By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: Courtesy of Downtown Photo
Donors Jon (center) and Helaine Ayers (far right) pose with members of the physical therapy team during the unveiling of the Jon & Helaine Ayers Rehabilitation Center in Fort Lauderdale July 8, 2025.
FORT LAUDERDALE | Holy Cross Health celebrated the blessing and unveiling of the Jon & Helaine Ayers Rehabilitation Center in Fort Lauderdale with a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting July 8. Previously known as the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Holy Cross Health completely renovated the facility and invested in state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation equipment, thanks to a $2 million gift from Jon and Helaine Ayers.
As part of this project, Holy Cross Health introduced eight new pieces of equipment. Holy Cross is the only facility in Broward County with many of these unique therapies that help patients regain and improve their mobility and balance.
“Jon and Helaine’s support has helped shape the future of Holy Cross Health in lasting and meaningful ways,” said Pierre Monice, president and CEO of Holy Cross Health. “This new space represents the very best of what healthcare can be – compassionate, innovative and focused on the whole person.”
Under Catholic Health Ministries, the Center provides expert care in physical, occupational and speech therapy for patients recovering from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, or who are living with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and more.
Photographer: Courtesy of Downtown Photo
The C-Mill balance and gait treadmill is one of eight new pieces of equipment Holy Cross Health added to the Jon & Helaine Ayers Rehabilitation Center in Fort Lauderdale thanks to the Ayers’ donation. The Center’s dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting was celebrated July 8, 2025. The C-Mill incorporates virtual and augmented reality on a large screen to simulate walking in various challenging settings.
“This Center is positioned to be a leader in the treatment of neurologic, vestibular, oncologic and complex orthopedic conditions,” said Tim Day, director of Outpatient Rehab for Holy Cross Health. “My team and I are looking forward to witnessing our patients progress and benefit from our new facility and equipment. One small step in rehab is a giant leap in recovery.”
Rehabilitation hits close to home for donor Jon Ayers. In June 2019, his life was forever changed when he was injured in a catastrophic bike crash, caused by another cyclist, leaving him a quadriplegic.
“My spinal cord injury six years ago has given me a great appreciation for physical and occupational therapy. Even in this phase of my injury, I continue to advance function, strength and wellbeing by spending roughly 20 hours a week dedicated to therapy,” said Ayers, a Fort Lauderdale resident and member of the Holy Cross Health Board of Directors.
“Helaine and I, through this amazing Center and staff, wish to inspire and enable other patients by providing access to great therapists, supported by the latest technology and treatments,” he added.
Rudy Molinet, chair of the Holy Cross Health Board of Directors, said, “We’re grateful for Jon’s leadership and service as a board member. He and Helaine helped build something truly meaningful for our community. We are so blessed to have them as a member of the Holy Cross family.”
Find out more:
For more information on Holy Cross Health’s outpatient rehabilitation services, visit their website here.
