Actor and Comedian Tracy Morgan Visits Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute to Honor Nurse Dedicated to Patients with Brain Injuries

Morgan Continues to Highlight Rehabilitation Nursing with ‘Tracy Morgan Award for Rehabilitation Nursing Excellence’

Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan, severely injured in a 2014 car accident, today visited Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute to present the annual Tracy Morgan Award for Rehabilitation Nursing Excellence. Morgan presented this year’s award to Gilbert Recto, RN, BSN, CRRN, an Assistant Nurse Manager on the Brain Trauma Unit.

“Gilbert, thank you for everything – for what you do, and what all of you do, every single day,” Morgan told the nurses, therapists and other health care professionals gathered at the emotional event. “You are angels. Only angels can do what you do. You put your own lives aside everyday and help other people. I love you all for that.”

Morgan has presented the annual award to a JFK Johnson rehabilitation nurse since 2016.

Morgan also met with patients at the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Center for Brain Injuries, where Morgan underwent treatment after a devastating accident on the New Jersey Turnpike left him in a coma and with a traumatic brain injury. After months of intensive rehabilitation, Morgan learned to walk and talk again and eventually was able to return to his career producing, acting, and doing stand-up around the country. Morgan, known for his roles on NBC’s Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, continues to credit the clinicians, nurses, and therapists at JFK Johnson with helping him return to his life.

“I remember you all took care of me, and told me everything is going to be all right,” Morgan said. “I didn’t believe it at the time. But you all were there. Everyday you put other people’s suffering ahead of your own.”

Morgan handed the award to Recto, who has been praised as a model for compassionate and skilled nursing — and respected as a mentor and leader.

“I am truly honored to receive this recognition,” Recto said. “Every day, I think about the patients who come here to rebuild their lives. I work so that all my patients can have the kind of outcomes that Tracy has had — to recover, return to their lives, and do what they love again.”

“Gilbert is a true role model for safe, effective, and compassionate nursing practice,” said Darla Harmer, MSN, RN, NE-BC, JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute's Director of Patient Care Services. “He ensures that all care delivered meets the highest standards of quality and safety.”

Morgan also met Russell Steele, a 27-year-old from Browns Mills, New Jersey, who was severely injured in a vehicle accident eight years ago. Steele, despite tremors from his brain injury, and speaking haltingly, slowly stood up from his wheelchair as Morgan wrapped his arms around the young man.

The actor and comedian later addressed Steele’s mother, Denise, and spoke about the gift that families provide to brain-injured patients: “You are strong,” he told a teary-eyed Denise Steele. “You are crying because you know you're strong. You never give up. Families are always there for you. People who love you will never give up.”

Steele said seeing Morgan provided hope for her son. “He hopes to walk again some day,” she said.

Morgan also hugged Malachi Gaddy, a 23-year-old from Plainfield who sustained a brain injury and amputation after he was struck by a vehicle while changing a tire on the side of the road.

“Tracy Morgan is famous, but we shared similar experiences,” Gaddy said. “We were treated by the same doctors, the same therapists. Just like Tracy, I also believe in paying it forward. After you have gone through all this and survived, you want to help others.”

Sara Cuccurullo, M.D., Chair, Vice President and Medical Director of JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, said Morgan inspires patients and their families by sharing his own journey to recovery.

“We are grateful to Tracy for the inspiration he continues to provide to our patients and for the light he shines on the compassion and specialized skill of our rehabilitation nurses,” she said.

Morgan produced and starred in The Last O.G. and earlier this year it was announced that Morgan would star in the Tina-Fey-produced television series The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Erika Alexander. In October 2025, The Neighborhood, a live, situational comedy starring Morgan, was released on Paramount+.

Brian Greenwald, M.D., who directed Morgan’s care and treatment during his rehabilitation, said he’s thrilled to see Morgan continue to thrive in his career.

“It’s inspiring for all of us to see Tracy continuing to succeed … He continues with his humor and creativity and is accomplishing everything he wants to do in his life. That’s what we want for all our patients,” Dr. Greenwald said.