Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center celebrates third annual Night of Recognition

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center, located at WVU Healthcare’s Ruby Memorial Hospital, will celebrate the success stories of four patients and recognize the individuals who assisted in their care at the third annual Night of Recognition, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa.

“The care of trauma patients includes many healthcare providers – from the first responders who arrive on the scene to the doctors and nurses in the hospital to the rehabilitation staff,” Alison Wilson, M.D., director of the Trauma Center, said. “This event recognizes individuals from every aspect of the healthcare spectrum and helps them and the patients they cared for see just how vital each person is to a successful outcome.”

During the awards program, the stories of four patients who overcame insurmountable odds will be told. Each patient and representatives of each stage of his or her care will be presented with a Cornerstone of Recovery Award. Approximately 80 awards will be presented. The four patient honorees include:
•    Thomas Bonar, 51, of McMechen, who was injured in an ATV accident
•    Cpl. Shannon Loudin, 36, of Buckhannon, a state trooper who was shot on the job
•    Larry Wise, 58, of Jollytown, Pa., who was injured while working in a coal mine
•    Marissa Wolfe, 10, of Idamay, who was injured in a bike accident

“Each one of these four patients sustained very serious injuries and experienced remarkable recoveries,” Dr. Wilson said. “We are looking forward to seeing them again and to honoring the folks who helped get them there.”

Through sponsorship and ticket sales, proceeds from the Night of Recognition will provide crucial funds to the School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery to help support the Trauma Center’s Injury Prevention Outreach Program, which provides education to people of all ages.

The Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center was created in the 1980s with the assistance and support of the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd. It is named for Byrd’s grandson, who died as a result of an automobile crash. Each year, the Trauma Center treats more than 3,000 patients from all over West Virginia, as well as those from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland.