Anne Verrill accepts NERHP's National Rehab Week Patient Award (and a hug) from Amy Morse, on behalf of her daughter Emma. Emma was away at college at the time of the ceremony.

In 2003, at the age of 15, Emma Verrill of Yarmouth, sustained a spinal cord injury as a complication of surgery on her spine and became paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this catastrophic injury, Emma never missed a beat! She worked hard at her outpatient rehab program while at New England Rehab Hospital. She was highly motivated and was eager to explore new technologies that would benefit her.

Emma returned to school in March of 2004. She continued to excel, participating in numerous extracurricular activities including Yarmouth Playmakers and becoming Class President. Emma continued to display courage and was a role model for all students. Her attitude helped her achieve total independence. She graduated from high school with high honors and spent part of the summer in Europe on her own. Emma now attends Bowdoin College.

Emma's New England Rehab physician, Dr. Elissa Charbonneau, states "When I see Emma, I don't even see a wheelchair. I see a beautiful, accomplished young woman with a great smile and a bright future!"