Honors Assembly Celebrates Patient Achievements
September 15, 2011This coming Tuesday, September 20 at 1:30 pm, Helen Hayes Hospital will be hosting its annual “Honors Assembly,” a unique and very special event that celebrates the remarkable recoveries and achievements of our patients. Honors Assembly takes place during National Rehabilitation Week.
A total of 19 patients will be presented with awards acknowledging the outstanding progress they have made through physical rehabilitation programs here at the hospital over the past year. Individuals who have sustained devastating brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as those who have survived disabling strokes, amputations, cardiac and orthopedic conditions, will all be recognized. In addition, former patients who have made significant and important contributions to our local communities will also be receiving special awards.
In each case, the individuals being recognized have been nominated and selected by hospital staff. In each instance, the honoree has 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 taken place every single year since the hospital was founded, making this our 111th event. During her long association with the hospital, our namesake, the famed actress Helen Hayes MacArthur always attended to personally present awards and meet the honorees.
Though we are well aware that there are so many more than these 19 individuals who are deserving of recognition, the Honors Assembly is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the significant benefits that rehabilitation can have on a person’s life. Through the collective efforts of our interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams, which are matched and exceeded by our patients’ hopes and goals, these honorees have gone on to epitomize the spirit and value of rehabilitation. This event is also a time for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to helping individuals live their lives to the fullest potential.
The annual Honors Assembly is truly a very special, moving and inspirational event, unique to Helen Hayes Hospital. It always attracts a large audience and we extend an invitation to one and all to attend. We hope to see you there as we all celebrate recovery, rehabilitation and the triumph of the human body and spirit in overcoming disability.
-John T. Pellicone, M.D.
Medical Director
