MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact:
Jill Matejcek
904-345-7718; Mobile: 904-328-9531
jill.matejcek@brooksrehab.org
American astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark Kelly to speak at Brooks
Rehabilitations Celebrate Independence event on Sunday April 11th
What:

Brooks Rehabilitation invites you to join us as we Celebrate Independence. Our

keynote speaker will be Mark Kelly, Astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and
Inspirational Speaker. This year's event will feature a day of inspiring individuals,
exciting demonstrations, and valuable information all in the name of living life to its
fullest.

Who:

Mark Kelly is an American astronaut, retired US Navy Captain, best-selling author,

prostate cancer survivor, and an experienced naval aviator who flew combat missions
during the Gulf War. With over 6,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircrafts,
375 aircraft carrier landings, 39 combat missions and more than 50 days in space,
Astronaut Mark Kelly is one of our countrys most experienced pilots.
Already a celebrated American, Kelly became the center of international attention
after the January 2011 assassination attempt on his wife, former US Congresswoman
Gabrielle Giffords. He and his brother, Scott Kelly became the center of international
attention again in March of this year after NASA announced they will be using the
twins to study the effect living in space has on the human body.
Mark Kelly is an American hero who inspires others to be their best while remaining
true to their core values. He will be sharing his story of hope, resilience and courage
under pressure.

When:

SATURDAY, April 11, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.

Awards and Keynote Speaker Presentation begin at 11:15 a.m. Capt. Kelly will be
autographing copies of his book after his talk.
Capt. Kelly will hold a media conference from 10:00 11:00 a.m. This will be his
only available time for media interviews, although media is welcome to stay for his
keynote presentation. Please contact Jill Matejcek if you would like to be included.

Where:
Additional

Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital

3599 University Blvd. S., Jacksonville, FL 32216

Savannah Spicer will be receiving our Rehab Champion award. Savannah

Media
Opportunities:

was in a horrific car accident while on her way to Florida State University last
fall. As she was driving from Orlando to Tallahassee, her tire blew. She lost
control of the car and it flipped several times before finally landing in the
median. She sustained both brain and spinal cord injuries. When she arrived
at Brooks, she was confused, disoriented, had trouble speaking, and couldnt
walk. However, a week before she returned home Savannah took her first
steps. With the love and support of her family, and her own perseverance,
Savannah continues to make tremendous steps; literally and figuratively. She
is planning to head back to FSU in May, with a change in major to
Occupational Therapy.

Brooks Adaptive Sports hand cycling demonstrations from 12-1:45 pm and

3:30 5:00 pm.

About Brooks Rehabilitation

Brooks Rehabilitation has been serving the southeast for over 40 years. As a non-profit organization, Brooks
Rehabilitation, based in Jacksonville, FL, operates one of the nations largest inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in
the US with 157 beds, one of the regions largest home healthcare agencies, 26 outpatient rehabilitation clinics, a
skilled nursing unit dedicated to orthopedic rehabilitation, a rehabilitation medicine physician practice and a
campus designed for senior services with skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care. In addition, Brooks
Rehabilitation operates the Brooks Rehabilitation Clinical Research Center which specializes in research for
stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and more to advance the science of rehabilitation. Brooks Rehabilitation
also provides many low or no cost community programs and services such as the Brooks Clubhouse and our
Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program to improve the quality of life for people living with physical
disabilities. For more information, visit BrooksRehab.org