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Brain Injury Survivor Inspires Community Run
7 Sep
Summary
- Community event raised $7,000 for a new therapy system.
- The XCite Therapy system uses electrical stimulation for rehabilitation.
- Hassan Abdul-Wahed is recovering from a traumatic brain injury.
A recent Miles for Minds event, a 5-kilometer run and walk, generated around $7,000 to support the Acquired Brain Injury Program at Parkwood Institute. The funds are intended for the purchase of the XCite Therapy system, an innovative technology that employs electrical stimulation to aid patients in regaining strength, movement, and independence.
Hassan Abdul-Wahed, who is navigating his recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained in May 2025, was a key inspiration for the event. He spent significant time in various hospitals, including Victoria Hospital, University Hospital, and Parkwood Institute, before beginning his rehabilitation. Abdul-Wahed expressed gratitude for his recovery and hopes for more future events to raise awareness.
The XCite Therapy system mimics real functional activities like reaching and grasping through patterned electrical current. Jeff Weiler, coordinator at The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity at St. Joseph's Health Care London, noted that this technology would have been beneficial for Abdul-Wahed and can assist patients with brain injuries, strokes, or spinal cord injuries by accelerating their therapy.
Weiler highlighted the challenges in acquiring such beneficial devices within the current healthcare funding landscape, emphasizing the crucial role of community events in augmenting therapeutic tools. Abdul-Wahed, who has no memory of his accident, remains committed to raising awareness and encouraging community initiative for brain injury support.
