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Through a generous gift valued at more than $5 million, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, ranked the nation’s No. 1 rehabilitation hospital, will now offer accessible sailing on Lake Michigan to those with physical impairments. The gift — given by the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation and the family of Peter and Carol Goldman — will result in what’s to be called Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program.
For more than 35 years, the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation has offered a unique, learn-to-sail program. Founded in 1990 in memory of Judd Goldman — who passed away in 1989 — by his wife, Sliv, son, Peter, and daughter, Judy, the foundation’s mission has always been a personal one.
“My father was 17 years old when he experienced significant physical disabilities following a bone disease. Despite great challenges, he went on to live a fulfilling life, founding a consumer packaged goods company and achieving business success,” said Peter. “While navigating his disability, he found sailing to be one of the few sports that he could participate in. Since establishing the foundation in 1990, it has given as much to my family, including my wife, Carol, and our children, Karen and Jeff, as it has given to our participants.”
The foundation — which has since been fueled by the Goldmans, their dedicated board and a community of supporters in partnership with the Chicago Park District — has a fleet of specially designed sailboats and has offered instruction to participants with conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to spinal cord injury. In the process, it has fostered self-esteem and independence among the thousands it has served.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has been a strong supporter of the foundation since its inception, increasing access and driving participation through the hospital’s adaptive sports program.
Now, the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program will live within Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, which offers 12 adaptive sports in partnership with the Chicago Park District — from archery and golf to wheelchair basketball and softball — to hundreds of patients and community members each year. In addition to the generous philanthropic investment, including an endowment for the program from the Goldmans and the foundation, the gift comprises a fleet of adaptive sailboats and other boating equipment.
“The Goldman family have been friends and steadfast supporters of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab going back decades,” said Pablo A. Celnik, MD, CEO of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “We’re deeply honored they’ve entrusted us to help carry their vision forward, and we’re humbled to continue building on their remarkable legacy for generations to come.”
