The spirit of Fairlawn's 20th anniversary celebration was evident in the many reunions between former patients and hospital staff.

Current and former patients and employees recently gathered at Fairlawn to celebrate the hospital's 20th anniversary.

The event included historical and pictorial exhibits, music, refreshments, and opportunities to try out the innovative new technologies being used at the hospital.

But the true spirit of the celebration came from the interaction between former patients and the Fairlawn staff who had helped them through their recoveries.

One such patient was 80-year-old Dean Ellsworth, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter. "We wanted to be at the celebration to thank the Fairlawn family for what they did for me … I never would have recovered the way I have without them. I owe them much thanks," said Ellsworth, treated at Fairlawn in 2003 for multi-trauma.

Michael Warner, the celebration's keynote speaker, expressed a similar sentiment. Now 33, practicing law in Philadelphia and a father-to-be, Warner came to Fairlawn 12 years ago after incurring a spinal cord injury in a swimming accident.

"When I first came to Fairlawn I didn't want to deal with the reality of my situation," he said. "It was only through the support and encouragement I received here that I was able to leave knowing full well that I was going to be okay. Fairlawn gave me the tools I needed to accomplish what I have," he said.

Amidst the many patient-staff reunions, current employees also enjoyed reuniting with former colleagues, some of whom were at Fairlawn when it converted to a rehabilitation focus.

The day's events also included a historical perspective from Dr. Howard Fixler, Fairlawn's first medical director, as well as presentations by Worcester Mayor Konnie Lukes and state Senator Harriet Chandler.

The formal program ended with the unveiling of a quilt made from tee shirts worn by staff during charitable events spanning the past 20 years. Noting that the quilt will hang in the hospital's lobby as a visible symbol of what Fairlawn is all about, Peter Mantegazza, CEO, said, "It will serve as a reminder that Fairlawn, a part of the fabric of the greater Worcester community, offers hope to others through its commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities."

Following his speech, Michael Warner enjoys talking with Dr. Sheree Estes.	Georgette Drapeau (left) a long-time Fairlawn employee was happy to see her former co-worker, Linda Prendiville.
Former patient George Bond and his mother visit with Carol Grigas, PTA.	Dr. Arthur Pappas, a founding member of Fairlawn's Board of Directors and current Chairman of the Board, was among those who attended the celebration.
Mayor Konnie Lukes and state Senator Harriet Chandler thanked Fairlawn for its service to the central Massachusetts' community.	Michael Warner and Clarence Perry, former Fairlawn patients, visit during the hospital's 20th anniversary celebration. The two became friends 10 years ago when they volunteered together in Fairlawn's injury prevention program for school children.
Peter Mantegazza (center), Fairlawn's CEO, and three former patients unveil a Quilt of Hope at the hospital's 20th anniversary celebration. The quilt, which now hangs in the hospital's lobby, was made from tee shirts worn by staff during events to benefit organizations serving people with disabilities. Former patients left to right: George Bond and Cathy Woods, both of whom received rehabilitation at Fairlawn following brain injuries, and Joanne Guyette, one of the first patients to be admitted to Fairlawn twenty years ago for stroke rehabilitation.