Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Manhattan Children's Center's (MCC) Seeds Of Hope gala at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. For MCC, this year's celebrations marked ten years of educating children with autism. I particularly enjoyed hearing remarks from Dr. Cecilia McCarton, founder of The McCarton Center for Developmental Pediatrics and the Keswell School, who was awarded the Distinguished Scientist Award, and Dr. Orrin Devinsky, a friend of Dr. Oliver Sacks, a pioneer in the research of individuals with autism and severe neurological disorders who was posthumously awarded the MCC Humanitarian Award.
Dr. McCarton spoke touchingly about her experience working with individuals with autism and also highlighted the collaboration she has observed between parents, educators, therapists, and professionals in the MCC community, which has facilitated effective instruction and meaningful progress. Dr. Devinsky spoke warmly about Dr. Sacks and painted a picture of a man whose love for his patients allowed him to understand his patients in a profound and personal way.
On this special 10 year anniversary, I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to MCC on the wonderful work they have done and wish them continued growth and success over the decades to come.