NeuroRestorative Illinois was honored to be selected by the Brain Injury Association of Illinois as the recipient of the 2014 James Brady Award. Each year, the award is presented to an individual or organization that works to improve the lives of people affected by brain injury in the state of Illinois.
Named in recognition of former Brain Injury Association of America Chairman and advocate James S. Brady, the James Brady Award is awarded to recipients who exemplify Brady’s willingness and motivation to assist and advocate for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brady, the former White House Press Secretary to President Ronald Reagan, suffered and sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a gunshot wound during an assassination attempt on the President in 1981. Brady is widely known for his advocacy around gun control and for people with brain injury. Brady, who passed away at the age of 73 this past August, was a leader in the passage of the TBI Act of 1996.
“It was a wonderful experience to receive an award acknowledging all of the great work we do for individuals with brain injury in this country. It reinforces the work we as a company do every day,” said Chris Williamson, Regional Vice President for the Central Division of NeuroRestorative, who accepted the award on behalf of the company.
“It is special knowing that NeuroRestorative is now associated with someone that served a former president and was injured in the line of duty. James Brady himself experienced what over 800 people we serve every day experience. We, as staff, try to empathize with our participants and their experiences, but ultimately we, fortunately, do not live with brain injury. This award recognizes our caring, compassion, and the high quality outcomes we provide to people every day no matter what obstacle we or the participant experiences,” added Williamson.