Donnie Hersh Day: Township honors 30th anniversary of living with cerebral palsy in a nursing home

53-year-old resident counting down the days until his party

Friday, Feb. 5 is Donnie Hersh Day in Richland Township and at St. Barnabas Nursing Home.  And, although neither the Dallas Cowboys nor the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to the Super Bowl, a tailgate party with their colors flying will take place at 2 p.m. in the nursing home's chapel, 5827 Meridian Road.

The festivities are in honor of Donnie Hersh, who is celebrating his 30th anniversary of living in a nursing home.  Donnie moved to St. Barnabas Nursing Home on Feb. 5, 1980 when he was just 23 years old.  He has cerebral palsy, which has left him with no use of his arms or legs, as well as a compromised respiratory system.

Despite his limitations, Donnie, 53, has an outlook that is an inspiration.  Known for his booming laugh and his love of teasing others, Donnie has been talking about his upcoming anniversary for a year and is now counting down the days.  During the tailgate party, the chairman of the Richland Township Board of Supervisors will present a citation proclaiming Feb. 5 as Donnie Hersh Day in Richland Township.  Donnie will also receive a t-shirt decorated with a picture of his favorite actress, Halle Berry, which will be signed by those attending the party.  And, because Donnie loves football so much – especially the Cowboys and Steelers – their colors will decorate the nursing home.

"We tend to spoil Donnie but that's OK," said Shelly Jenkins, Administrator of St. Barnabas Nursing Home.  "Because of the way the nursing home industry is changing, we will probably never have another resident for 30 years.  I wish that everyone in the world had his attitude and zest for life."

The cost of Donnie's care is provided through the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which in 2009 alone provided nearly $4.3 million to patients at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St. Barnabas.