Through our patients’ eyes

Offering the latest technology and expertise is important, but it’s only meaningful if it truly benefits patients. At Catholic Health, we’re proud of the trust patients place in us. Here’s what they have to say:

In 2007, NYPD officer Scot Abrams was on his police motorcycle, taking part in a funeral procession, when he was suddenly cut off. He lost control of the motorcycle and hit a bus head-on. When he woke up in the hospital, he was told he’d suffered a spinal cord injury, as well as a compound fracture; his entire left side was paralyzed.

Scot spent months in the hospital, relearning to speak, eat and even walk again using a cane and a leg brace. Finally, he returned to his home in Massapequa and continued physical therapy, starting at St. Charles Hospital Rehabilitation in Albertson. “They helped me achieve a quality of life that others told me I’d never have,” said Scot.

Even 16 years later, Scot is still getting occupational and physical therapy through St. Charles, currently at our location in Commack. “From the start to the present, the staff has been nothing but supportive and positive. They keep coming up with new ways to improve my mobility and help me get stronger.”

Last September, Scot, his wife Tara, and their 16-year-old son, Josh, completed the 5K Tunnels to Towers race in New York City (Josh pushed Scot in his wheelchair), an event that raises money for first responders.

Said Scot: “I always look forward to going to rehab, because I know I am in good hands. If it wasn’t for the knowledge and experience that the staff has, I probably would not be doing what I do with my family, and I wouldn’t be where I am mentally, in a great place.”

Gary Francis, an MRI technologist at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, was diagnosed with diabetes in 2019 and had been controlling his condition with medication. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy for him. We want to be there for our employees when they become patients, which is what happened to Gary. Last spring, he was admitted to St. Catherine with dangerously elevated sugar levels. That’s when he learned about Catholic Health’s Diabetes Management Program, which offers resources to improve health and prevent complications from diabetes. Gary’s back in control now and very grateful. “The support from the program is amazing, and I’m so thankful for their help.”