From the February 14, 2002 edition of The Wayne Herald:
Former resident recognized
Renee Carlson, formerly of Wayne, was recently recognized as the Missouri Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer of the Year.
Carlson, the daughter of Loreene Gildersleeve of Wayne, was a
nurse prior to her car being slammed into by a drunk driver in 1994.
The accident critically injured Carlson and her daughter.
Although medical disabilities prevented Renee from returning to
her nursing career, she wanted to repay the kindness of the countless medical personnell, therapists, aides, family friends and other volunteers who cared for and supported her on her long, dificult road to recovery. She searched for a cause where she could make a difference in someone else's life.
Her search brought her to the Jackson County, Kansas City, Mo.
CASA. In early 1998 she became a CASA volunteer. Since that time she has been assigned cases involving two premature babies with medical needs and an uncertain future.
The statement of Renee's accomplishments state she has volunteered a minimum of 15 to 20 hours per month in the interest of her CASA children.
In February of 2001, she watched quietly, and with great joy, as
the first of the two boys was adopted. The second child's adoption is scheduled to be completed soon.
The award was presented to Renee by Rob Riseman of Lee's Summit, Mo., who, ironically, happened to be the driver who was the first on the scene when Renee was critically injured by the drunk driver.
