Twelve individuals will be recognized for outstanding achievements in their individual rehabilitation treatment programs and inducted to Saint Francis Medical Center's Rehabilitation "Wall of Fame." A ceremony will be held Wednesday, September 17 at 3 pm at the Medical Center to honor these patients, their rehabilitation therapists, and those individuals and organizations making significant contributions in the lives of people with disabilities. This annual event is held in conjunction with the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation's National Rehabilitation Awareness Week. Patients from a 15-county area have been represented in past years.

"Our annual rehabilitation ceremony applauds the victories patients with disabilities have made through rehabilitation," says Gerry Salter, MBA, PT, ATC, CSCS, director of Orthopaedic Services at Saint Francis. "It also helps increase awareness of the value and impact of quality rehabilitation programs."

An estimated 50 million Americans are living with disability after injury or illness. With the help of rehabilitation specialists and the support of family and the community, many disabled individuals reach maximum function and continue to lead productive lives.

"By recognizing organizations and individuals advocating for those living with and overcoming disabilities," adds Salter, "we hope to focus the community's attention on capabilities rather than disabilities."

Saint Francis Rehabilitation 2008 "Wall of Fame" Inductees include:

Marie Askew, St. Louis, Mo.
Vanessa Braden, Benton, Ill.
Ervin Glueck, Chaffee, Mo.
Ed Hare, Bloomfield, Mo.
William Klump, Elkville, Ill.
Jerome Maclin, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Don Nanney, Marble Hill, Mo.
Paul Schrock, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Luella Smith, Wappapello, Mo.
Serle Thomas, Cairo, Ill.
Rhonda White, Sikeston, Mo.
Theresa Wibbenmeyer, Old Appleton, Mo.

Saint Francis Medical Center's Thomas G. Otto, MD, Orthopaedic Institute provides the latest diagnostic, surgery, treatment and rehabilitation services for injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Our skilled, multidisciplinary care team and spacious private rooms enhance patient recovery following surgery. Meeting and exceeding national benchmarks for average length of stay and functional independence, the Orthopaedic Institute has earned many national honors.