MANHASSET, NY -- Victoria Cioffi, Rachel Sieber, Bob Collins, and John Ragusa share a most unusual bond -- all four found themselves battling to regain their lives after tragic circumstances that left them incapacitated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). After going through months of intensive therapy, these four individuals were named “Outstanding Alumni” of Transitions of Long Island®  because of their determination to help other TBI victims on their journey.

During a recent news conference, the four proud graduates of Transitions’ multi-faceted therapy program shared their inspirational stories in the hope that their words would offer courage to others. Victoria Cioffi, 28, of New Hyde Park, suffered a brain tumor in 2007 that left her impaired for over a year. Now back to work, Ms. Cioffi was eager to share her knowledge with others. Mr. Collins, 49, of Seaford, was hit by a car in 2003, leaving him with a severe TBI. Interested in radio and the arts, he once operated his own weather station prior to his injury. He is now an accomplished photographer, often shooting parties and events at Transitions. His belief is that photography helps him focus, and he wants to let other TBI patients know a life with beauty is possible. Ms. Sieber, 33, of White Plains, had a stroke (a cryptogenic embolism) in 2002. Being able to speak was her primary challenge. Through sheer will, she earned a degree and became a full-time occupational therapist four years ago. Mr. Ragusa, 40, of Sands Point, was in a freak accident at his family’s auto business in 2008 – while trying to repair a 100-year-old antique car, the hand crank used to start the vehicle struck him in the forehead with such force that it left him partially paralyzed with a speech impediment.

Thanks to the kindness of an anonymous donor, Mr. Ragusa was able to receive a “leg cuff” from Bioness Inc., called a “Ness L300 leg”, which contains electrodes placed over key points in his leg and attached to a “sensor” in his shoe. The final component is a wireless hand-held remote control that powers the device and allowed John to walk. During the news conference, Mr. Ragusa kept his promise to “pay it forward” with a representative from Bioness by offering the leg to a TBI survivor in financial need.

Program director Jean Elbaum, PhD, said the four “outstanding alumni” represented the best of the human spirit -- a determination to triumph over tragedy and move forward with dignity and courage. Speaking on behalf of his friends, Mr. Ragusa sent a message to the anonymous donor whose generosity made it possible for him to walk. “Whoever you are, please know that your kindness will not end here. This leg will now be used by someone like me to provide hope for a future. This is how we ‘pay it forward,’” he said.

Part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System www.northshorelij.com, Transitions of Long Island® is a comprehensive neurorehabilitation program for individuals with neurological injuries, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumor, anoxia, encephalitis and mild head injury. The only program of its kind in the region, Transitions® provides both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. For more information, call 516-719-3700 or go to: www.northshorelij.com/NSLIJ/Transitions+of+Long+Island

Contact: Michelle Pinto
516-465-2649
mpinto@nshs.edu