DISABLED ATHLETES INSPIRE JACKSON REHABILITATION PATIENTS TO PLAY SPORTS

Luis Amaro, paraplegic – plays wheelchair basketball; Hector Picard, bi-lateral upper extremity amputee – triathlons/ironman; Moise Brutus, triple amputee – velodrome; Daniella Lombardi, lower extremity above the knee amputee – sled hockey; Chris Holcomb, quadriplegic -hand cycle; Ileana Rodriguez, paraplegic- paralympic swimmer; Karin Korb, paraplegic – wheelchair tennis; Cathy Herring, recreation therapist at Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital., Jackson rehabilitation patients.

Daniella Lombardi was only 20 years old when a fatal motorcycle accident killed her friend and severed her right leg.  “One moment, I was young without a care in the world.  Then in an instant a drunk driver hit us.  My friend, who was driving died, and I became an amputee.” After spending time feeling guilty over losing her friend, Daniella finally decided it was time to move on.  “That’s when I discovered adaptive sports and was introduced to sled hockey.” Daniella has been playing the sport ever since and says it’s made her forget about her disability.  Now she wants to pass that message on to others.  She and several other disabled athletes will talk and interact with former Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital patients and others with various disabilities, to encourage them to get involved with adaptive sports.

February

08, 2013, 11:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.

Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital
Rehabilitative Unit, Room 201
1611 N.W. 12th Avenue
Miami, FL 33136

Jackson recreation therapist Cathy Herring says this event is just one of many activities the Rehabilitation Unit sponsors to help former patients. “We want our patients to learn about the many ways they can live with a disability, and have a fulfilling life,” says Herring. “Being involved in sports, whether its wheelchair basketball or Quad Rugby, can be a very empowering thing.”

*Media can park in Park Plaza West Green Garage.