New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital Honors Exceptional Rehabilitation Patients at Annual Honors Assembly
September 16, 2025Awards Ceremony Celebrates Patients’ Triumph Over Disabling Injuries and Illnesses and Marks 125 Years of Transformative Rehabilitation Care
The New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital marked its anniversary today with celebration of the accomplishments of its extraordinary rehabilitation patients. Eight patients hailing from Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Westchester counties were honored at the 125th annual Helen Hayes Hospital Honors Assembly for their remarkable progress in overcoming disabling conditions such as brain injury, spinal cord injury and neurological disease.
The Honors Assembly, first held in 1900 as a graduation ceremony for pediatric patients, has grown into an inspiring community event that celebrates the triumphs of the hospital’s entire patient population. Honorees are recognized for their achievements and courage as they work through rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other debilitating conditions.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald delivered remarks to the honorees, commending their perseverance and celebrating the life-changing progress they achieved. He also recognized the invaluable efforts of the hospital’s expert staff.
“These individuals have shown tremendous courage and strength in the face of formidable challenges and will help to inspire others facing similar obstacles,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.“Working through traumatic injuries and illness can be an overwhelming experience and I am honored to recognize their accomplishments, as well as the outstanding professionalism and dedication to patient well-being shown by the Helen Hayes Hospital staff.”
Helen Hayes Hospital Chief Executive Officer Scott Guevin said: “For more than 125 years, our hospital has been a place of healing and transformation, and I know I speak for all of us when I say how proud we are to be part of this enduring legacy. Each year, we honor individuals who have demonstrated courage, perseverance and progress in the face of tremendous challenges. Today, we celebrate nine honorees whose achievements inspire us all and affirm the power of rehabilitation to change lives.”
Ryan Ashe, State Health Department Director of Health Facilities Management said: “Today’s ceremony is one of extraordinary legacy. We recognize the remarkable strength and courage of patients, and the unwavering support of their families, caregivers and medical teams. Each recovery is a story of resilience and hope and is a tribute to the human spirit’s ability to overcome the most difficult challenges, a cornerstone of Helen Hayes Hospital’s legacy.”
The 2025 Helen Hayes Hospital Honors Assembly honorees:
Spirit of Achievement Award: Francisco Velez, Monroe, NY
Francisco Velez, a college baseball player and Eagle Scout, suffered a severe head injury last year when a tree fell on him at work. When he arrived at Helen Hayes Hospital, Frankie was minimally conscious and required a tracheostomy. Through incredible determination and hard work, he made remarkable progress—regaining consciousness, having his tracheostomy removed and eventually walking out of the hospital to return home to his supportive family.
Pediatric Progress Award: Jeremy Orantes, Haverstraw, NY
12-year-old Jeremy Orantes began outpatient therapy at Helen Hayes Hospital at age 10 after developing Guillain-Barre Syndrome following COVID-19. Initially wheelchair-bound and requiring full assistance for transfers and daily tasks, Jeremy worked tirelessly to regain mobility. Today, he continues therapy with the goal of returning to school and playing soccer. The Pediatric Progress Award is reserved for the hospital’s youngest patients who work hard to overcome obstacles and adversity and inspire others with their strength and abilities.
Helen Hayes MacArthur Rose Award: David Torres, Washingtonville, NY
David Torres suffered a brain hemorrhage and multiple fractures of his face, pelvis and arms after a fall from his roof in May 2024. David struggled to bear weight or perform daily activities and experienced severe memory deficits. With hard work and determination, David regained his daily functions and improved his cognition, all while encouraging and supporting others during his recovery.
Continuing Care Cup: George Soto, West Haverstraw, NY
George Soto was awarded with the Continuing Care Cup for his unwavering commitment to recovery after a debilitating stroke. Since his inpatient stay at Helen Hayes Hospital in 2018, he has actively participated in outpatient therapies and the Transitional Wellness Center, where he has received personal training for several years. Today, George walks independently with an assistive device and orthotic, drives and continues to stay active both at Helen Hayes Hospital and in his community.
Medal of Independence: Amy Kaufman, Highland Mills, NY
After a bike accident in July 2024 left Amy Kaufman with incomplete paraplegia, she faced severe pain, minimal movement in her legs and difficulty caring for herself. Determined to regain her active lifestyle, she embraced inpatient rehabilitation at Helen Hayes Hospital with positivity and perseverance. Within two months, she was walking independently with adaptive devices and participated in numerous adapted recreation events. A year later, Amy has resumed her adventurous activities, including hiking in Acadia National Park this September.
Medal of Independence: Alanna Lobianco, Kingston, NY
Alanna Lobianco experienced a stroke after a fall at work, which caused right-sided weakness and difficulty communicating. She began inpatient rehab unable to walk or complete daily care independently. With tireless effort and a positive attitude, Alanna regained her strength, was able to walk with a cane and brace at discharge and restored the use of her right arm for daily tasks.
Medal of Independence: Rayyan Mian, Scarsdale, NY
Rayyan Mian was a college junior when a motorcycle accident in March 2024 left him with a traumatic brain injury and multiple facial fractures. Entering Helen Hayes Hospital’s coma recovery program on a ventilator, he had limited motor skills and could not communicate. Through determination and therapy, Rayyan emerged from his coma, regained communication, learned to stand with assistance and reclaimed his ability to eat and perform daily activities with the support of his dedicated family.
Medal of Independence: Max Neubauer, Walden, NY
Max Neubauer sustained a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures in a motorcycle accident in August 2024, entering inpatient rehab unable to bear weight and requiring full assistance. With empathy, positivity and a strong determination to return to his nursing career, Max progressed rapidly in therapy. By discharge, he was walking and independent in daily care, thriving in his rehabilitation journey.
The awards ceremony, held during National Rehabilitation Awareness Week (September 15-21), also featured a special exhibition of hospital artifacts in the facility’s auditorium, providing a retrospective of the hospital’s role in the community since its founding by Dr. Newton Shaffer and the State of New York in 1900.
The New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital is a national leader in physical rehabilitation, providing a comprehensive range of inpatient, outpatient, and specialty services to individuals recovering from brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and stroke, as well as cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, and neurological disorders. Founded in 1900, it is operated by the New York State Department of Health and is affiliated with the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System. Please visit www.helenhayeshospital.org for more information.
