Ellis Lankster Honored at Stuttering Foundation

New York (May 8, 2012) — NFL Cornerback Ellis Lankster, of the New York Jets, was honored by the Stuttering Foundation at a May 8th gala in New York to celebrate National Stuttering Awareness Week and the Foundation’s 65th Anniversary as the world’s leading charitable organization helping those who stutter.

“Ellis shows his true toughness by sharing his struggles with fluency as a child,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “He refused to let his stutter keep him from his dream of playing professional football, and he is committed to helping and inspiring children attain their dreams by overcoming the obstacles they face.”

Fraser presented Lankster with the Foundation’s “Converting Awareness into Action” Award for the hope and inspiration he brings to the stuttering community.

“Providing hope is a team effort,” added Fraser. “We rely on the courage and kindness of many to showcase the talents and accomplishments of people who stutter, to inspire and to shine a spotlight on what is possible.”

Also receiving recognition for their contributions to the stuttering community were Fox News channel journalist and commentator John Stossel, recording artist Francois Goudreault , Jr., of the band Hello Kelly, and author/actor/playwright Scott Damian.

“Today we honor those who have opened their hearts and lives by sharing their story and experiences as an example for all who struggle to speak,” continued Fraser.

During the past year, the understanding of stuttering increased dramatically with the Oscar-winning movie, The King’s Speech. The Foundation, building upon this, is converting awareness into action throughout its 65th year, reaching people in 136 countries around the world.

About the Foundation
Malcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who stuttered, went on to establish and endow the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947. The Stuttering Foundation provides a toll-free helpline, 800-992-9392, and free online resources on its Website, www.StutteringHelp.org, including services, referrals and support to people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. Please visit us at www.StutteringHelp.org.

CELEBRITY FOCUS

Emily Blunt

Actress Emily Blunt struggled with stuttering early in her life. A teacher encouraged her to act in a school play at age 12 despite her stuttering.

Blunt’s name is prominently featured on the Stuttering Foundation's list of Famous People Who Stutter.

Frank Wolf

This Virginian congressman has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1981. The longtime supporter of the Stuttering Foundation drew national attention to childhood stuttering in 2006 when he submitted an article about Tiger Woods from the SFA newsletter to the Congressional Record. The congressman is featured in the Stuttering Foundation's Famous People Who Stutter brochure.

James Earl Jones

Actor James Earl Jones, a Broadway, television and movie star, is well-known for his voice as Darth Vader in Star Wars and his book Voices and Silences. Jones has spoken some of the most memorable lines in the history of American film, but the man known for his voice was once afflicted with a severe stutter.

Ken Venturi

As much of the nation watches the U.S. Open Golf Championship, it is impossible not to think about our late friend Ken Venturi. Ken overcame many challenges to win the Open at Congressional in 1964 and go on to become the voice of golf for more than three decades.

However, Ken faced no bigger obstacle than stuttering. Ken Venturi was a champion to those who stutter, going out of his way to share his personal experience when consulted by a colleague, friend, or child who stutters.

Carly Simon

Carly Simon began stuttering severely when she was eight years old.