Forty-five extraordinary rehabilitation patients were honored during Loyola University Medical Center's 2012 Annual Rehabilitation Patient of the Year celebration.
"This is our favorite event of the year," said Steve Gnatz, MD, Division Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. "Everyone has a great story."
Each week, Loyola's rehab unit names a Patient of the Week, and 45 of these patients returned to be honored as Patients of the Year.
Through hard work and determination, the patients have made enormous progress rehabilitating from conditions such as stroke, trauma, amputations, congenital disorders and major surgery.
"You motivate us," Deena Hassaballa, DO, told the patients. "You make us want to work harder."
Dr. Hassaballa is a third-year resident. Other speakers included Paul Gorski, administrative director; Mary Vondriska, interim RN manager; Kathy Xenakis, RN, PPS coordinator; and Allison Bresnahan, PT. The Rev. Lee Smits, Pastoral Care and Education, gave the blessing and prayer, and Meghan Corley, PT, and Dr. Gnatz presented patients with gifts.
"You have inspired us all for another year," Gorski said. "You have transformed yourself, and you have transformed us."