Senator Robach Honors Kim Condon of Brighton With the NYS Senate Woman of Distinction Award

Annual Program Honors Women’s Contributions to Our Community

Senator Joe Robach is proud to recognize Kim Condon of Brighton with the New York State Senate’s 2015 Woman of Distinction Award in Albany. 

The “Woman of Distinction” program was created in 1998 as part of the Senate’s celebration of Women’s History Month and honors New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or act of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.

Since Kim joined Daystar for Medically Fragile Children as Executive Director in 2013, the agency has experienced unprecedented growth, quadrupling its service capacity, doubling its professional teaching and pediatric nursing staff, and increasing its annual operating budget by more than 200%. During her tenure, Kim has dramatically expanded the agency’s inclusive educational programs, developed new care coordination services and enhanced family education and training programs, and formalized its partnership with Golisano Children’s Hospital to deliver preventive healthcare services onsite to help sustain the health and well-being of its young enrollees.

“I am proud to honor Kim for all of the wonderful contributions and leadership she has brought to Daystar for Medically Fragile Children, a one-of-a-kind organization,” said Senator Robach. “Kim’s passion for Daystar is unquestionable, and her unwavering dedication to the families it serves has helped give them the support they need every day. She is certainly a most deserving ‘Woman of Distinction’ from the 56th Senate District.”  

Founded in 1988 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester originally as a foster home for medically fragile infants, in 2001 Daystar became authorized under New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) as a day-respite provider to help families effectively cope with the demands of caring for a little one with complex special needs, while supporting each child's individualized goals. Today, under Kim’s leadership, Daystar for Medically Fragile Children, Inc., has become New York State’s first and only Pediatric Day-Respite Center designed specifically to provide families with children coping with serious medical complexities the broad range of supports they need to fulfill their child’s psychosocial, developmental, and healthcare goals.

“I’m humbled and honored to take part in an event that highlights the efforts of such a diverse group of talented and dedicated women. While each of us brings different experiences to the table, we all share in common an unwavering commitment to our purpose, and we care deeply for our communities, said Condon. “I’m grateful to Senator Robach and his colleagues for recognizing our efforts, but more importantly, for giving voice to the incredible children and families that I am honored to serve through my role at Daystar for Medically Fragile Children.”

Condon will be recognized in a special ceremony on Tuesday, May 5 at the State Capitol in Albany. Her photograph and biography will be displayed in a public exhibit proclaiming the special contributions of exemplary New York women.