Drake Center Names Bob & Lee Woodruff Recipients of Spirit of Drake, Diamond Awards

Cincinnati, OH--In two separate events on Tuesday, April 1, ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and his wife, Lee, spoke on behalf of the more than 1.4 million Americans with traumatic brain injuries, and most specifically soldiers returning from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Woodruffs were in Cincinnati to raise funds for Drake Center, the region's leader in helping traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients reclaim their lives. More than 800 attended the lunch and dinner events raising nearly $300,000 for Drake Center.

Bob Woodruff was wounded in a war zone when he sustained a life-threatening traumatic brain injury from a roadside bomb in Iraq in January 2006. The Woodruffs chronicled their family's journey to recovery in the best-selling memoir, In An Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing. They have since dedicated themselves to putting a face on the serious issue of traumatic brain injury, most specifically in helping wounded soldiers receive rehabilitative care close to home in facilities like Drake Center.

In recognition of their efforts, Drake Center honored the Woodruffs with their annual Spirit of Drake and Diamond Awards.

2008 Spirit of Drake Award: Given to Lee Woodruff, this annual award honors an individual or entity who has shown courage, character, perseverance and vision, and who has served as a source of inspiration for patients and families of the Drake Center. Mrs. Woodruff has provided courageous support and advocacy for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries while providing the inspiration for her husband to fight for independence in his own recovery.

2008 Diamond Award: Given to Bob Woodruff, this annual award recognizes an individual or entity involved in advocacy, leadership, achievement and philanthropy to make a significant difference in the lives of Drake Center patients and/or the Drake community. Mr. Woodruff not only exemplifies these achievements, but has shown courageous leadership and advocacy while battling his own fight for independence from a traumatic brain injury.

Drake Center is the leading provider of specialized medical and rehabilitative care in the region, offering a complete range of inpatient and outpatient care. Services include long-term acute care (medically complex care and rehabilitation), transitional skilled nursing, assisted living and various outpatient and wellness services. Drake Center is part of the Health Alliance, an integrated health care delivery system. For more information, visit www.DrakeCenter.com or call 513-418-2500. ###