Photo provided by Live Every Day
Scholarship awardee Anna Lovotti (left) and physical therapist Mary Monahan (right) offer therapy to a young patient at Live Every Day.
Live Every Day, a physical therapy, orthotic and prosthetic company in Simsbury and Suffield, is excited to announce this year’s $1,000 Giving Back Scholarship to Anna Lovotti, a Feeding Hills native. Anna is in the second year of her doctoral studies in physical therapy. This year, Anna will be returning to Haiti during her spring break. Anna is a natural servant leader, as showcased in her application letter where Anna notes, “A little over a year ago I took a leap of faith, committing to being the only first-year PT student to take part in the Haiti Global Service Trip. This was the most life-changing decision I’ve ever made. Knowing that my skill set was not yet full, I still wanted to go so that I could help in any way possible. While there, I was able to get my first glimpse of life as a physical therapist.
“One story that stands out in my mind is that of a young woman who had been in an accident, resulting in a traumatic brain injury that drastically changed her quality of life. One of the third-year DPTs guided me through the process of teaching this woman how to walk again. She progressed from needing a two-person assist to walking independently with one crutch in less than a week. The nine of us on the trip saw the impact of physical therapy first hand, while witnessing what it truly means for this patient to Live Every Day.
“After experiencing the amazing rehabilitation FONHARE [The Haitian Foundation of Rehabilitation] provides the people, there was only one place for me this spring, as I had already fallen in love with Haiti. In the future I plan to return as often as I can, making a contribution.”
“The Giving Back Scholarship is self-funded and consistent with the mission and values of Live Every Day, said Matt Calendrillo,” co-founder and physical therapist of Live Every Day. “The goal of our humble effort is to support one of many future leaders participating in this mission trip. To take away the burden of travel and expense and allow them to focus solely on the good work that awaits. We’re excited for the wonderful work she’ll continue to do in the future.”