The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center hosted its 34th annual Shock Trauma Heroes Celebration Oct. 26, honoring more than 80 trauma professionals and first responders who provided lifesaving care to two critically injured patients.

Nearly 800 people attended the event at the M&T Bank Exchange/Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.

Montgomery County Police Department Sgt. Patrick Kepp lost both of his legs while trying to stop a speeding car on Interstate 270 in Gaithersburg in October 2023. Zene Wolfe, a Frederick County cattle farmer, was badly hurt when he was pinned in a skid loader while moving bales of hay in November 2022.

The celebration's theme, "One Maryland, One Shock Trauma," highlights the extraordinary collaboration between Shock Trauma and Emergency Medical Services partners throughout the state.

Also honored at the celebration was U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., a longtime Shock Trauma supporter and vice chairman of its Board of Visitors, who is retiring after serving 21 years in Congress. Ruppersberger credits the trauma center with saving his life in 1975 after he was severely injured in a car crash.

To submit photos for a future Business Album, email Assistant Editor Sean Wallace at [email protected].

Photos courtesy of R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center: