Tracy Morgan Honors Edison’s JFK Hospital Nurse Who Cared For Him

EDISON, NJ — Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan presented the “Tracy Morgan Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation Nursing” to a Somerset nurse working to heal patients with brain injuries.

Patricia Bosompem, a nurse at Edison’s Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, has been caring for patients with brain injuries for more than two decades.

Bosompem was among the nurses at the hospital’s Brain Trauma Unit who cared for Morgan after he was seriously injured following a 2014 crash on NJ Turnpike.

In a virtual event, an emotional Morgan was overcome with gratitude.

“Congratulations Patricia and thank you for all you do for patients. Thank God for you and nurses like you,” Morgan said.

Bosompem said she was honored to receive the award and will continue to share Morgan's inspiring recovery story with patients.

“When people have a brain injury, they may be confused, or agitated. We find ways to help them. Sometimes they come back to see us, and it’s so fulfilling,” Bosompem said.

(Pic: Hackensack Meridian Health)

Bosompem is the fourth nurse to receive the award. Former awardees include Jackie Chirichella, BSN, RN; Juan G. Ramirez, RN, CRRN; and Gina Domingo, RN, CRRN.

Read More Here: Tracy Morgan Honors Woodbridge Nurse Who Cared For Him

Since recovering, Morgan has returned to comedy. He said humor has helped in his recovery.

“It’s the greatest medicine,” he said. “Everything that ever happened to me that was bad I turned funny ... So, you know, I guess it helps the brain heal faster. I thank God that He gave me a sense of humor to share with the world to help others heal. That's a good thing. That's a beautiful thing.”

Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health, thanked Morgan for publicly sharing his story and inspiring people around the world.

"Congratulations to Patricia Bosompem, who is very deserving of this year’s award. Patricia exemplifies the utmost in nursing care for patients with brain injuries,” Garrett said.

The fatal crash in 2014, occurred in a construction zone near Exit 8A on the NJ Turnpike. A man driving a Walmart truck crashed into the back of a limo carrying comedians returning to New York City from a show.

James McNair, a fellow comedian, was killed and Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury.

An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board found that the truck driver had not slept for 28 hours before the crash.

The report concluded that he failed to slow down immediately before the crash, despite posted warning signs.

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