Music, energy and team spirit pulsated through Toronto's downtown this past Saturday, signalling the return of Rocket Ride for Rehab to Nathan Phillips Square in support of incredible discoveries and care at Toronto Rehab.
"After an amazing time last year as the 'Corleone Family', my team returned as 'Penguins of Madagascar' to once again help attract important funding," said Dr. Milos Popovic, Director, Research Institute, Toronto Rehab.
After being declared "Officially Amazing" by setting a Guinness World Record last year, this one-of-a-kind spinning experience saw Toronto Rehab researchers, clinicians and staff cycling alongside patients, friends and family.
Led by some of Toronto's top – and most enthusiastic spin instructors - together, 300 spinners raised more than $200,000 to help ensure that Toronto Rehab is equipped to tackle many of today's most critical health issues such as heart disease, brain injury, stroke, pain, dementia, elder care, and much more.
Rocket Ride for Rehab was founded in 2015 by fellow stroke rehab patients Lara Kaufman and Howard Rocket, who sought a way to give back after the life-changing care they received at Toronto Rehab.
Howard's team, RocketMan, continued to top the fundraising leaderboard, raising more than $54,000 this year.
"Toronto Rehab gave me back my life," Howard tells those who are inspired by his continuing recovery, now over 20 years since he suffered a massive stroke. "I'll never be able to repay that debt - but with your help we can try."
Events such as Rocket Ride for Rehab play a vital role in bolstering the infrastructure that Toronto Rehab requires, to turn the ideas of our clinicians and scientists into home, community, and hospital-based advancements and innovations. It also helps spotlight their great work, so the wider community is beginning to understand the amazing work and care that takes place at Toronto Rehab – a place Where Incredible Happens.
Thank you to all of this year's incredible sponsors, participants, volunteers and supporters.
