The Parkinson’s Rehab Program at Hotel Dieu Shaver (HDS) has been providing interprofessional care for clients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease since 2013. Former NHL player, Steve Ludzik, who is living with Parkinson’s disease, identified the program as a need in the community at that time. Fully funded by the Steve Ludzik Foundation and generous donations from the community, this unique and one of a kind program was launched at HDS and has been meeting the unmet needs of the Parkinson’s community for the last nine years.
In a recent letter to HDS, the Steve Ludzik Foundation has indicated that it will no longer be funding the Parkinson’s Rehab Program at the hospital.
The Parkinson’s program at HDS, with an annual budget of approximately $150,000 will continue to be funded until March 31, 2023 thanks to the support of Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation. In the interim, Hotel Dieu Shaver and the Foundation will be looking for alternative funding sources. Donations to Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation can be directed to HDS’ Parkinson’s Program and donors will be eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
“The Steve Ludzik Foundation has allowed HDS to live out its mission, by allowing us to fill a gap in services in Niagara,” said Lynne Pay, Chief Executive Officer at Hotel Dieu Shaver. “The gratitude that we have for Steve and the entire Steve Ludzik Foundation is momentous and HDS looks forward to carrying on the great work of the Parkinson’s program, a legacy created and grounded by Steve’s passion for helping others.”
As the only rehabilitation hospital in Niagara, Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre provides compassionate care and exceptional clinical outcomes to thousands of Niagara residents through rehabilitation and complex care programs.