KESSLER INSTITUTE HONORS PATIENTS & STAFF AT ANNUAL TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT EVENT

Local resident receives Kessler's President’s Award Mauricio Diaz, PTA, of Jersey City, N.J. and staff member at Kessler Rehabilitation Center-Englewood, was presented with the 2013 President’s Award by Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (www.kessler-rehab.com) for his exceptional work. Mr. Diaz was one of six staff members and four patients to be honored at at the hospital’s annual Triumph of the Human Spirit celebration. Staff members Kirk Endersby, P.T., NDT, Kessler-West Orange; Mary McCallum, Kessler-Saddle Brook; and Anna Paolino, Kessler-Chester also received Kessler’s President’s award. “This year, not only do we recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our patients and staff, but also our 65th anniversary,” said Kessler President Robert Brehm. “We have grown from a small 16-bed rehabilitation hospital to a nationally recognized, 336-bed network across three campuses and more than 85 outpatient centers. And I’m sure Dr. Kessler would be remarkably proud to know that today we continue his legacy of advancing care, sharing knowledge and rebuilding lives.” Four Kessler patients received the hospital’s Spirit Award for their courage and determination in overcoming the complex challenges of spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke and other neurological conditions. Recipients included Carissa Cirotti of Washington, N.J.; Bob Franco, Oak Ridge, N.J.; Adam Johnson, Howell, N.J.; and Michael Warren, Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. In addition, J. Bradley Williams, PhD, of Avenel, received the Henry H. Kessler Award for Medical Excellence, and Ken Caldera, Director of Human Resources, of Hillsdale, was presented with the hospital’s Leadership Award. As part of its ongoing commitment to its communities, Kessler Institute and Kessler Rehabilitation Center staff donated more than $8,000 to Kessler Foundation, the nation’s leading rehabilitation research and program organization. President and CEO, Rodger DeRose, accepted the check on behalf of the Foundation. More than 500 Kessler staff and guests attended the dinner event, which was held at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, NJ. About Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation: Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation is nationally recognized for the treatment and research of both spinal cord and brain injuries and also leads the field in the care and treatment for stroke, neurological diseases, amputation, orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions and cardiac recovery. Ranked as one of the top two rehabilitation hospitals in the nation and best in New Jersey and the greater metropolitan region by U.S.News & World Report, Kessler has three hospital campuses in West Orange, Saddle Brook and Chester, N.J., and more than 85 outpatient centers throughout the state. For more information, visit www.kessler-rehab.com. # # #