HALLOWELL – Four area people received the MaineGeneral Medical Center’s “Overcoming Barriers” Achievement Awards at a recent luncheon at Granite Hill Estates.

The award honors individuals who have overcome severe injuries, illnesses or congenital conditions and have regained their independence.

Brian Demers of Palmyra was injured in a fall in February 2003 and is now paralyzed from his stomach down. After a long hospital stay, he is able to do volunteer work with youths in Skowhegan.

Daniel “Cedar” Miller of Waldo suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident that left him with limited use of one side of his body, and complications from this injury resulted in the amputation of his leg. After rehabilitation he is able to live on his own and work with other spinal cord injury patients.

John Morris of Palermo suffered a severe stroke two years ago that makes it difficult for him to breathe, swallow or speak, and he has suffered a loss of sensation and coordination on his left side. He has improved dramatically thanks to therapy and can take care of himself and walk with assistance.

Bruce Bowman of Cornville had a fall on the ice nine months ago and suffered a spinal cord injury, resulting in paralysis of all four extremities. After rehabilitation, he has regained mobility, and he and his wife have started a business.