CNI Events
2012 Cindy Acree Hope Awards Celebration
Saturday, April 14, 2012
On Saturday, April 14, about 185 people from across the community gathered in Englewood, Colorado for the 2012 Cindy Acree Hope Awards Celebration. The event, presented by the Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI), honored inspiring patients who show great courage and determination in the face of a neurological condition. The awards are named in honor of Colorado State Representative Cindy Acree, an epilepsy and stroke survivor.
At this year’s celebration, five patients were honored with the Cindy Acree Hope Award:
Elise Daly
Cochlear Implant Recipient
Elise is a bright, vibrant 3rd grader who radiates confidence with her feisty spirit and infectious smile. Diagnosed with hearing loss at birth, Elise has undergone bilateral cochlear implant surgery which allows her to hear every beat of the music during the ice skating competitions which are her passion. Now, instead of silence, Elise’s life is filled with the joyful shouts of hope and promise.
Greg Jarvis
Huntington's Disease Patient
Upon learning that he carries the gene for Huntington’s Disease, a hereditary and degenerative neurological disorder, Greg has seized every opportunity to become a beacon of hope for others. He participates in research studies and has launched a national mentoring program for newly diagnosed patients. Leading by example, Greg also serves with the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, as the Advocacy Chair and now as Chapter President.
Bob Miller
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
In 2011, Bob was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and lost the use of his legs. Faced with the possibility of never leaving his wheelchair, Bob began intensive physical therapy with his “second family”, the staff at CNI’s NeuroHealth Center. His amazing efforts paid off and now he is walking again, with plans to play golf again someday. Bob reports that his illness and journey back to health have been his teachers, giving him compassion, humility and the gift of hope.
Shelley Sadler
Young stroke survivor
As a young, active woman, Shelley never dreamed she would experience a stroke while out walking with her dog. Today, she is extremely grateful for the outstanding care of her medical team at Swedish and CNI in helping her navigate through her recovery, bringing hope for a “new normal.” Shelley has returned to work full-time and is back hiking with her beloved pup in the Colorado sunshine.
Eric Sondeen
Spinal Tumor Survivor
As a paramedic/firefighter for over 30 years, Eric knew Swedish Hospital was the place to go when his chest and back pains became unbearable. After being diagnosed with a spinal tumor, Eric underwent surgery and began recovery. One week later, he was back with his co-workers, riding in a motorcycle sidecar and five months after that, he was paddling an outrigger canoe with the Pink Paddlers Cancer Survivors in Hawaii. Today, Eric celebrates the importance of hope as a mentor with the Firefighters Cancer Support Network.
About the Hope Awards Celebration
The annual Cindy Acree Hope Awards is a community event that celebrates CNI patients who have shown great courage in the face of a neurological condition. Established in 1999, the Hope Awards Celebration is named in honor of the Honorable Cindy Acree, who in 1991 underwent brain surgery for epilepsy, suffered a stroke, exhibited tenacity and courage throughout her recovery and continues to work tirelessly to promote education about and awareness of neurological conditions. Ms. Acree is a Colorado State Representative, past chairman of the CNI Board of Directors and a major contributor to CNI's volunteer successes. The Hope Award is named for her daughter, Hope, another example of Cindy's miracles.
Please scroll down for pictures and video from the event.
Highlights from the 2012 Hope Awards Celebration
2012 Hope Awards recipients, members of their medical teams, and awards namesake Representative Cindy Acree.
From left to right, 2012 Hope Award recipient Shelley Sadler, awards namesake Cindy Acree, CNI NeuroHealth Center Physician Dr. Ira Chang.
From left to right, awards namesake Cindy Acree, 2012 Hope Award recipient Elise Daly, CNI Hearing Center Director Dr. David Kelsall.
From left to right, CNI NeuroHealth Center Director Ellen Belle, 2012 Hope Award recipient Bob Miller, awards namesake Cindy Acree.
From left to right, CNI Movement Disorders Center Director Dr. Rajeev Kumar, awards namesake Cindy Acree, 2012 Hope Award recipient Greg Jarvis.
From left to right, 2012 Hope Award recipient Eric Sondeen, awards namesake Cindy Acree, John Novak, Physician Assistant to CNI Center for Brain and Spinal Tumors Director Dr. Alex West.
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