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Philadelphia, Pa Magee Rehabilitation Hospitala U.S News&World Report Best Hospital, will honor local Paralympics Bronze Medalist, Laura Schwanger, at a rooftop cookout on top of the hospital on Friday, September 26 at 12:30 pm. The cookout is part of Magee's National Rehabilitation Week celebration, which honors those devoted to rehabilitation and those who have benefited from it.

Schwanger, who resides in Elkins Park, brought home the bronze medal for the arms-only singles rowing event during the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. The medal is Schwanger's twelfth.

"I have four gold from Korea, three sliver and a bronze from Barcelona, and three silver from Atlanta," said Schwanger, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis while serving in the Army in 1981. "But they were for track and field events. The Paralympics in Beijing were my first as a rower, and I'm proud of my bronze medal."

Although Schwanger was never a patient at Magee, she credits the hospital with introducing her to wheelchair sports.

"Through Magee, I learned about wheelchair sports. Within their sports program, I participated in track and field, softball and swimming and then branched out to other programs, even slide hockey," said Schwanger.

"We're proud of all of our wheelchair athletes," said Magee's Director of Public Relations, Kerry O'Connor. "But when someone like Laura comes along, who exemplifies all we try to do-- helping people regain their independence and help them follow their passions and interests--we felt it was important to acknowledge her so others might be inspired."

*A founding member of the Jefferson Health System, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital is the Philadelphia regions first rehab hospital. Along with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Magee Rehabilitation is one of 14 federally designated model Regional Spinal Cord Injury Centers. Celebrating its 50th year in operation in 2008, the hospital is authorized to treat wounded military personnel returning from war.

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If you are you a member of the media interested in Magee, please contact:

Kerry R.O'Connor
Director, Public Relations
Magee Rehabilitation Hospital
Six Franklin Plaza
Philadelphia, Pa 19102
(215) 587-3363
KOConnor@MageeRehab.org
MageeRehab.org