Comedian Tracy Morgan presents annual Nursing Excellence Award to deserving health care hero
EDISON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Comedian Tracy Morgan presented his annual Nursing Excellence Award to a deserving health care hero as part of a tradition inspired by his own near-death experience.
And when a famous comedian comes walking through the halls of a hospital, amazing things happen.
This year's recipient is Gilbert Recto, an assistant nurse manager on the Brain Trauma Unit at Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.
"This is for you, my friend, continue to do the work that you do," Morgan said.
It's all deeply personal for Morgan who spent several weeks recovering at the very same facility after a car crash left him with broken bones and a traumatic brain injury.
"That truck was doing 75 miles per hour when it hit me," Morgan said. "I thank the lord for people in my life that helped me. I could stay with them all day."
That crash was on the New Jersey Turnpike in June of 2014. Morgan has come a long way since then, which is why he comes back -- to give back and spend time with patients.
That also includes former patient Malachi Gaddy, who now works there.
"I was a kid when I got hurt, I feel like my reason for being left on this Earth was to pay for it, to the youth," Gaddy said.
Gaddy, Morgan and other patients are grateful for the care they have received.
"These people put their lives aside every day to help other people suffering," Morgan said. "Sometimes they might look at the small things, but that's a big thing."
And along with the heartfelt sentiment, there was also laughter.
"Now all I need to do is the Knicks need the win," Morgan joked.
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