WEST HAVERSTRAW- Helen Hayes Hospital will host its 123rd annual Honors Assembly on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. in the Hospital’s atrium. The inspiring event coincides with the celebration of National Rehabilitation Awareness Week and recognizes the extraordinary recoveries and achievements of the physical rehabilitation hospital’s patients over the past year. This year’s ceremony will honor six patients from Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, and Nassau Counties who have made outstanding accomplishments in their rehabilitation programs, inspiring others along the way.
The Honors Assembly began in 1900 as a school graduation ceremony for children at the then pediatric rehabilitation facility. Star of stage and screen Helen Hayes McArthur herself presented the diplomas, and later awards, during her long history advocating for the hospital. Today, the Honors Assembly serves as a celebration of the Hospital’s entire patient community and recognizes patients’ tremendous resolve and selfless support of others facing similar odds.
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.
2023 Honorees
HHH Spirit of Achievement Award – Katherine Tsetsekos, Pearl River, NY
This Award, the highest honor, is presented to the patient who, despite overwhelming odds, demonstrates outstanding courage and determination and excels in his or her rehabilitation program. This awardee personifies the attitude, spirit, and resolve that constitute rehabilitation medicine.
Helen Hayes MacArthur Rose Award – Michael McPike, Poughkeepsie, NY
Established in 1993 upon Mrs. MacArthur’s death, this award is presented to the patient whose love of life and caring concern for others has made a difference in the lives of the hospital’s patients and/or staff. It reflects Mrs. MacArthur’s own zest for life and the beauty of her famed rose garden.
Medal of Independence – Khadeem Smikle, Baldwin, NY; Cristal Polanco, Garnerville, NY; Kaylin Fuentes, Keronkson, NY/Oregon
This honor is reserved for patients who have overcome a catastrophic, disabling injury, such as a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or stroke. Requiring extensive rehabilitation to manage the devastating consequences, these injuries can only be overcome by a patient who demonstrates hard work and resiliency.
Continuing Care Cup – Mark Blough, Campbell Hall, NY
Through the provision of an extensive continuum of care, HHH seeks to address ongoing and lifelong needs of individuals living with physical disabilities. This award recognizes an individual who has benefited from ongoing therapies, specialty services, and a commitment to continued progress.
