News Detail

Boston, MA - On Wednesday December 16th, Spaulding Rehab held a Patriots Holiday Rally for all patients and families. In addition to the music, gifts, prizes and even Patriot Cheerleaders there was an even bigger surprise; a visit from Patriots legend and stroke survivor Tedy Bruschi.

"I have a special relationship with Spaulding being a patient here myself. Seeing the great people who work here and amazing things they do to help people is inspiring," said Bruschi. "To be able to come back here and visit with patients who had strokes like I had, it's truly an honor for me to be here."

Tedy visited with patients on the Spaulding Pediatric Unit and Stroke Unit in addition to greeting all the patients who attended the rally, signing autographs and posing for pictures. The first player in NFL history to return to the field after a stroke, Tedy talked about overcoming adversity and finding resiliency you didn't know you had. He also spoke proudly how the majority of his career tackles came after his stroke including his highest single season total.

Tedy Bruschi is an inspiration to millions world wide with his dynamic recovery from a stroke in addition to being one of the greatest players in New England Patriots history. From his best selling book, "Never Give Up" to his Train to End Stroke Boston Marathon team through the American Heart Association in addition to his advocacy work on behalf of Spaulding, Tedy has raised awareness on the Signs of Stroke as well as resources out there to help those recover.

"To have someone of Tedy's stature stand as a symbol to our patients of the types of recovery they might achieve has an immeasurable impact," said SRH spokesman Tim Sullivan. "Tedy's words were inspiring but taking the time to spend with the patients, families and staff truly lifted everyone spirits during this Holiday season."

See also:
NECN.com: Tedy Bruschi surprises patients at Spaulding Hospital
WHDH.com: Tedy Bruschi visits with local hospital patients
Tedy Bruschi Remarkable Recovery Profile

About Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
A member of Partners HealthCare, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is the flag ship facility of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, which includes the Spaulding main campus, a 196-bed facility, located in Boston, MA, Spaulding Hospital Cambridge, Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital three skilled nursing facilities: North End Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Boston Center for Rehabilitation and Sub-Acute Care, and the Clark House, as well as sixteen outpatient sites throughout the Greater Boston area. Spaulding is a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School as well as the official rehabilitation hospital of the New England Patriots. Spaulding is the only rehabilitation hospital in New England continually ranked since 1995 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Hospitals survey. For more information, please visit www.spauldingrehab.org.

- END -