In the spring of 2004, Andy Marso was a senior journalism student at The University of Kansas, looking forward to graduation and getting that first job. But all that changed over a weekend when he suddenly became gravely ill, and was rushed to The University of Kansas Hospital.

            Doctors diagnosed him with a severe case of bacterial meningitis, and were not sure if he’d survive. He was hospitalized for 141 days, losing part of his hands and feet, and then went to rehab where he worked to regain his independence.

            Today, Andy’s a successful journalist, reporting on health stories for the Kansas Health Institute. The rehabilitation department at The University of Kansas Hospital honored Andy for his perseverance and success by inducting him into the hospital’s Rehab Hall of Fame.

            The video includes the induction ceremony, in which a video showing his story was played, an interview with Andy in which he talks about what it means to be honored by this induction, what he was thinking 11 years ago when it first happened to him and what he would say to patients just starting the rehab journey today. Also on video is Chris Ruder, the hospital’s vice president of patient services, who remembers Andy’s stay 11 years ago, and what an inspiration he was for the whole staff.