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Local Voices

Rose Vicker Claims Claire Haverkampf Award

Rose Vicker has impacted the lives of hundreds of individuals with disabilities while being employed as a Physical Therapy Assistant at Marklund, a non-profit organization that serves adults and children with severe disabilities. With Vicker’s 30 years of dedication and evident compassion for individuals in this population, she was honored as Marklund’s employee of the year, when recently presented with The Claire Haverkampf Award.

Named after the organization’s founder, the Claire Haverkampf Award was established to honor a Marklund employee who demonstrates the character embodied and modeled by Haverkampf. The award allows Marklund to recognize an individual who compassionately matches every part of Marklund’s culture and has consistently demonstrated these values throughout his/her long-time employment of 10 or more years.

Rose joined Marklund in 1984, working as an Aide at The Marklund Children’s Home in Bloomingdale, and then became a group home parent in 1997-2000. Today, the resident of St. Charles spends her time with clients at Marklund’s Geneva campus.

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Vicker’s impact on the clients starts with the many ways she improves their self-esteem while helping them accomplish their goals. She encourages them to walk and stand in order to build their strength and mobility – both on land and in the aquatic therapy pool. She teaches them the skills needed to drive a power wheelchair and gain the freedom of movement. Additionally, she empowers the staff with the proper education to execute physical therapy goals.

 “When my name was called, a heavy amount of emotion came over me,” said Vicker. “I thought about my first client, Jen, and how I wish she could have been there with me to accept the award. I was more so appreciative of Marklund and the direction and support they have given me. They have given me the opportunity to work with wonderful people and have helped me go above and beyond.”

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The award is voted on by Marklund staff through a nomination process and the final winner selected by a committee from Marklund’s Board of Directors. Rose accepted the award from Board Member Jeff Cook at the annual employee recognition dinner held at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club in West Chicago.

“Rose has the clients walking, dancing, standing, riding bikes, and driving their wheelchairs, and during all this, she makes sure the clients are having fun,” stated Jalpa Pandya, Director of Therapy Services at Marklund. “I’m so happy that Rose won this prestigious award. She is truly an inspiration to us all. If Claire Haverkampf were alive today, I know that they would be best of buddies, working side by side and giving their all for the clients they love.”

To hear more about Marklund’s upcoming events, news, and updates, visit www.marklund.org.

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