Judy Ray, left, presenting in behalf Gov. Jim Gibbons, presents Cheryl Delhagen with a certificate for her volunteer work with American Heart and Stroke Association on Sept. 24 at Health South Rehabilitation Hospital.
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The Caring Place provides free services to those affected by cancer.
Address: 4425 S. Jones Blvd. Suite 1 Phone: 871-7333 Web site: www.thecaringplacenv.org
R.A.G.E. Rebuilding All Goals Efficiently assists people with disabilities in regaining independence and community re-integration.
Address: 6375 W. Charleston Blvd. Suite WCL/L200 Phone: 333-1038 Web site: www.bteamrage.org
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Address: 2355 Red Rock St. Suite 103 Phone: 367-1366 Web site: www.americanheart.org
Connie Bernstein battled stage four breast cancer followed by a brain tumor.
Reggie Bennett was paralyzed from the waste down after being shot at the age of 13.
Lori Wright and Cheryl Delhagen both survived debilitating strokes.
Aside from overcoming hardships, one thing these people all have in common is their dedication to devoting their time and efforts to help others in situations similar to their own.
For their varying contributions, each community member was honored by representatives from Gov. Jim Gibbons' and Congressman John Porter's offices at an event held during National Rehabilitation Week at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Sept. 24.
William Schoonmaker, CEO of HealthSouth's Henderson location, called the group rehabilitation champions and advocates for the disabled community and those challenged by disease that affects their ability to function.
Bernstein was given a certificate for the work she did alongside Dr. Mary Anne Allison in opening The Caring Place, the first no-cost, non-specific cancer center in Southern Nevada.
The goal of the center is to compliment the medical treatment of cancer sufferers with free services including meditation, light massage, nutritional counseling, pilates and yoga, she said.
Bennett, the executive director of a group called R.A.G.E. Rebuilding All Goals Efficiently, was honored for his work supporting the needs of people with disabilities.
The group offers independent living and assistive technology, fitness mentoring and peer support and networking.
"We give people and individuals a lower risk of them being institutionalized and give them self confidence," Bennett said.
The last two honorees are both survivors of strokes who volunteer their time helping other stroke survivors through the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.
Wright had her stroke when she was 44 and is a peer visitor at Sunrise and Valley Hospitals.
Delhagen's stroke occurred when she was 36; she now spends her time delivering the message that there is life after stroke.
Wright said one of the reasons she volunteers is to get the word out about strokes.
"Not many people know the warning signs and what to do about a stroke. We need to get that out," she said.
HealthSouth honorees are chosen based on feedback from program leaders and the community, Schoonmaker said.
Ashley Livingston can be reached at 990-8925 or [email protected].
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