As a 37-year survivor of a brain injury, Marvel Vena understands the unique issues that neurointensive care patients and their families endure. She is devoted to making positive changes for patients both locally and nationally, and as a volunteer at Rush she has touched the lives of thousands of patients and their families. Her devotion to helping others turn disability into possibility has earned her this year’s Eugene J-M.A. Thonar, PhD, Award.
“Marvel has embraced Dr. Thonar’s achievements in helping patients relish life differently,” says Barbara Klawans, who has worked closely with Vena through Rush’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program. “They both display positive attitudes and push the boundaries as crusaders for patients with fundamental desires to transition from vulnerable to developing resilience in spite of their disabilities.”
Making sure ‘someone is there to help them’
At Rush, Vena was instrumental in the creation of the Family Information Group. Founded in 2002, the group meets with families of current neurointensive care unit patients every Wednesday afternoon. The purpose of the group is to provide necessary information needed to navigate through treatment and recovery.