WAYNE, N.J. (Jan. 10, 2014)—The Maddak & Morph Wheels Most Inspirational Client Award was initiated as a way for providers of rehabilitation services to honor and recognize their clients, specifically wheelchair users, who continually inspire them by overcoming challenges and living life with a positive, can-do attitude. Susan Tulanowski, Marketing Manager at Maddak Inc., manufacturer of Morph Foldable Wheelchair Wheels, says. "We regularly hear about amazing people who have faced enormous challenges in their lives and every day they go out and live life to its fullest. This contest was a way to honor these people and share their stories as a way to inspire others."

Grand Prize Winner - Courtney Sanchelli (right)

"The Most Inspirational Client Award was open to all rehabilitation professionals in the United States including occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses and assistive technology providers. Clients are often very humble about their accomplishments, but the professionals who work with them on a regular basis see first-hand the challenges and spirit with which they approach life and this contest gave them the opportunity to further strengthen their relationship. Any manual wheelchair user could be nominated by a rehabilitation professional. And, Tulanowski stressed, "Choosing the winner was a random process. Nominations were entered into a random drawing and one grand prize winner was chosen along with four runner ups."

The grand prize winning nomination was submitted by Kristina Zusi an LPN with Loving Care Agency in West Milford, N.J. Her nominee was Courtney Sanchelli from Oakridge, N.J. According to Zusi, "Courtney is a 17-year-old quadriplegic on a ventilator. She was in a car accident at the age of four and she inspires me every day. She wakes up, sits in her wheelchair and goes to public school where she is a senior getting ready to graduate. Courtney doesn't let her disability get her down. She rolls through the hallways with a smile saying 'hello' to everyone."

Courtney will be receiving a set of Morph Foldable Wheelchair Wheels valued at $950.Designed for wheelchair users who like to be on-the-go, Morph Wheels fold to almost half their open size to simplify car and air travel. When asked how a set of Morph Wheels could enhance Courtney's life Zusi replied, "Courtney's current wheels make pushing her in and out of the van so difficult. These foldable wheels would be smoother and easier to store when she is not in her chair." Zusi received a $100 Visa gift card for submitting the winning entry.

The four runner-up nominees and nominators all received $50 Visa gift cards. Click here to read their stories and learn more about the Maddak & Morph Wheels Most Inspirational Client Award.