Hospital to Honor Former Patients at 109th Annual Assembly
September 21, 2009Helen Hayes Hospital will host its 109th annual “Honors Assembly” on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 1:30 PM at the hospital in West Haverstraw. The event, which is taking place during National Rehabilitation Week, recognizes patients who have made outstanding progress in their physical rehabilitation programs over the past year. Eighteen individuals from the New York metropolitan region will be honored for triumphing over disability and for their contributions to the community.
The individuals receiving awards have been nominated and selected by the hospital staff. In all instances, the award recipients have demonstrated determination, strength, hard work and courage in the face of very challenging circumstances and obstacles. Through physical rehabilitation, they have regained functioning and independence to the greatest degree possible and have acted as role models to other individuals with disabilities.
The Honors Assembly has been held every year since the hospital was founded in the year 1900. During the early years, when the hospital was predominantly a pediatric facility and housed its own school, the event served as a graduation, marking the scholastic and physical progress of the young patients. The famous actress Helen Hayes MacArthur made it a point during her long association with the hospital to attend the event every year and personally present the diplomas and special awards to each patient.
Today, the Honors Assembly is designed to acknowledge the significant benefits that rehabilitation can have on a person’s life and to acknowledge Helen Hayes Hospital’s commitment to helping individuals live their lives to the fullest potential. It is a moving and inspiring ceremony, unique to the hospital. In addition to family members and friends, the award recipients will be joined by hospital staff and volunteers, local dignitaries, former honorees, members of the community and the hospital’s Board of Visitors and Foundation.
Following is a list of all Honors Assembly awardees. The public is invited to attend. A reception immediately following the ceremony will take place in the Noyes Conference Center.
