A video highlighting the successes of three Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation patients gave an apt portrayal of the life-changing effects of rehabilitation, said Bob Main, president and CEO of Siskin, at the facility’s annual benefit luncheon today.
“The short video … truly demonstrates why Siskin Hospital exists,” he said. “It’s at a rehabilitation hospital that an individual begins preparation for life after disability.”
Inspirational speaker Roger Crawford, who was born with underdeveloped arms and legs, gave the keynote address at the seventh-annual “Possibilities” luncheon. Mr. Crawford is an NCAA Division I tennis champion and has been inducted into the National Hall of Fame for People with Disabilities.
The lunch celebrates the achievements of those with disabilities and seeks to raise money to support the facility, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of its first patient admission this month.
Mr. Main said after the event that rehabilitation services can bring independence and dignity to the lives of people who otherwise would be facing severe disability and the potential for costly medical complications down the road.
“We believe strongly that we can keep people out of the health care system,” he said. “That’s the part that’s so frustrating. We know we can help people. But the demands are so great, we can’t take them all in.”
For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.