Rebuilding cars, Rebuilding lives

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, or Rancho, was established in 1888 and physical and occupational therapy were started at the facility in the late ’20s.  Today, Rancho is one of the largest comprehensive medical rehabilitation centers in the U.S., providing services to a wide range of individuals with catastrophic illnesses and injuries. Inpatient and outpatient admissions number more than 80,000 a year.

On Sept. 21, 2013, Rancho presented its 2nd annual Rebuilding Cars-Rebuilding Lives car show.  More than 180 customs, hot rods, street rods, vintage cars and handicap-accessible vehicles covered the front parking lot at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, California. Along with 14 regular awards like Best Hot Rod, Best Custom and Best Paint, which were officially judged, six special awards were judged by Rancho’s Brain Injury Staff and patients, including Patient’s Choice, Children’s Choice and Best Accessible Vehicle.

Lots of Rancho patients were in the crowd to check out all the cars, many to “pay back” the services they had received at Rancho or to support friends and family. Many vendors were on hand displaying their wares and several food vendors served up delicious snacks to attendees. DJ Javier kept the mood upbeat all day.

The event was presented in association with the Rancho Los Amigos Brain Injury Service and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department County Services Bureau and all proceeds go toward rebuilding lives at Rancho.

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