Published on March 1, 2022

Graduates of the Rehabilitation Program at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital recently celebrated their rehabilitation achievements with a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Taco Bell Global Headquarters in Irvine.

For many of these patients, the event marked much more than a fun outing. It was a celebration of determination, resilience and the incredible progress they made after overcoming life-changing medical challenges.

Honoring Remarkable Recovery Journeys

Patients, their families and members of the rehabilitation team came together to celebrate the milestones each child achieved on their road to recovery.

Many of the participants survived serious health conditions and traumatic events, including:

  • Car accidents
  • Brain injuries
  • Rheumatological disorders
  • Neurological conditions
  • Other life-altering medical challenges

Through hard work and perseverance, these children and teens partnered with physicians, therapists and rehabilitation specialists to regain important skills and independence.

For some, recovery meant spending months or even years relearning how to:

  • Walk
  • Talk
  • Eat
  • Perform everyday activities

Their dedication serves as an inspiring reminder of what is possible with specialized rehabilitation care and unwavering support.

A Special Day at Taco Bell Headquarters

The tour offered patients and families a chance to celebrate how far they had come while creating new memories together.

Exploring the Taco Bell Test Kitchen

One highlight of the day was a visit to the Taco Bell test kitchen, where the company's food innovation team develops new menu items.

Patients had the opportunity to:

  • Explore the kitchen
  • Learn about food innovation
  • Experiment with ingredients
  • Create their own custom menu items

From crunch wraps and tacos to burritos and nachos, everyone enjoyed building their own unique culinary creations.

“The patients who joined the Taco Bell tour have boldly persisted with their rehabilitation therapies and made remarkable recoveries,” says Lizzie Pluskalowski, occupational therapist, Rehabilitation Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s. “Their hospitalizations seemed like distant memories as they built their own crunch wrap, taco, burrito and nacho creations.”

Celebrating Success Beyond the Hospital

Events like this allow rehabilitation patients and their care teams to reconnect and celebrate accomplishments outside of a clinical setting.

For many families, it was an opportunity to reflect on how much progress had been made since the early days of treatment.

“This event was a great way to celebrate our rehabilitation ‘alumni’.” says Pluskalowski. “It is incredible to see how much progress they have made.”

The gathering highlighted the strength, perseverance and determination these patients demonstrated throughout their rehabilitation journeys.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for Children and Teens

The Rehabilitation Program at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital provides comprehensive therapy services for children from birth through 21 years of age.

Rehabilitation Services Offered

The program offers a wide range of therapies, including:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Recreational therapy

Individualized Care for Every Child

The rehabilitation team cares for children with a variety of medical conditions and develops personalized treatment plans designed to help each patient gain or regain as much function and independence as possible.

Services are available:

  • During a child's hospital stay
  • Through follow-up care in the Outpatient Specialty Centers
  • At five rehabilitation gym locations

This continuum of care helps children and families receive the support they need throughout every stage of recovery.

Helping Children Live Life to the Fullest

Recovery from a serious injury or illness often requires courage, patience and determination. The Rehabilitation Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital is dedicated to helping children achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential.

For these rehabilitation graduates, the Taco Bell headquarters tour was a meaningful celebration of how far they have come—and a reminder that their futures are filled with possibility.