On-The-Move People

Volunteering is a selfless act that comes naturally to those who put forth effort, kindness and time. For a local Oswego native, volunteering is a way to give back to those who helped her work through a rough patch in her life. 

Shannon Germain received the central New York Volunteer of the Year Award from March of Dimes on Dec. 8 at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains, N.Y.  

“I was speechless when I got the call I won the award,” Germain said. “Anyone who knows me knows that is not an easy thing to do. I was proud and very excited.”

Germain has been involved with March of Dimes ever since her family was struck with scary news in 2009: she gave birth to twins Richard and Kayla 3 1/2 months premature. 

Germain and her husband, Lee, then received support from March of Dimes as their daughter Kayla heartbreakingly passed away after 36 hours of her birth and their son, Richard spent 110 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

After the overwhelming, warm support Germain received from volunteers from March of Dimes, her mission became clear: to help March of Dimes give the same care and dedication to parents struggling with premature births. 

Germain has since dedicated endless hours toward ensuring that walks and events for March of Dimes are as successful as they can possibly be. Although Germain was awarded for her generous effort, it goes beyond that.

“I do not do all this for the recognition,” she said. “I do it because if our story can help parents start to heal or even educate just one person on what the March of Dimes is, then I'm doing something right.”

Today, Richard is an active and healthy 5-year-old boy. Since his birth, Germain and her husband welcomed another baby boy, Damien, who was also born premature. Like his big brother, Damien is now a healthy 3-year-old boy. 

Germain continues to help March of Dimes as she prepares to chair next year’s Oswego walk. She is committed to helping and giving back, regardless of awards and recognition. 

She did, however, make sure to thank the proper people during her speech at Crowne Plaza.

“I did make sure to say the the award was going to my kids when I got home because they are the reason i do what i do,” she said. “My family and friends are very proud of me and so are my boys.”