The recipient this year is Bev Matthews
For her many contributions to Dysphonia International, including Treasurer, and past Support Group Leader, using her 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 eleventh year, Dysphonia International bestows this award. We wish to recognize Bev Matthews for the commitment and leadership she has demonstrated over many years. She is an enthusiastic, empathetic, and organized leader who has served the Dysphonia International community in a variety of ways.
Bev Matthews led the Circle City, Indiana, Dysphonia Support Group for years. They hosted three successful SD Workshops. Bev remarked: “The workshops are a great opportunity to get your questions answered and to meet others who are also dealing with spasmodic dysphonia on a daily basis.” She was interviewed for an article about spasmodic dysphonia and a video was made: Rarity Of Voice Disease Proves Difficult to Cure. She commented that she would like to see “a more global understanding of the population of this disorder, which helps those who are suffering with it. She hopes that people understand that when we stutter or when our voice falters or when we’re hoarse, what’s causing us these problems, and to be empathetic to people with voice issues.”
In 2017, Bev Mathews and her group were awarded the Midge Kovacs Award for all her efforts to raise awareness. She stated: “Knowing how strongly I wanted to meet others with SD, I felt compelled to help provide a forum for those with SD to be able to meet and share experiences.” Bev participated in the SD research study run by Dr. Rita Patel, and she recruited others for the study. Since joining the Board, she has assumed the position of Treasurer. She currently lives in Wisconsin. Dysphonia International salutes Bev Mathews for her ongoing service and is most grateful for her extraordinary work on our behalf