Visitation at
HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Baton Rouge
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Visitation at
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Cliff parks his bike next to the Police Harley. hoping some of the qualities such as good looks and function will rub off on his bike. But in this world of fickle tastes, it is to no avail.
We are met by a wonderful group of folks from Hanger and HealthSouth to join us for our "arrival ride." There is only one criterion for being in our pictures... you must be taller than Abel. Chris stands tall behind Joe, Mike to his left, Robert, our bilateral role model for Hanger, Jay Tew, Bob, a bilateral bicycle celebrity in his own right, Cliff, and Abel, flanked on either side by the two women who do all of the work at Hanger.
Joe gets ready to mount up and ride in the Hanger-HealthSouth Criterion and Speed Trials. Cliff can be heard sitting on his bicycle making motorcycle sounds with his lips.
Baton Rouge's finest manage to keep up with Joe's blistering speed of almost 1.5 miles per hour as he puts the Bubble Bike through its paces.
Shown here, running neck and neck, one of Jay's daughters sprints past Joe and Cliff as they sprint to the finish line to the approval of all of the HealthSouth staff and patients.
Ken Alexander, the HealthSouth CEO wishes Cliff better luck next time as Cliff, with the look of dejection and defeat slinks off to give patients an inspirational talk of encouragement about tripping little girls who get in his way. As a mark of favor, HealthSouth of Baton Rouge is vying for the coveted Abel Cruz Giant Among Men Award given each year to the Louisiana facility that gives the riders the most perks. The rooms with jacuzzis, with the generous support of Hanger, may very well have pushed Baton Rouge to the top. All returns are not in as yet. Some of the spectators, carrying, "We Love Billy B" signs were seen working the crowd.
After being feted, dined, and pampered, the AAA traveling circus was back visiting patients. It didn't take long to find two of the miracles of rehabilitation. Chelsey: we all fell in love with her indomitable spirit and that special quality that just shines through. We will someday say that we were proud to have known her. You go girl and don't you dare to even stumble in your recovery. You have great things yet to accomplish. Mohammed: You have proven everyone wrong. You have done what everyone said you could not do. We are in awe of your recovery and never give up attitude. You are an inspiration to everyone that meets you and we are no exception. You, and the other patients of HealthSouth will help us turn the pedals and climb the mountains.
We schmooze Selena hoping that she will declare Joe the winner in the Great Abel-Joe Race to the Heights of Man. As Abel is having difficulty accepting the fact that his days of growth spurts are over, Joe and Cliff hunch over to make him look taller.
Abel shamelessly politics for votes.
While Doc declares Joe the obvious winner.
Joe demonstrates his rare ability to blow into his hands, thereby lifting his hat, affording him several more inches of height. This should weigh heavily with the judges but they are apparently unimpressed.
After visiting the patients, the team poses with Roxane, the DMO (Director of Marketing Operations) and BBA (Bill Bush's Antagonist) and Jay Tew, the local Hanger guy, both who made our visit memorable. We think the chauffeured limo and supply of height enhancing drugs to Abel may be enough to break the tie with the Alexandria facility. But all returns are not in yet and the continued, but shameless politiking by the BB contingent may still influence our choice of the Abel Cruz Giant Among Men Award winner.
As our trip progresses, and we visit more and more of the HealthSouth facilities, we have come to realize that every facility is a winner. Each visitation has a flavor all its own and we are the benefactor. And Baton Rouge was no exception. We thank you for your wonderful support, the warm hospitality, the undeserved appreciation for what we do and our heartfelt gratitude for letting us spend a day with you and with your patients. You make our trip what it is and we thank you for letting us share in what you do every day of the year. You are special and we look forward to a return visit.
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