Rep. Wheeler Honored For His Disability Rights Advocacy – Again

OSWEGO, IL — State Rep. Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego, has received an award for his work on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities – for the second year in a row.

Gilbert Fonger, president and CEO of Marklund, presented Wheeler the nonprofit's "Excellence in Advocacy Award" on Thursday, his office said in a news release.

Wheeler was named the winner again because of his advocacy for "individuals and families of all ages with developmental disabilities and special health care needs."

"We at Marklund know that we can count on Keith Wheeler to support the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities each and every day," Fonger said in a statement. "Keith is a tireless champion in the General Assembly for the individuals we serve. He has shown tremendous care and compassion for our most vulnerable residents and clients. We are fortunate to call Keith a friend and an advocate."

Wheeler said he is "tremendously honored" to have received the award again and expressed his gratitude for Marklund's support of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

"It is truly a privilege for me to work alongside Gil Fonger and his team to advocate for Marklund’s needs in Springfield," Wheeler said in a statement.

Over 500 staff members and thousands of volunteers work at Marklund's three locations: Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale, and Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin, the news release said.

Rep. Wheeler serves the 50th District, which in addition to Oswego includes portions of Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Campton Hills, Elburn, Montgomery, Plano, St. Charles, Sugar Grove and Yorkville.

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