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Gift to Wheelchair Sports Will Build Community, Confidence

Jefferson Health and Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation Announce $600,000 Gift from Debra Hollander to Support Wheelchair Sports

This image shows the 2025 Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation wheelchair rugby team

Jefferson Health and the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation are proud to announce a $600,000 gift from philanthropist and longtime supporter Debra Hollander to establish the Hollander Endowment Fund for Wheelchair Sports. The endowment will provide ongoing support for the wheelchair sports program at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, offering opportunities for physical activity, skill development and personal empowerment.

“Wheelchair sports at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation are a powerful expression of our commitment to helping people with disabilities build strength, confidence and independence,” said Baligh Yehia, MD, President of Jefferson Health. “Debra’s remarkable generosity ensures that our athletes and this program will continue to thrive for years to come, expanding opportunities and community for all who participate.”

This image shows a headshot photo of philanthropist Debra Hollander smiling. Debra Hollander

Beyond the athletic competition, these programs serve a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and breaking down social barriers. By combining athletic competition with skill development and teamwork, the program helps participants redefine their abilities and build meaningful independence.

“Philanthropy is essential to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent our patients from accessing these life-changing programs,” said Dixie James, EVP, Regional President, Jefferson Health – Central Region. “The Hollander Endowment will help sustain and expand these programs for future generations.”

Hollander has been a steadfast supporter of Jefferson and a champion for many causes that advance education, healthcare and community wellbeing in the Greater Philadelphia region. She has served on the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation Board since 2014 and has volunteered at numerous Jefferson events, including the Jerry Segal Classic and the Adam Taliaferro Foundation and Magee Rehabilitation Foundation Golf Outing.

In addition to her board service, Hollander co-chairs an annual tennis fundraising event that benefits wheelchair sports at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. Her philanthropy also includes establishing the Debra Hollander Professorship in Nutritional Science at Thomas Jefferson University and dedicating a healing garden in honor of her parents at Magee. She previously served as a trustee of the former Einstein Healthcare Network, now part of Jefferson Health, and as a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at Jefferson Abington Hospital.

“We are grateful to Debra for making this gift to support our wheelchair sports athletes and for all she does to support our patients,” said Laura Torchin, Chair of the Magee Rehabilitation Foundation Board.

Learn more information about the Wheelchair Sports Program.