New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital Honors Exceptional Patients at 126th Annual Honors Assembly
September 16, 2026WEST HAVERSTRAW, NY (September 16, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital recognized the extraordinary accomplishments of its physical rehabilitation patients during National Rehabilitation Awareness Week at the 126th annual Helen Hayes Hospital Honors Assembly yesterday, September 15, 2026. Eight patients hailing from Rockland, Orange, and Sullivan Counties were honored at the inspirational ceremony for their positivity and determination while working to overcome disabling conditions such as stroke, brain injury, and cancer.
Held every year since the hospital’s founding in 1900, the Honors Assembly began as a school graduation for patients who lived and rehabilitated at the hospital. Today, the event has evolved into a moving celebration of patient achievement, as well as of the life-changing power of rehabilitation to restore mobility and independence.
New York State Department of Health Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne delivered congratulatory remarks to the honorees, applauding the honorees’ outstanding accomplishments and hailing the hospital’s history of excellence in rehabilitative care:
“Today, we are recognizing exceptional patients—individuals whose lives were interrupted, but yet have found a way to create a life as they move forward,
she said. “Each of the recoveries requires courage, resilience, and perseverance, and to each of you I offer you tremendous praise in being a model for all of us. It’s important to always recognize each day is not easy, but each day brings with it opportunity. Thank you for making the most of the opportunities and of the many services that are here at Helen Hayes Hospital.”
“To overcome the hardships the honorees have faced is no easy feat,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “I am blown away by their individual stories and proud our rehabilitation staff has been able to support them through their journeys. To all the patients and staff at Helen Hayes Hospital, I applaud the hard work and discipline you’ve demonstrated to achieve such incredible progress.”
“It is an honor to recognize the incredible determination, perseverance, and grit of each patient as we celebrate their path to recovery,” Ryan Ashe, State Health Department Director of Health Facilities Management said. “With every step forward and milestone achieved, we can fully appreciate the incredible dedication of the Helen Hayes staff, family members and care givers that make the road to recovery one of hope and success.”
Helen Hayes Hospital Chief Executive Officer Scott Guevin said, “Today we celebrate eight outstanding patients who have given their all in pursuit of greater mobility and independence. Each of their journeys is unique, but they share something important: the courage to face challenges, the determination to keep moving forward, and the willingness to work hard for every milestone and every gain… We are honored to celebrate their accomplishments and to recognize their families and care teams who supported them along the way.”
View the entire ceremony online HERE.
