Patient Stories - Arthur Helman

“When I say that Toronto Rehab helped me climb a mountain, I mean literally.”

In August, 2008, Dr. Arthur Helman underwent a cardiogram to ensure he was fit enough to accompany his sons on a hiking excursion to the Patagonia mountains in Chile.

It turned out he had a blockage that, if left untreated, would certainly have been fatal. Following bypass surgery, Dr. Helman was referred to Toronto Rehab’s cardiac rehab program.

“Toronto Rehab fine-tuned all the little details about my life after the operation. Even as a physician, I learned about every minute detail of exercise: when, how fast, how far, how often.”

During his rehabilitation, Dr. Helman vowed he would make that mountain trek. Cardiac rehab specialists helped him improve his fitness after surgery, and taught him how to prepare for the rigours of the trip.

Cardiac rehab cuts the risk of death following a major heart event such as surgery or heart attack in half. It helped Dr. Helman recover from heart disease, but also provided something more.

“Toronto Rehab was the difference between living in fear and living with a sense of well-being. They gave me the confidence to know how far I could push myself.”

In January, 2010, Dr. Helman and his two sons hiked the Patagonia mountains.

“I was the second oldest person ever to have done it. To accomplish that, and do it with my sons, was very special. Thanks to Toronto Rehab, I realized this dream.”

One in two of us will be touched by disability. At Toronto Rehab, we’re revolutionizing rehabilitation, because rehabilitation saves life. Please donate today to support our cardiac rehab program.

Your support of patient care can assist in improving the facilities and equipment and support innovation to help patients rebuild their lives, restore their independence and discover their own potential.

Dr. Helman is one of several patients who are sharing their stories in our public awareness campaign that shows how rehabilitation saves life.