Full media release
TORONTO, May 15, 2012 - On May 22, St. John's Rehab Hospital will mark a major milestone since it first opened its doors to patients in 1937.
Founded by the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, St. John's Rehab
started from the Sisters' response to a need for convalescent care in
the community. At that time disability was growing. Canada was slowly
recovering from a world war and an outbreak of polio that swept through
the nation. It was becoming apparent that the medical act of saving
lives wasn't enough. The Sisters recognized how their unique care could
help fill the void. They wanted a convalescent hospital where
rehabilitation attended to the physical, mental, social and spiritual
needs of the person.
For the past 75 years, that has been the focus at St. John's Rehab Hospital.
Members of the media are invited to join the St. John's Rehab family,
friends and supporters as we mark 75 years of a history of
possibilities. We will also announce a major investment in rebuilding
people's lives.
Event details:
When: Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Registration begins 11:00 a.m.
Ceremony begins 11:30 a.m.
Where: St. John's Rehab Hospital (285 Cummer Ave, North York)
John C. and Sally Horsfall Eaton Centre for Ambulatory Care, therapy garden
Who:
Sister Doreen and Sister Constance Joanna, Sisterhood of St. John the Divine
Chungsen Leung, MP, Willowdale
Joyce Bailey, Board of Directors, St. John's Rehab Hospital
Malcolm Moffat, President and CEO, St. John's Rehab Hospital
Donna Stauffer, past patient and volunteer
Tony di Cosmo, President, St. John's Rehab Foundation
Staff, volunteers, patients, friends and supporters of St. John's Rehab Hospital
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stjohnsrehab
to get live updates during the 75th anniversary celebrations and hear
what staff and guests have to say about the history of St. John's Rehab.
About St. John's Rehab Hospital
St. John's Rehab Hospital rebuilds people's lives following
life-changing illnesses and injuries. A community-affiliated teaching
site of the University of Toronto, St. John's Rehab develops research
and provides customized care with a focus on the whole person - body,
mind and spirit. Home to Canada's only organ transplant rehab program
and Ontario's only burn rehab program, St. John's Rehab is moving to the
forefront of specialized rehabilitation. For more information, visit www.stjohnsrehab.com.
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For media inquiries:
Audrey Kim
Advisor, Media Relations & Strategic Communications
St. John's Rehab Hospital
416-226-6780 ext. 7089
akim@stjohnsrehab.com