Super Heroes of Rehab

The combined Outpatient and Inpatient Rehabilitation Departments at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital held their annual Patient Recognition Event on November 6, 2014. The theme of the event was Rehab Superheroes. Fourteen patients were honored for the strength, courage and determination they showed during their rehabilitation, which allowed them to excel and inspire others, including their therapists, families and other patients. A summary of the heroic rehabilitation story of each awarded individual was shared with individuals and family members as they added their own perspectives. Every honoree received a plaque of honor.

The patients receiving awards at the event all were faced with having to recover from major life-changing events such as stroke, spinal injury and traumatic accidents. The therapists who had worked with each patient spoke about the patient attributes that contributed to these great success stories. The honorees were described as having such characteristics as inner strength, persistence, hope, determination, humor and a strong drive to be independent. A common theme among all recipients was the importance of a strong support system. The stories that were told that day repeatedly stressed the critical role that spouses and families have in encouraging and supporting the patient. Rehabilitation was a team effort, so the love and support of key family members was also acknowledged at the event.

At the close of the festive event, Ronnie Crider (the Master of Ceremonies and a Physical Therapist in Outpatient Rehab) addressed the honored Rehab Superheroes by stating, “Your hard work, your determination to push forward to overcome and achieve, your positive attitude and your success inspire us all. You are not only the reason we come to work, you are the reason that we love our work!”