Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Unveils Commemorative Boston Strong Painting by Celebrity Artist, Brian Fox
Boston, MA -- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital hosted a dedication reception on Thursday, April 3rd at the hospital’s flagship location in Charlestown, where 32 of the Boston Marathon bombing survivors went for rehabilitative care and many still come for outpatient care and support. Survivors, first responders, families, clinicians, corporate leaders and local celebrities such as Matt Light and New England Patriot Rob Ninkovich joined together for an exclusive unveiling of the powerful painting “Endurance” donated to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital by celebrity artist, Brian Fox. The marathon prelude event honored the perseverance of survivors and their families, celebrated Boston Strong, recognized Spaulding’s expertise and showcased Fox’s tribute piece.
Long-time Boston Marathon commentator and WBZ-TV News Anchor, Lisa Hughes emceed the ceremony. David E. Storto, President of Partners Continuing Care and Spaulding Rehabilitation, marathon survivor Heather Abbott and Steve Pagliuca, Boston Celtics Managing General Partner, a Bain Capital Managing Director, and ONE Fund supporter offered remarks and individual perspectives as we approach the one year anniversary of the 2013 Boston Marathon.
Marathon Survivor Heather Abbott said to the attendees, “I can’t tell you how much this piece means to me and will mean to the others who lost their limbs last April. It truly represents what happened to us and how far we have all come. It is a true symbol of our resilience, the City’s support and our collective ability to ‘cross the finish line’. When others come through the doors of Spaulding feeling down and hopeless this painting will remind them hope exists.”
It was also announced that signed limited edition prints are available for purchase at www.brianfoxstudios.com. Proceeds from the purchase will go towards Spaulding’s Race for Rehab Marathon team which raises money to support Spaulding’s care and research programs. This year’s Spaulding team has over 100 members many of whom cared for marathon survivors and are running in their honor. For more information or to support the team visit http://giving.spauldingnetwork.org/raceforrehab.
Storto announced, “We are thrilled that Brian Fox has donated the “Endurance” piece to Spaulding. His captivating painting not only honors a significant event in Boston history and the motivational Boston Strong attitude, it reinforces Spaulding’s “Find Your Strength” messaging that we share with patients, families and practitioners on a daily basis, in all our locations. Prior to contacting us, Brian was unaware of the extensive, therapeutic art collection at our new waterfront facility. He simply, and selflessly, was motivated to honor the survivors and the city with his creative abilities – and wanted to be sure his painting lives on in a space devoted to Boston Marathon survivors. Brian Fox’s enduring gift will inspire patients and staff as they work toward healthier outcomes.”
Fall River-based Brian Fox is a tremendous talent best known for his iconic portrait of the New England Patriots pointing towards the heavens and the initials MHK, a tribute to Myra Kraft. The local artist talent has captured sports and entertainment greats including Tom Brady, Steven Tyler, Bono, Matt Light, Mark Wahlberg, Micky Ward, Curt Shilling and Jerry Remy. Fox has done work for Disney, Major League Baseball, the NHL and corporate leaders, and his paintings have been showcased in Boston, New York and Los Angeles galleries. The well-connected, unassuming painter explains, “I felt compelled to capture this heartbreaking moment in history and honor the incredible spirit of the survivors, the city of Boston and the running community. “Endurance” was a labor of love and I cannot think of a better recipient for this gift than Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.”
About the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Founded in 1971, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston is one of the largest rehabilitation facilities in the United States, and ranked the 6th top rehabilitation hospital in the country by U.S. News & World Report. As the official teaching hospital of the Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Spaulding is at the forefront of research in advances in rehabilitative care. In April 2013, Spaulding opened a new 132-bed facility in Charlestown which is a national model for environmental and inclusive design. With a wide range of inpatient programs and 23 outpatient centers throughout Eastern Massachusetts, Spaulding strives to continually update and improve its programs to offer patients the latest, high-quality care through its leading, expert providers. Spaulding has been awarded a Model Systems designation in three specialty areas- Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury Rehabilitation- by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. For more information, please visit www.spauldingrehab.org
About Brian Fox
Brian Fox is a highly-regarded artist known for painting professional athletes and today’s superstars. Brian has painted some of the biggest icons of our time including the late Jackie Robinson, Keith Richards, Derek Jeter, Jim Morrison, Jackie Onassis, Gene Simmons, Johnny Depp, Bruce Springsteen and Muhammad Ali, to name just a few. Over the course of his 20-year career, Brian has forged numerous relationships with professional athletes and their organizations (Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, Ryan Howard, etc.) to raise significant funds for non-profit foundations. Fox was selected as the official commemorative artist for Major League Baseball’s 2007, 2008 and 2009 All Star Games, and was the official artist for the 2007 World Series in Boston. In 2009 & 2010, Brian was also commissioned by the NHL to produce original artwork for the 2010 & 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. Brian’s impeccable draftsmanship, attention to detail and uncanny ability to capture the look of his subjects also makes him a sought-after talent for high-powered business executives. For more details on Brian Fox’s artwork, visit www.brianfoxstudios.com.