If you enter The Neuro on a Monday morning, chances are you will be given a warm welcome by Lawrence Reich who has been a volunteer since 2012. Mr. Reich, a former Neuro patient, had three brain tumour surgeries performed by Dr. Rolando Del Maestro and Dr. Kevin Petrecca. He also underwent radiation treatments . Today Mr. Reich’s health is stable, he’s doing exceptionally well. He volunteers for six hours every Monday and attends spin classes three times a week to stay fit. The Neuro remains a very special place for him, something he shares with many other patients.
"I am retired, and I received good treatment here, so I felt I should give something back. Meeting and helping people makes me feel good and I am happy to help when patients come into the door," he says.
Mr . Reich is also a member of The Neuro Advocacy Group which focuses on patients. Mr. Reich and the group worked on a project focused on improving handicap accessibility at The Neuro —an initiative that began prior to the pandemic. The group successfully managed to have the sidewalk at the North Wing L3 entrance leveled off so to be completely even with the street making for easy wheelchair access. The L3 entrance is near the entry to the stadium parking lot, making it a great drop off zone.
Don’t hesitate to say hello to Mr. Reich the next time you come into The Neuro on a Monday morning or to chat with him if you happen to be nervous for your first visit.
"Keep calm, the staff is excellent, you’re at the best place for any neurological diseases," he says.
