David Blank receives Dene Liott Award
Award given to Chestnut Knoll resident who shows strength of character, determination
Chestnut Knoll Personal Care and Memory Care continues to improve the overall quality of life for residents through the FOX Optimal Living Program by FOX Rehabilitation. And, this was evident during a recent award ceremony recognizing the dedication, commitment and achievements of participants.
David Blank, a Chestnut Knoll resident, was the recipient of the Dene Liott Award, named in honor of the Pottstown resident and longtime advocate for seniors and caregiver awareness. In 2012, Liott suffered a stroke, but with the help of HealthSouth, FOX Rehabilitation and Chestnut Knoll, she was able to return and host her show “What’s Happening,” which aired live on PCTV.
“FOX Rehabilitation was instrumental in my physical therapy and overall recovery. With their help, I gained a stronger mindset and the tenacity to get back on my feet,” said Dene Liott. “It’s a wonderful honor to have such an award pre- sented in my name to individu- als, like Mr. Blank, who have overcome their physical challenges and
achieve success!”
This is the highest award given to a resident who shows an exceptional strength of character and determination throughout the program.
“I have mixed emotions about receiving this award,” said Blank. “I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve done, but I also don’t feel worthy of the award.”
Blank, 78, has always been an exceptional character. He has overcome many physical and mental limitations, due to an incident from his early adolescence.
Whatever the obstacle, he persevered and graduated from Boyertown High School in 1957. Then he went on to receive an associate’s degree in business administration from Ursinus College while working full-time in an industrial factory. He even found time to start his Christmas tree farm, marry and raise two children.
He came to Chestnut Knoll in need of a program that dedicates time, consistency and rehabilitation with an exercise program tailored to building strength, mobility and balance so he could continue to manage his Parkinson’s disease and improve his overall quality of life.
When he arrived at the senior living community, his means of mobility was in a wheelchair. Now, residents and staff are in awe of his ability to move independently with only a walker.
“I have great respect for David Blank,” said Jodie Daniels, assistant executive director at Chestnut Knoll. “His tenacity and the FOX program have shown others that with time and consistency you can achieve your own outcome.”
Chestnut Knoll has offered FOX Rehabilitation wellness services since 2013. The FOL program reinvents rehabilitation and is designed to enhance physical and emotional well-being through exercises and wellness services to promote better living, longevity, spirit and dignity. Chestnut Knoll residents also averaged 160 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.
The ceremony recognized 41 personal care residents and five memory care residents for accomplishments made through the program. Over the past 18 months, these participants showed a 47 percent decrease in falls and a 77 percent decrease in hospitalization.