August 2, 2004Visitation HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Tinton Falls
Home Next Page Previous Page Photo Album
Upon arrival at HealthSouth, we were surprised and astounded when a limousine arrived to take the riders to a spa for a massage and for lunch on the beach. Joe is worried. After staying in a luxurious hotel last night, and awaking to breakfast and a massage, the traveling circus is going to expect it. Oh the reality when we arrive at our Super8 tomorrow night. Hopefully, the mutiny will wait until after the ride is over.
|
Feeling somewhat like limp dishrags, we arrived at the assembly area to be greeted by 20 HealthSouth employees and other guest riders to accompany us on our ride into the HealthSouth facility. Joe had all he could do to keep them on course. James and Kip kept trying to lead the riders in the direction of the spa. It took three police cars to corral the group and keep them on track.
The group was able to climb the heights of Tinton Falls. One solitary rider, pedaled, stopped, rested, and pedaled some more. He arrived, a bit winded but with indomitable spirit. His name, Stanley Thomas, a heart transplant patient of two years, who wanted to ride in support of the efforts of AAA. His courage and spirit epitomizes the many individuals we have met that inspire us.
Paul Esposito, a bi-lateral amputee who lost his legs in the Staten Island ferry accident, was honored by HealthSouth for his wonderful attitude.
A great turnout. Jill seems to be everywhere making sure all goes well.
Mayor Ann McNamara was on hand to make the Proclamation of Amputees Across America Day, followed by a few words from each of the riders. As usual, Kip was to the point, Andrew was his usual spellbinding self, Linda and James riled up the crowd. Joe and Richard talked and talked until the crowd threatened hari kari unless they ceased their banter.
The girl scouts were on hand to pass out hand-strung beaded bracelets and key chains to each of the riders. Flags, hand-painted, were festooned all over the truck. As we had to register James in the state of New Jersey as an escaped felon, we watched him very closely. Kip as usual was in search of combustibles. We can safely say that we have left our marks at every stop along the way.
|
Here are the girls that made all of this happen. Jill Garaffa, Denise Gafney, and Linda Savino, we love you guys for all that you have done and all that you do every day to improve the lives of amputees and those recovering from physical challenges
Thank you to the following for making Amputees Across America a Success
Ann McNanmara, Mayor of Tinton Falls, The Borough of Tinton Falls, The Department of Prublic Works of Tinton Falls, Chief Turning and the Police Department of Tinton Falls, The Fire Department of Tinton Falls, Captain Edward Brown, USA and The Community & Soldiers of Fort Monmouth, Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts, Ocean Township Service Unit, Jessie Blair, Girl Scout Service Unit Manager, Paul Esposito, Guest of Honor, Monoe Ambulance Service, Sunrise Suites, Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Access Limousine, Olympic Limousine, Commerce Bank, Rand's Pharmacy & Surgical, Omega Promotional Products Company, Sue Young Media Relations, The Marathon Group, Rob Giglia & 94.3 The Point, NJ News-12, WOBM, Bob Salter & WFAN, The Asbury Park Press, The Monmouth Journal, Advance for Nursing Magazine, Senior Bulletin Magazine, Belmar Beach Lifeguards, Solutions for Seniors, Allcare, Pfiser, American Red Cross, Falco's Catering, Foodtown Supermarkets, Oakland House Caterers, Classic Tents, DJ Dan the Saxophone Man, Manfredi Orthotic Prosthetic Affiliates, LLC, Orthotic & Prosthetic Center, VNA of Central Jersey, Sandi Dalton & American Express Financial Advisors, Dr Stuart Rubin & Dental Home Care, Steven Levy Investigations, Caregiver Resources, Inc., Craig's Service Center, Inc., Monmout Vans, Access & Mobility, Earth Treasures Jewelers, Monmouth Medical Center, The Provident Bank, Arimed, Doug Reber & Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, The Eastern Amputee Gulf Association, Peter Hurley & Megan Judge of Synergy Sports Event Management, DJs Cycles, Red Roof Inns.
We would like to acknowledge the entire staff of The Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls for your teamwork, enthusiasm, commitment, creativity, and dedication to make this event a rousing success. Without the efforts of Linda A. Savino, Chief Executive Officer, Jill Garaffa and Denise Gaffney, this event would not have occurred or been the stupendous success that it was. Their caring and warmth, the excitement they generated, touched our hearts and made us feel a special connection with the staff and patients. Our heartfelt thanks go to all of you whose efforts touched so many lives. You are the BEST.
| SUN | MON | TUES | WED. | THURS | FRI. | SAT |
| JUNE | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | JUL 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| AUG 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
