Philadelphia (September 1999)--Messrs. Gerald S. Segal, Esq., and Mark Chilutti were honored by the Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities during dinner ceremonies at the Nittany Lion Inn on Tuesday evening, September 14, 1999.

The two former Magee patients were among only seven persons honored by the organization. Jerry Segal was honored with the Individual Distinguished Service Award, and Mark Chilutti was presented with the Empowerment Happens Award.

Jerry Segal was honored for his unstinting philanthropy and tireless service on behalf of Magee's patients. Segal is a quadriplegic who, in an amazing recovery, has long since resumed his successful law practice and his favorite leisure time activity, playing golf. He is also Magee's foremost benefactor. He is the creator of the Jerry Segal Golf Classic for the benefit of Magee Rehabilitation. Now in its tenth year, the Classic has raised well over $1.5 million for patient programs and services at Magee, including: patient transportation vans; Community Re-Entry Scholarships; computers and computer training for patients; physical therapy equipment for the hospital and for patients in need, and the Jerry and Carolyn Segal Center for Community Skills, a one-of-a-kind rooftop streetscape where patients practice and prepare for real world challenges.

Mark Chilutti's Empowerment Award recognized his courage, determination and selfless contributions on behalf of Magee's patients. Chilutti was a Magee patient on two occasions, most recently in rehabilitation from a shooting that left him a paraplegic. Despite his injury Mark has rebounded and has undertaken leadership roles in many activities for Magee's patients. He is a volunteer for the Segal Classic. In 1999, he chaired the Magee Derby, raising a record $48,500 for Magee's wheelchair sports programs. Mark is also a Peer Mentor for spinal cord-injured patients, and is a lead speaker in Think First, Magee's youth assembly programs that warn about risk-associated activities. In addition, Mark has personally sponsored holiday parties for patients, assuring that they and their families have the opportunity to share the joy of the season and gifts to open.

Magee is the Philadelphia region's original provider of physical and cognitive rehabilitation. The not-for-profit health organization, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides lifetime rehabilitation and wellness programs for persons with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputation, orthopedic injury, joint replacement, geriatric illnesses and work injury.