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Success Stories from Jefferson Moss-Magee's Adolescent and Young Adult Program
Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Center City treats around 40 adolescent and young adult patients annually, helping them recover from severe injuries and illnesses such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and amputation. Magee's Adolescent and Young Adult Program supports patients aged 14 to 21 in maintaining their academic and vocational goals during rehabilitation. These young individuals face the risk of dropping out of school due to the long recovery periods required. The challenges of emotional and physical recovery can make staying engaged in school seem less urgent. The program aims to prevent long-term negative outcomes like unemployment, poor health, mental health struggles, and social withdrawal – all of which disproportionately affect young people with new disabilities. The program is led by Vilma Mazziol, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Adolescent & Young Adult Program Coordinator. Each year, Vilma plays an integral role in dozens of young adults lives, and here are two of her success stories from this past year.
Tommy came to Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Center City in the Summer of 2023 after sustaining a C5 Spinal Cord Injury due to a diving accident. Tommy was enrolled at Shepherd University, with only his senior co-op assignments to complete to graduate with this Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Promotion and Exercise Science. Tommy always loved playing baseball, and even coached young players. Since Tommy was so close to earning his bachelor’s degree, Vilma contacted his Advisor at Shepherd University, and she was so supportive in helping Tommy earn his bachelor’s degree. Through the support of the Adolescent & Young Adult Program at Magee, Tommy was able to receive a scholarship to help pay for his remaining tuition. His Advisor allowed Tommy to use his experience at Magee to complete the three remaining senior co-op assignments, which lead to Tommy earning his bachelor’s degree on May 4, 2024. All of Tommy’s Doctors, Nurses and Therapists at Magee are so proud of all his accomplishments.
It was one month prior to starting Senior Year in High School in 2023, when Alex sustained a Spinal Cord Injury due to a fall. Prior to Alex’s injury, he always had a dream of becoming an airplane pilot. However, after the injury, Alex was only focused on completing all of the necessary schoolwork in order to graduate in June of 2024. Vilma worked with Alex’s high school to get the curriculum and resources needed for Alex to stay on track to graduate. All the hard work and determination paid off, because on June 5, 2024, Alex graduated from High School with plans to enroll in college classes in the Fall of 2024.
The Adolescent and Young Adult Program at Magee is not covered by insurance, and is offered free of charge to patients through funding from grants and donations. Since its inception in 2008, this program has proven instrumental in countless young adults lives, helping patients remain active in school, facilitate their return to school after discharge, and support on-time graduation and college entry.
If you would like to learn more about the Adolescent and Young Adult Program, please email Vilma.Mazziol@jefferson.edu.