Belinda Foy
Belinda Foy has been named the 2015 recipient of the Terri Farmer award by the Craniofacial Foundation of America (CFA).
A certified hand therapist and physical therapist, Ms. Foy and her puppet, Lambchop, have volunteered with children with disabilities at the CFA’s annual Dreams Can Come True Camp since 2011. She said she has witnessed amazing transformations, both physically and emotionally, as the children grow and mature over the years.
“I know that camp is meant to be a special weekend for the families and children of the Craniofacial Foundation of America, but I think it means nearly as much to the volunteers,” Ms.
Foy said. “I find it to be a profound blessing to me.”
Ms. Foy is regional director of hand therapy for BenchMark Physical Therapy, and CFA Executive Director Terry Smyth said Foy’s professional expertise is a great asset to the camp.
“Belinda’s patience and compassion for each child is a model for all of our volunteers,” said Mr. Smyth. “She spends long hours during camp weekend working individually with the children and their families, and they all love Belinda and Lambchop, who has become the unofficial camp mascot.”
Mr. Smyth and the CFA board of directors will present Foy with her award, which was crafted by Chattanooga artist Chris Mosey of Ignis Glass, at the CFA’s Palate 2 Palette fundraising event on April 25.
The Terri Farmer Award was established in 2009 as a tribute to Terri Farmer, who served as the coordinator for the Tennessee Craniofacial Center for 18 years and the executive director of the Craniofacial Foundation of America for 15 years. Farmer was recognized for her dedication, compassion and willingness to make a difference in the lives of children with facial disfigurements.