2009 Eagle Spirit Award Winners

On June 5, four individuals and one community organization received the Eagle Spirit Award at the 2009 Victories of Spirit Celebration. The award symbolizes the Eagle Spirit, a Navajo sign of the most potent healing power — one that elicits images of soaring, conquering and excelling. Victories of Spirit is a night that celebrates such triumphs and those who make them possible. Learn which programs benefited from the event.

Eagle Spirit Awards for Individual Achievement

Paul Jacobson

Paul Jacobson
In 2003, Paul’s life was forever changed when his car was hit by another vehicle, leaving him a quadriplegic. Paul’s recovery included extensive rehabilitation at Sharp Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Center. Paul has since worked to fulfill his commitment to be an ambassador for the spinal cord injured community. In addition to mentoring patients, Paul has served on the board of directors of two foundations that aid and support spinal cord injured patients.
Donald McGuiness 

Donald McGuiness
Donald, a retired US Navy captain, was close to death in December 2006 when doctors surgically implanted a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to assist his failing heart. After completing rehabilitation, Donald began a renewed life filled with meeting a new granddaughter, participating in a grandson’s wedding and attending his 60th high school reunion. These days, Donald volunteers his time at the Sharp Memorial Cardiac Unit to help patients facing similar challenges.
Kitty Kingsley

Kitty Kingsley
In 1999, Kitty suffered multiple fractures in a car accident, and developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a result of her injuries. During Kitty’s recovery and rehabilitation process, she continued to care for her mother and was a Welcome Wagon committee volunteer, providing baskets of baked goods to new community residents. In 2007, Kitty joined the Grossmont Hospital Auxiliary. She volunteers at Sharp Grossmont Rehabilitation Center where she is affectionately known as “The Flower Lady.”
Vicky Powell

Vicky Powell
Vicky, a healthy and active project manager at University of California Television (UCTV), suffered a stroke in 2007. With a “never-give-up” attitude, Vicky completed her rehabilitation in January 2009 and returned to work. Her busy life includes managing family and household activities, working at UCTV and organizing and volunteering for fundraising events. Vicky recently produced a successful video series on brain injuries titled, “Treating the Invisible Wounds of War.”

Eagle Spirit Award for Community Achievement

Survivors Rehabilitation Foundation

Survivors Rehabilitation Foundation (SRF) provides scholarships for Sharp Rehabilitation’s Day Treatment Program which helps patients integrate back into the community. SRF was founded by Ray Willenberg after his sister, Renee, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident. Robert DeRose became president of SRF after his daughter, Allison, suffered her second traumatic brain injury. Through Ray and Robert’s many fundraising endeavors, SRF has provided more than 130 scholarships. Last year, the Foundation funded a $350,000 endowment through Sharp HealthCare Foundation to ensure scholarships will continue.

Last Updated: August 17, 2009