New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital Honors Exceptional Rehabilitation Patients at 124th Annual Honors Assembly

Recognized Patients and their Helen Hayes Caregivers Exemplify the Power of Rehabilitation and Importance of Compassionate Care

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 17, 2024) - New York State Department of Health's Helen Hayes Hospital celebrated its 124th annual Honors Assembly today in the physical rehabilitation hospital's atrium. This year's ceremony, held during National Rehabilitation Awareness Week (September 16-22), recognized seven remarkable patients from Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties for their extraordinary achievements in rehabilitation over the past year.

The Honors Assembly has been held each year since the hospital's founding in 1900. Originally, a school graduation ceremony for the hospital's pediatric patients, it has evolved into a moving community celebration of the power of rehabilitation and the achievements of the hospital's entire patient population. These patients have made tireless efforts in their rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, amputation, cardiopulmonary, neurological and orthopedic disorders, and other debilitating conditions.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald delivered congratulatory remarks to the honorees and acknowledged the hospital staff whose dedication makes these inspirational recoveries possible.

"I was honored to participate in today's moving ceremony celebrating seven of our many patient success stories, recognizing them for their determination and strength of spirit on their road to recovery," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "The State Health Department is very proud of our Helen Hayes Hospital, which exemplifies the power of rehabilitation and the importance of compassionate care. Through their dedication and commitment, our staff at Helen Hayes are returning hope to people whose lives were interrupted by traumatic injury or illness."

Dr. Edward Hall, Chief Medical Officer of Helen Hayes Hospital, opened the ceremony stating, "Each year we recognize individuals who have faced tremendous challenges and emerged not only stronger, but as sources of hope and inspiration for us all. This year's honorees have pushed beyond the limits of what many thought was possible in the pursuit of mobility and independence following disabling injuries and illnesses."

Ryan Ashe, State Health Department Director of Health Facilities Management said, "Today's ceremony was a reminder of the incredible spirit and determination of these patients and the many more that come through the doors of Helen Hayes Hospital. We are incredibly proud of our patients and the staff that support them every day; they are the reasons why Helen Hayes Hospital is a national leader in rehabilitative care."

Acting CEO of Helen Hayes Hospital Yvonne Evans said, "The Honors Assembly highlights the unwavering spirit of our patients who have turned adversity into opportunity. The commitment this year's honorees have shown to their recovery and the tremendous progress they have made exemplify the life-changing impact of physical rehabilitation. We are privileged to support these incredible individuals as they reclaim their independence and inspire others with their strength and determination."

The 2024 Helen Hayes Hospital Honors Assembly honorees include:

Spirit of Achievement Award: Ethan Cruz, Lake Peekskill, NY

At 19, Ethan was admitted to Helen Hayes Hospital in a coma following a devastating motor vehicle accident. The accident resulted in multiple injuries, including a spinal cord injury and brain hemorrhage. Initially unable to walk, talk, or feed himself, Ethan made remarkable progress, regaining these abilities by his discharge, and continues to strive for greater independence in outpatient therapy. Ethan was honored for demonstrating outstanding courage and determination in his rehabilitation program, despite facing overwhelming odds.

Helen Hayes MacArthur Rose Award: Eric Lebron, Monroe, NY

After a severe motorcycle accident at 29 years old, Eric faced multiple traumatic injuries upon admission to Helen Hayes Hospital, including spinal fractures and the traumatic amputation of his right arm. Despite these challenges, he regained his ability to walk and care for himself, and has returned to his hobbies, including riding his motorcycle and traveling. Eric was honored for his love of life and caring and concern for others, reflecting Helen Hayes MacArthur's spirit.

Continuing Care Cup: Elizabeth Moger, Congers, NY

Elizabeth suffered a stroke at 74 years old, resulting in debilitating mobility and speech impairments. Through continued therapy at Helen Hayes Hospital in both inpatient and outpatient programs, she made significant progress, approaching independence in self-care and mobility. Elizabeth was recognized for her commitment to ongoing recovery.

Medal of Independence: James Mills, Port Jervis, NY

James suffered a catastrophic stroke and respiratory failure at 37 years old, requiring a tracheostomy and feeding tube. Upon admission to Helen Hayes Hospital, he was unable to speak, understand speech, or use his right arm or leg. By discharge, he had regained mobility and greatly improved his communication skills. Today, he enjoys traveling, playing video games, and continuing to work on improving his mobility and independence. James was honored for his extraordinary resilience and hard work in the face of a disabling condition.

Medal of Independence: Dale Riedy, Poughkeepsie, NY

At 65, Dale experienced a traumatic brain injury and respiratory failure, requiring a tracheostomy and feeding tube. Despite initial immobility and an inability to communicate due to severe aphasia, Dale made extraordinary progress, ultimately returning to high level cognitive activities, independent living, and his career at IBM. Dale was honored for his extraordinary resilience and hard work in the face of a disabling condition.

Medal of Independence: Kerry Roberson

An active mother of three, Kerry suffered a devastating stroke at 42-years-old and entered Helen Hayes Hospital unable to walk or use her left arm. After extensive therapy, including a year in outpatient care, she regained her abilities to walk, use her arm, and care for her children, and also returned to her job as a school-based occupational therapist. Kerry was honored for her extraordinary resilience and hard work in the face of a disabling condition.

Medal of Independence: Anna Yanakis, Newburgh, NY

At 87, Anna faced complications from a total hip replacement, including multiple dislocations, the need for additional surgery, and the placement of a large brace from her pelvis down her leg. Despite these challenges, she successfully rehabilitated at Helen Hayes Hospital and soon returned to her work at her Greek Diner in Newburgh. Kerry was honored for her extraordinary resilience and hard work in the face of a disabling condition.

Helen Hayes Hospital is a national leader in physical rehabilitation, providing a comprehensive range of inpatient, outpatient, and specialty services to individuals recovering from brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and stroke, as well as cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, and neurological disorders. Founded in 1900, it is operated by the New York State Department of Health and is affiliated with the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System. Please visit www.helenhayeshospital.org for more information.

For additional information or to arrange an interview, please contact the Helen Hayes Hospital Public Relations Department: 845-786-4221.