NeuroRestorative New Jersey participant Emilee Ballinghoff was recently featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
A participant of NeuroRestorative New Jersey’s day treatment program in Galloway, Emilee, now 21 years old, sustained a brain injury and physical injuries, including amputation of her leg, from a car crash in 2013. Since the accident, Emilee has exhibited an optimistic attitude, living by the motto that she is not “handicapped,” but “handi-capable.”
DeGeneres recognized Emilee for her infectious spirit and outlook on life during the episode. On the show, Emiliee explained to DeGeneres that she has always been a huge fan of the show and that watching the program helped her stay optimistic when she was in the hospital after the car accident.
Emilee, sometimes referred to as “Dory” by her friends and family, the good-hearted fish with short-term memory loss from the Disney movie classic “Finding Nemo,” shared on the show that she hopes to go to college to become a physical therapist in order to help other rehabilitative amputees on their paths to independence. DeGeneres awarded Emilee with a $20,000 check-provided by Shutterfly– to help her achieve her dream, as well as a year of free rides from Uber.
Watch the episode featuring Emilee, found here.