2019 Victories of Spirit Celebration

On May 18, 2018, three individuals and one community organization received the Eagle Spirit Award at the 2018 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.

Joan Embery-Pillsbury

Joan is all about the animals. She has spent her life as a conservationist, public speaker and equestrian. While leading a team of safari instructors in Africa, Joan suffered a stroke. During her time at Sharp Grossmont Rehabilitation Center, Joan learned to overcome her physical impairments. With persistence and determination, she has returned to operating her horse ranch. She also works with young people, including those with special needs, to develop their skills and ability to integrate in the community.

Hydred Makabali

When she was 18, Hydred sustained serious injuries in a car accident that left her a paraplegic. Although faced with adversity, she continued to follow her passion for art and music. Hydred reaches out to other women with newly acquired spinal cord injuries to serve as a mentor. She also works with Colours Wheelchair, an organization that designs custom wheelchairs to fit the personality of the owner. Hydred is a true inspiration.

Steve Scott

Steve experienced a workplace injury and became paraplegic due to complications from surgery. With the support of his wife and daughter, Steve has not let his circumstances hold him back. He continues the activities he loves including skydiving, snorkeling and flying. Today, he teaches others to fly sailplanes and helps young people fly model planes. Steve retains his positive outlook and believes that being in a wheelchair is just a speed bump in the road of life.

Rehabilitation Care Coordination

For more than 30 years, Rehabilitation Core Coordination has been the model for comprehensive nationwide nurse case management and life-care planning. Helping individuals when they are most vulnerable, Rehabilitation Care Coordination advocates for patients to obtain the best possible outcomes in a complex health care and legal environment.