Rocket Ride for Rehab blasts to fundraising record

Toronto Rehab Foundation raises a record $334,000 for care and research programs at Toronto Rehab Institute

Billed as "the coolest spin class you will ever take," the 2019 Rocket Ride for Rehab presented by BMO delivered on that promise while raising a record $334,000 in support of the incredible research and care at Toronto Rehab.

The event moved this year to First Canadian Place where grateful patients from across many of Toronto Rehab's programs joined clinicians and staff to ride stationary bicycles in one of two 60-minute sessions.

Emily Schmidt was among them. Admitted to Toronto Rehab's Lyndhurst Centre for Spinal Cord Rehab to regain mobility during treatment for a malignant tumor that was compressing her spinal cord, Emily continues to work hard to make gains on balance and gait.

Emily was thrilled and proud to dance with her eldest son at his wedding this summer.

"Toronto Rehab's commitment to delivering the superior care that transforms the lives of patients and their families – like they did for me!" Emily wrote on her fundraising page, which far surpassed her goal of $30,000.

Jonathan Rosenthal was another successful fundraising spinner at this year's event, the fifth annual.

Jonathan was inspired to participate by friend and event founder, Howard Rocket.

Jonathan has witnessed the journey to recovery taken by many of his friends and relatives who have been treated following falls, replacement surgeries and car accidents.

"Every single person I know who has gone to Toronto Rehab is so grateful that a place like this exists in our community, and all credit Toronto Rehab for their recovery," he wrote on his fundraising page.

Rocket Ride for Rehab was founded in 2015 by fellow patients in Toronto Rehab's Stroke Rehabilitation program, Lara Kaufman and Howard Rocket, who sought a way to give back after the life-changing care they received.

This year, teams from Toronto Rehab's Brain & Spinal Cord Rehab, Cardiac Rehab and The KITE Research Institute, all cycled alongside sponsors, participants, volunteers and supporters at the sold-out event.

Virtually everyone in Canada has themselves experienced, or knows a family member, friend or colleague who has, a serious accident or injury, or suffered from heart disease, stroke or the consequences of aging.

Toronto Rehab is passionate about improving the outcomes for each of these individuals and events such as Rocket Ride for Rehab presented by BMO play a vital role in helping us make incredible happen.