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Volkswagen Group of America Donates Specially-Modified 2015 Passat to MedStar National Rehabilitation Network for Patient Therapy

WASHINGTON, DC – For disabled patients who hope to one day restore their independence by driving again, that day is a little closer. This past week, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. donated a specially-modified 2015 Passat, with wrapping courtesy of GEICO, to MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (MedStar NRH).

The Passat’s decorative wrapping features GEICO Geckos, VW keys and each company’s logo. The stationary vehicle is designed to help patients recovering from a variety of disabling injuries and illnesses such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord and orthopaedic injuries, learn to safely transfer in and out of a car. The vehicle also serves an integral role in the MedStar NRH Driver’s Education Program’s evaluation process of patients yearning to regain the independence that only a driver’s license can provide. In both cases, patients are assisted by MedStar NRH occupational therapists.

“This generous gift helps our patients relearn skills that promote improved motor function and independence, and those skills learned in the hospital setting are immediately transferrable in a community setting,” said John Rockwood, President, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and Senior Vice President, MedStar Health. “Both VW and GEICO connect with this goal, and understand that for our patients there is no greater independence than being able to travel in a car. We are truly honored that VW and GEICO have chosen to partner with us to make this new training vehicle a reality.”

The car was officially installed earlier this fall and patients have received tremendous benefit out of the vehicle. The VW video production team is chronicling the installation and unveiling of the vehicle for a special video to be released soon on the company’s media site.

“Volkswagen is proud to support MedStar NRH and its endeavors to help patients who have overcome incredible circumstances regain the autonomy of entering and egressing from a vehicle, as well as relearn driving skills,” said Machelle Williams, General Manager, Diversity & Corporate Social Responsibility, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are honored that the 2015 Passat can play such an important role in this next phase of the recovery process for MedStar NRH patients.”

“The benefits that the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network achieves on behalf of patients are remarkable,” said Greg Kalinsky, GEICO senior vice president and a member of the MedStar NRH board of directors.  “They can and have enriched the lives of many and we are pleased that we can support their breakthroughs.”

The post Volkswagen Group of America Donates Specially-Modified 2015 Passat to MedStar National Rehabilitation Network for Patient Therapy appeared first on VWVortex.



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