Bobby Bisignaro
Michael Overmars
Joe Sladek
Bobby Bisignaro lives the Fighting Back Program's mantra - every day of his life he demonstrates the courage, desire and preserverance necessary to regain what he lost when a car accident almost cost him his life. Bobby's accident was five years ago, leaving him in a coma with multiple serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. His parents were told to look for a nursing home. His keg had been seriously compromised and he faced many surgeries in the following years in an effort to save his leg. When Bobby first came to the Fighting Back Program exactly one year after the accident, he arrived in a wheelchair and was very unsure of himself. Additionally, there were strict doctor imposed limitations placed on his trainer, Mike Dusza. There could only be upper body exercises until his leg had the opportunity to heal with the help of new therapies. Bobby and Mike worked together for four years under these restrictions with the goal that one day all limits would be lifted. Fortunately, as time passed and the healing process continued, his progress became steady and this past year he was finally allowed full body exercise. As Mike says of Bobby, "Bobby knows that he cannot change what happened to him but he can choose to be a victim or take responsibility and learn from it and make the most of his life and what he has." This is exactly what he has accomplished. He's reached levels never imagined by his parents, by Mike or by his doctors. Bobby wants to speak to high school students about what he has learned in the years since the accident. His goals include driving again, working and contributing to society. He deserves to be honored tonight because he's an excellent role model for others in the Fighting Back Program to push for their goals and dreams and never stop, no matter what the odds.
Michael Overmars - Award Recipient
"When we saw our child lying on the hospital bed, we didn't care what the doctors said. My husband and I couldn't give up." Murial Overmars and her husband John recall how that went through their minds on many occasions as they watched their son Michael lay motionless in a deep coma. On February 26, 1984, a car Michael was a passeger in crashed into a tree. Nineteen at the time, Michael had just completed his studies at a trade school. He was a passionate rock musician and an athlete when the life he knew came to a standstill. He sustained severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, leaving him in a coma for more than four months. He needed to re-learn everything, even how to swallow. His parents fed him with a medicine dropper for a long time. Michael joined the Fighting Back program in 2003 and his trainer of seven years, Debbie Dominic, stresses how hard he has persevered through adversity. Debbie says that from Michael she's learned the importance of "really listening" to the people she's trying to help. She praises Michael as a "gentleman" and "a wonderful person." His family has been very involved in Michael's daily life. They attend his sessions with Debbie to cheer on hishard work and also take him on vacations with them. Their dedication to him is a wonderful example of the love and support that is so necessary in the healing process. They can't bring back the Michael they knew prior to the accident but they can make certain that he has the best quality of life he possibly can. Michael's accomplishments during his time at the Fighting Back Program are not always obvious to others, but he is one of the faces of Fighting Back and he is being honored tonight for his hard work and his courage, desire and perseverance.
Joe Sladek - Award Recipient
Joe Sledek arrives at the Fighting Back Program's gym with the goal of improving his quality of life, as well as encouraging others he meets who find themselves in similar situations. Joe calls his fellow Fighting Back Program participants a "Band of Brothers" because of their shared circumstance - dealing with a traumatic brain injury. Joe suffered a stroke in 1994 that left him incapacitated. After Joe's rehabilitation at Bryn Mawr Rehab ended, his doctors recommended the Fighting Back Program as a way to continue his healing. Joe took on this life challenge with his first Fighting Back trainer and was pleased with the result of his effort. In 2009 Joe, an avid Notre Dame football fan was thrilled to be attending the University of Notre Dame-Boston College game. Sadly while there he fell and fractured his skull in two places. Once again Joe found himself at Bryn Mawr Rehab and then returned to the program that had worked for him in the past, the Fighting Back Program. He's worked tirelessly on his recovery with his trainer, Josette Bound, for almost a year. Josette sats Joe's progress has been remarkable due to his perseverance and desire to improve his quality of life. Joe says Josette's influence convinced him "he could return to a level of normailty never thought possible." Joe Sladek is living proof that a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard can yield impressive results.