A celebration of resiliency, determination, and most of all, courage – the nineteenth annual Courage Awards presented by James H. Brown Injury Lawyers returned to the Glenrose on Tuesday, November 5th.
The Courage Awards are the Glenrose Hospital Foundation’s annual celebration of the courageous patients and caregivers of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.
Recognized by Glenrose staff for their determination, positivity, and ability to persevere in the face of some of life’s greatest challenges, we had the pleasure of presenting five Glenrose patients and family members with the 2024 Courage Award.
Carly Dinan, and MacKenzie & Tanner Leslie
After a horrific car accident in the Summer of 2023 left Carly and her two kids, MacKenzie and Tanner, with severe and lifelong injuries, they’ve been recognized by their Glenrose clinicians for their family’s ability to persevere through intense physical and mental hardship.
Tanner, who suffered the brunt of the impact and most severe injuries, sustained a severe spinal cord injury leaving him paralyzed in his lower body. Carly, who sustained fractures in both her neck and lower back, also severely shattered her legs. And MacKenzie, while spared the greatest injury, suffered a spinal cord injury requiring multiple surgeries.
“They never said once to us – ‘you can’t do that’. It was – ‘let’s figure out how,’” says Carly.
Over the course of months, the Glenrose helped Carly and Tanner gain back their strength, adapt to their limitations, and find their independence again.
MacKenzie, while not a patient of the Glenrose herself, remained steadfast in her support of her mother and brother, supporting them in their transition from hospital-to-home, all while still recovering from her own injuries.
“They were an absolute joy to work with and deserve significant recognition for their family’s hard work,” says Ciara Petkau, Tanner’s occupational therapist and one of the family’s nominators.
Congratulations, Carly, MacKenzie, and Tanner, on receiving this year’s Courage Award!
Andre Sophie Le
A trained Red Seal chef, published author, and aspiring political science graduate, Andre’s life was altered when a persistent headache uncovered a more serious condition. Andre had an abscess in her brain.
Just 34-years-old at the time, Andre had two brain surgeries before beginning her rehabilitation at the Glenrose.
Navigating her new life through spontaneous seizures, fainting, decline in the physical function of her body, and vision and memory loss, she worked hard to improve her balance, adapt to her limitations, and regain her confidence in walking independently.
“With the Glenrose, I can walk on my own, I can do stairs on my own, I can cook on my own now, I can even have a conversation now,” says Andre.
Her transformation and positive outlook were nothing short of remarkable. Andre’s occupational therapist Mary Thai describes her as an inspiration.
“She not only persevered, but she inspired. Her character serves as a powerful reminder of the indomitable strength of the human spirit.”
Congratulations, Andre, on receiving this year’s Courage Award!
Joe Battaglia
When Joe was just fourteen years old, the trajectory of his life changed after a car accident left him with serious injuries and a lifetime of hospital admissions, treatments, and surgeries.
From body casts to hip and shoulder replacements, debridement, back and neck fusions, and a leg amputation – Joe has seen no shortage of visits to the doctor. In fact, he spent 140 days at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital over four separate visits throughout his life, most recently in the amputation rehabilitation program after receiving hip disarticulation surgery – an amputation of his entire left leg through the hip joint.
An incredibly rare surgery, no one would have expected Joe’s high level of functioning given his list of injuries, but he persevered.
“He never lets his physical limitations stop him from enjoying life to the fullest. His rehab team can’t wait to see what lies ahead for him with his new prosthesis,” says Serena Third, Joe’s physical therapist.
And today, Joe does just that. Walking with the assistance of crutches, he now golfs and has even been able to return to sailing.
“We are blessed to have the Glenrose,” says Joe.
Congratulations, Joe, on receiving this year’s Courage Award!
And another warm congratulations from all of us at the Glenrose Hosptial Foundation and our Courage Awards presenting sponsor, James H. Brown Injury Lawyers, on your deserving recognitions!
