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FROM CARING BRIDGE INFORMATION 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