$1M gift leads to liftoff for new Acquired Brain Injury Centre

But that’s what happened when Henry Wolfond and his wife, Rochelle Reichert, dropped by to tell kids, families and hospital staff what it was like for Henry to go up into space (“one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done”), and their equally daring vision to help shape the future of healthcare for kids with disabilities and their families. 

Henry and Rochelle are longtime supporters of Holland Bloorview who recently made a transformational gift to support acquired brain injury (ABI) research and care at the hospital.  ABI, which can result from concussion, brain infection or stroke, affects the lives of nearly 4% of the Canadian population, yet critical gaps persist in pediatric ABI research and care. 

Henry and Rochelle are a Holland Bloorview family, and as the parents of children who played hockey growing up, they are aware of the critical importance of understanding and treating brain injury. Their gift of $1 million will help to establish a Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Centre at Holland Bloorview, hire a clinical investigator with an ABI focus and translate the BRI’s cutting-edge ABI research into clinical practice more quickly and efficiently, ensuring that children will receive the care and support they need when they need it. The Centre will empower Holland Bloorview to revolutionize pediatric ABI care and research, creating impact that will be felt far beyond our walls.

During the visit, Henry told kids from the Bloorview School Authority and inpatients that his trip into space made him aware of how special and fragile the Earth is, and that he wants others to have the chance to do it. “I hope that as more people can have this experience and see the world as I did, it will bring us all closer together.”

Afterwards, client ambassador Rehan and Foundation President and CEO Sandra Hawken thanked Henry and Rochelle for their visit, and for their generous support for Holland Bloorview. The accessible bridge in the playground has been named in their honour, as well as an elevator in the hospital.

“It’s a real privilege for me not only to be here today, but to be a supporter, and part of the Holland Bloorview family,” Henry said. “My son Adam has been a client of Holland Bloorview since he was a little boy, and I think it’s a great hospital and a great institution. I want to thank you all for the work that you do.”