Hospital to Honor Former Patients at 104th Annual Assembly
September 16, 2004Helen Hayes Hospital will host its 104th annual Honors Assembly on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 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. Twenty 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 persons life and to acknowledge Helen Hayes Hospitals commitment to helping individuals live their lives to the fullest potential. It is a moving and inspirational 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 hospitals Board of Visitors and Foundation.
The public is invited to attend. A reception immediately following the ceremony will take place in the Noyes Conference Center.
