Zach's Story

Zach Slane had an extraordinary year in 2014. After two liver transplants and five months in two Philadelphia hospitals, Zach needed rehabilitation. He had to relearn how to sit, stand, walk, and take care of his basic daily needs.

His family chose Magee to help him accomplish these tasks. He spent eight weeks at Magee, building his strength, healing his body, and receiving physical, occupational, speech, and art therapies, in addition to tutoring to keep him on track for high school graduation. “One of the best parts of my stay at Magee was meeting the awesome people that work there,” Zach says.

In February 2015, Zach was one of four patients honored with Magee’s annual Patient Recognition Award, which recognizes outstanding patients who embody the “BELIEVE” spirit, demonstrating great advances in their own rehabilitation and giving back to the Magee family by inspiring others to strive toward their own therapy goals.

In a speech honoring Zach, his care team said, “You have proven your potential, climbing the stairs at Magee, prom king, walking at your high school graduation, and college. We are so proud of you and honored to have been just a small stepping stone on your road to recovery. Thank you for inspiring us. You are the reason we come to work every day.”