Helen Hayes Hospital Celebrates 118th Annual Honors Assembly
October 16, 2018West Haverstraw, NY – Helen Hayes Hospital hosted its 118th annual Honors Assembly on September 20th, celebrating the incredible achievements of the hospital’s physical rehabilitation patients over the last year and highlighting the power of rehab in conjunction with National Rehabilitation Week. Six exceptional patients from Rockland, Orange and Dutchess Counties were honored during the ceremony, which proved to be an inspirational event for all in attendance.
In welcoming those gathered, Helen Hayes Hospital Chief Executive Office Ed Coletti noted, “For our patients, the rehabilitation experience begins with a search for inner strength while enduring some of life’s most harrowing experiences… The road is long, winding, and steep, but independence is the reward for reaching their destination. We are here today to commend the bravery, and perseverance of our patients as they continue to make progress in their lives.”
New York State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Howard A. Zucker added, “Thanks to the talent and the effort, the true dedication of the incredible staff here at Helen Hayes, recovery can become a reality. The work you do here is truly amazing. Every time I come here I marvel at what I see—brave patients working with the best of the best to achieve remarkable recoveries.”
The powerful stories of each honoree were shared before the presentation of their award, highlighting the bravery, perseverance and positive spirit of each patient. The patients in turn expressed their gratefulness to their friends and family for their support, as well as to staff from every area of the hospital, including doctors, therapists, case managers, nurses, aides, housekeeping staff and so many more who helped them during their recovery.
Jacquelyn Ryan, the recipient of this year’s Continuing Care Cup, added “To the patients who are here now or who will be here in the future: you guys are in some of the best hands that you can possibly be in. I found that sometimes I was my own worst enemy, but if you can believe in yourself, absolutely anything is possible—and you have a great team around you who will get you there.
2018 Honors Assembly Honorees
Spirit of Achievement Award
Thomas Gayzur, Presented by Ilona Sharpen, DPT
Helen Hayes MacArthur Rose Award
Gwendolyn Rhoss, Presented by Kristin Brosnan, OTR
Medal of Independence
Jerome Blackwood, Presented by Mike Pesner, PTA
Medal of Independence
Anne McManus, Presented by Kamila Wysocki, OT
Rehab Technology Trophy
Julian Harvey, Presented by Kristen Hall, SLP
Continuing Care Cup
Jacquelyn Ryan, Presented by Francesco DeSimone, DPT
