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

Local resident receives Kessler's Spirit Award

West Orange, NJ -  Michael Warren, a history teacher at Hasbrouck Heights High School, was presented with the 2013 Spirit Award by Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (www.kessler-rehab.com) for his exceptional achievements as a patient. Mr. Warren was one of four patients and six staff members to be honored at at the hospital’s annual Triumph of the Human Spirit celebration.        

            “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.”

            Mr. Warren was nominated for this award by the staff at Kessler's Saddle Brook campus for his courage and determination in overcoming the complex challenges he faced after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.  Other patient honorees included Carissa Cirotti of Washington, N.J.; Bob Franco, Oak Ridge; and Adam Johnson, Howell. 

             Kessler’s annual President’s Award, which acknowledges staff members for their outstanding work, was presented to Mauricio Diaz, PTA, Kessler Rehabilitation Center, Englewood; Kirk Endersby, P.T., NDT, Kessler-West Orange; Mary McCallum, Kessler-Saddle Brook; and Anna Paolino, Kessler-Chester.         

            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.

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