Dr. Bayley studies technologies, medications and other interventions to help people recover from concussion, stroke and spinal cord injury.
On Sunday, September 8, 2024 the University Health Network will host its annual Rally for Rehab fundraiser presented by BMO at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s Rumsey Centre.
Attendees will hear incredible stories of perseverance from former Toronto Rehab patients who overcame life-altering injuries; engage in family-friendly activities like face painting; and participate in a brisk walk to support critical care at Toronto Rehab and life-changing research at the KITE Research Institute.
The “Why I Rally” series highlights the motivations of scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals participating in this crucial fundraiser.
We’ve connected with Toronto Rehab’s Program Medical Director, UHN’s Physiatrist-in-Chief, and KITE Senior Scientist Dr. Mark Bayley to discuss why he’s participating in Rally for Rehab.
Why are you participating in the 2024 Rally for Rehab?
I am participating in the Rally for Rehab to help fundraise and support the best innovative research and care. We cannot do the work we do without support from our generous donors and the rally brings together our clinicians, scientists and the community we serve to support what we do.
What is your primary area of research at KITE?
I am very interested in how we help people recover from all kinds of illnesses with a specific focus on neurological rehabilitation including concussion, brain injury, cerebral palsy, stroke and spinal cord injury. We are studying technologies, medications and other interventions to ensure people recover the best they can. I also am working to ensure we spread that knowledge to frontline rehabilitation clinicians around the world by packaging the research into tools such as guidelines and smartphone apps that tell them how to implement the best rehabilitation care.
What members of the community are most likely to benefit from this work? How will the patients we serve at TRI benefit from this work?
At some point, everyone will need rehabilitation. We have made many medical advances but that means more people are surviving injury and illness for longer therefore, there is an increasing number of people living with a disability. Our work will prevent injury but also enhance the recovery from serious injuries like stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries and those who experience falls or living with the effects of cancer or cardiac disease.
How important are fundraising events such as this one?
Fundraising and Philanthropy have been critical to our success in KITE becoming the number one rehabilitation research institute in the world. People may not realize that the government does not pay for the researchers themselves or all the costs of running a world-class rehabilitation research facility. That is where fundraising and the Rally for Rehab comes in. We owe a great deal to our donors who have given KITE and Toronto Rehab the resources to cultivate and retain the brightest minds in rehabilitation.
Support Dr. Bayley's research by donating today!