EDSR INFORMATION #2 11-13-2012 FROM CARING BRIDGE
Alan Sakry wins 2012 Inspiration Award from Sister Kenny
Written Sep 18, 2012 6:26am by Monica(Sakry) Hamling
The award presentation "says it all"... Congratulations Alan! You inspire us all...
Abbott Northwestern—Sister Kenny Rehabilitation
2012 Inspiration Awards
National Rehabilitation Week, September 17-23, is a time to celebrate the effectiveness of medical
rehabilitation and share a message of hope, achievement,performance and success. Rehabilitation
adds years to life—and life to years—by giving people with disabling conditions the opportunity to
regain independence, dignity and productivity. One in six Americans has a medical condition
that affects function; however,most of them have many more capabilities than disabilities.
Each year, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (SKRI)bestows Inspiration Awards on persons:
•who have persevered despite seemingly insurmountable odds
•whose achievements or outcomes are extraordinary
•whose actions serve to encourage others
•who serve as advocates, championing the issues of those with disabilities.
This year,Alan P. Sakry,who received treatment at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute—Abbott
Northwestern Hospital is among those being honored.Despite a severe stroke in January 2012,
Sakry of Elk River continued to serve his community in numerous ways as he recovered and
participated in rehabilitation.
After Sakry's condition stabilized in February, he began a rigorous rehabilitation process with the
determination and positive attitude of a champion. The stroke left this masterful motivational
speaker with impaired language, making it difficult for him to speak more than one word. He also
experienced loss of movement on the right side of his body.
However, Sakry's therapists, Michele Darger, MOTR/L and Rachel Vohs, PT, learned quickly that
the positive attitude he brought to every interaction—with therapists,physicians and nurses—was
seemingly extraordinary. His theme song was "Eye of the Tiger," which he and his therapists
frequently sang at the onset of therapy.
"Went the distance,now I'm not gonna stop .Just a man and his will to survive. Don't lose
your grip on the dreams of the past,You must fight to just keep them alive."
Despite his medical issues and the challenges of his personal recovery, Sakry reached out to many
other patients and provided that uplifting high five, huge smile or thumbs up to connect with them
and encourage them. His physiatrist,Juan Herrera,MD,was overheard telling him, "If all of
my patients worked as hard as you did today,Alan, my job would be easy."
Sakry, a loving husband and father, is an extraordinary man who has lived his life generously. In
May 2012, Sakry was named Elk River Volunteer of the Month,recognized by Mayor John
Dietz for his accomplishments,which include: Chamber of Commerce board member and chair,
YMCA community board chair,Elk River Rotary Club, CAER food shelf,Boys & Girls Club,
Big Brothers/Big Sisters,Faith in Action, and more. Sakry loved to champion worthy causes and
events,making his Elk River community a better place to live and work. He continued to do so even
from his hospital bed.
Sakry remains focused on his recovery in preparation for the next chapter in his life. The stroke that
nearly claimed his life has irrevocably changed it, but there's no sign that his spirit was taken from
him. He continues to be an inspiration to all around him.
9/24/12 Rehabilitation services:Stroke-Our patients and their stories
Alma Health
Rehabilitation services: Stroke
Our patients and their stories
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Alan P. Sakry
Despite a severe stroke in January 2012,
Sakry of Elk River continued to serve his
in numerous ways as he recovered
and participated in rehabilitation.
After Sakry's condition stabilized in February, � '�' „
he began a rigorous rehabilitation process with
the determination and positive attitude of a
champion. The stroke left this masterful
motivational speaker with impaired language,
making it difficult for him to speak more than 1r�
one word. He also experienced loss of
movement on the right side of his body.
However, Sakry's therapists, Michele Darger,
MOTR/L and Rachel Vohs, PT, learned quickly
that the positive attitude he brought to every
interaction - with therapists, physicians and s '
nurses - was seemingly extraordinary. His
theme song was "Eye of the Tiger," which he
and his therapists frequently sang at the
onset of therapy.
"Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive. Alan P. Sakry is a 2012 Inspiration
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the Award winner.
www.allinahealth.org/ahs/rehab.nsf/page/stroke_rehab_patientstories#alan 1/2
9/24/12 Rehabilitation services:Stroke-Our patients and their stories
past
You must fight to just keep them alive."
Despite his medical issues and the challenges of his personal recovery, Sakry
reached out to many other patients and provided that uplifting high five, huge smile
or thumbs up to connect with them and encourage them.
His physiatrist, Jun Herrera, MD, was overheard telling him, "If all of my patients
worked as hard as you did today, Alan, my job would be easy."
Sakry, a loving husband and father, is an extraordinary man who has lived his life
generously. In May 2012, Sakry was named Elk River Volunteer of the Month,
recognized by Mayor John Dietz for his accomplishments, which include: Chamber of
Commerce board member and chair, YMCA community board chair, Elk River Rotary
Club, CAER food shelf, Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Faith in Action,
and more.
Sakry loved to champion worthy causes and events, making his Elk River community
a better place to live and work. He continued to do so even from his hospital bed.
Sakry remains focused on his recovery in preparation for the next chapter in his life.
The stroke that nearly claimed his life has irrevocably changed it, but there's no sign
that his spirit was taken from him. He continues to be an inspiration to all around
him.
Source: Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Reviewed by:Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
First Published: 09/14/2012
Last Reviewed: 09/14/2012
www.allinahealth.org/ahs/rehab.nsf/page/stroke_rehab_patient stories#alas 2/2