2011 Inspiration Awards

National Rehabilitation Week, Sept. 18-24, is a time to celebrate the effectiveness of medical rehabilitation and share a message of hope, achievement, performance and success.

Rehabilitation adds years to life – and life to years – by giving people with disabling conditions the opportunity to regain independence, dignity and productivity. One in six Americans has a medical condition that affects function; however, most of them have many more capabilities than disabilities.

Each year, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (SKRI) bestows Inspiration Awards on persons:

• who have persevered despite seemingly insurmountable odds
• whose achievements or outcomes are extraordinary
• whose actions serve to encourage others
• who serve as advocates, championing the issues of those with disabilities.

This year, seven SKRI patients are being honored with the award. They are truly an inspiration to their fellow patients, their families, their caregivers and to all who hear their stories.

Scott Benz: Determination well beyond his years

Imagine being only 14 years old and suffering four ischemic strokes! That's what happened to Scott Benz in 2010. The strokes occurred during a five-month period of time until a Microplex coil was inserted into his vertebral artery to prevent further episodes.

Giving to others and receiving in return: Ken's story

Coon Rapids Firefighter Ken Boelter continues to fight one of the toughest battles of his life. A stroke paralyzed the left side of his body. But experts at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute - Mercy Hospital say he's making great strides.

Joseph Buesgens, 49, has overcome insurmountable odds after suffering a major stroke in 2005. He became a resident in a nursing home and required nearly total care for his intractible seizures and headaches. But Buesgens made excellent gains in the acute care setting at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (SKRI) – United Hospital.

Denny Burda: Rejoining life

Denny Burda suffered a stroke while driving to work one day last year. That began a tremendous year of change for Burda and his wife and family.

Walking again after 25 years

It began 25 years ago with weakness that caused Doreen Harrington's legs to give way without warning. It turned out to be a spinal infarction that left her a paraplegic. Her doctors told her she'd never gain function in her legs and would never walk again.

Joe Stone: Life came crashing down

Last year, Joe Stone's life as he knew it came crashing down on Montana's Mount Jumbo. The impact left him paralyzed from the chest down. This year, Stone is riding through Glacier National Park on his hand-powered bicycle.

Enthusiasm of 7-year-old inspired others

In March 2011, Benedict Luis Villarosa, age 7, had sudden onset of left side loss of movement, facial droop, impaired speech and uncontrollable jerking in his left extremities. Villarosa underwent a craniotomy and resection of a cavernous malformation and was later referred to Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (SKRI) - Cambridge for outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapies. On just his third visit he exclaimed, "Therapy is so much fun. I couldn't wait to get here!"