years. He has lived with adductor spasmodic dysphonia since 1989. He was diagnosed by Dr. Daniel Truong in 1990. He continues to receive successful Botox injections from Dr. Truong. Bruce has undergone speech therapy and one of his daughters is a speech pathologist. We conducted a brief interview with him in 2018 during our annual symposium.

Bruce shared: “I am so grateful to Dysphonia International for pointing me to Dr. Truong and for his wonderful care for the last 30 years. It saved my career and allowed me to represent clients in state and federal courts until my retirement.” His positive message in the above-referenced interview includes these statements: ‘Stay positive! You’re not the only one! You can go forward!’ Now that’s a lot that we can all learn from! Dysphonia International salutes Bruce Menk for his ongoing service and is most grateful for his extraordinary work on our behalf.

Bruce wrote to Dot: “I wanted to let you know how grateful I am to you for presenting me the Dot Sowerby Award last week.  At the time, I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t fully express my feelings and appreciation, especially to you.  I have long admired your courage and strength dealing with SD. Most of all, I’ve marveled at your selflessness in doing so much to help others cope with our disorder.  While I’ve seen and heard you struggle with your voice, I’ve never seen you let it get the better of you or stop you from doing whatever you set out to accomplish for our community. Your remarks about me were so thoughtful, generous and heartfelt that I’ve had them in my thoughts every day since. As I think back on the moment, the thing I remember most is how confidently you spoke and how strong your voice was.  It made me feel so proud and I’m trying to take your strength and use it going forward. Thank you for that gift.”