Dauda Kamara

Sep 28, 2011

Dear Dauda,

Tracey Chapman, the American singer songwriter, said “I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives”.  On August 22, 2011 one such angel emerged, without hesitation, here at SPIN and demonstrated extraordinary love and passionate dedication, never realizing his incredible act of heroism.  Hero, a word of only four letters is beyond powerful when uttered.  It is a word that should not be used lightly as its definition “a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities” requires a great deal of respect and admiration.  This hero was you and words cannot express our deep gratitude.

It was an ordinary day while you were supporting Domenic when suddenly he fell to the ground in a medical crisis.  You jumped into immediate action with your calm, caring nature assessing Domenic’s status and used your CPR and First Aid training by calling 911 and beginning CPR.  The paramedics arrived and transported Domenic to the hospital where we learned that he had suffered a heart attack.  Due to your immediate and skilled response in administering CPR and rescue breathing, Domenic did not experience a total loss of oxygen enabling his blood and oxygen to flow to vital organs.  The medical personnel and SPIN’s Health Services Department have shared that Domenic’s heart attack could have been fatal without your quick and capable action.

SPIN’s Direct Support Professionals are nationally recognized for their commitment and personal investment in their professional development.  We know that annual training is taken very seriously by SPIN employees and enables SPIN DSPs to develop and hone their skills and competencies.  Dauda, you are an outstanding example and inspiration to everyone for your fine work and demonstration of SPIN’s Pillars, People First, Professionalism, Performance Excellence, and Productivity.

In addition to this nomination by Andrea Devine and the Health Services Department, your incredible call to action has been shared with many and we wanted you to know that Carla Higgins and Jerry Rocker, Director of Health and Safety for the Southeastern region Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross, have nominated you for a Certificate of Merit from the American Red Cross.

Dauda, on behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN managers, your fellow colleagues, Ralph, Bruce and most importantly Domenic, we are so very proud of you and congratulate you on this most deserving Employee of the Month Award for September, 2011.  Thank you for being our angel doing extraordinary things.

Sincerely,

Judith R. Dotzman
Executive Director