Lynda Friendly’s experience at Toronto Rehab fuels desire to support rehabilitation care and research
Lynda Friendly is no stranger to the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
The marketing and events agency owner first walked through its doors in 2008 when she entered the cardiac rehab program at Toronto Rehab’s University Centre after undergoing open-heart surgery.
She returned in 2013 to recover from a hip replacement surgery and again in 2015 to replace her replacement.
“I've been given a roadmap for rehabilitation every time I've had serious issues,” said Friendly.
“Not just exercise guidance, but what foods to eat, how to conduct your life, and how to move forward. I hope Toronto Rehab is in my life forever. Just knowing it's here gives me such confidence and security.”
Friendly is preparing to return the favour this weekend by participating in the Rally for Rehab with her canine companion Spirit – a two-year-old Vizsla. Rally for Rehab, presented by BMO, is an annual fundraising event that supports patient care at Toronto Rehab and research at the KITE Research Institute.
During the event, attendees will hear how former Toronto Rehab patients overcame life-altering injuries; take part in family-friendly activities; and go on a brisk walk on Sunday, Sept 8 at Rumsey Centre.
“The funds raised from the Rally for Rehab are critical for us to provide cutting-edge innovations in rehabilitation to our patients,” said Dr. Mark Bayley, Toronto Rehab’s Program Medical Director and UHN’s Physiatrist-in-Chief.
“With the support of our donors, we can help people recovering from illnesses or injuries regain their independence and improve their quality of life.”
Dr. Paul Oh is one of many at Toronto Rehab and KITE who is poised to benefit from Rally for Rehab. His research, which investigates how wearable technology can enhance cardiac rehabilitation, is one of the many initiatives supported by the event.
The Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Program at UHN is leading a study that aims to understand how data recorded by the Apple Watch – such as heart rate and exercise levels – can affect long-term heart health outcomes.
As part of the study, 1,000 research participants with cardiovascular disease have been provided Apple Watches in order to track various health metrics over five years. It is the first study to investigate the Apple Watch’s role in cardiac rehab.
“Every dollar we raise today will improve the lives of people living with spinal cord injury, dementia, or cardiovascular disease tomorrow,” said KITE Director Dr. Milos R. Popovic. “Rally for Rehab will give our scientists the resources they need to design solutions that many of us will rely on at some point in our lives.”
Friendly, a former patient of Dr. Oh’s, is also a participant in the Apple Watch study.
“[Dr. Oh] is the heart and soul of Toronto Rehab. He speaks to you in your language and gives you confidence that you're going to be okay,” said Friendly.
“Toronto Rehab has been always there for me. We are so fortunate in Ontario, to have this facility. This is a gift as I see it, to the people of Ontario, so I want to support it in any way that I can.”
Help Toronto Rehab and KITE provide vital services by donating to the Rally for Rehab today.