Rehab Room At Edison’s JFK University Medical Center Named After Eric LeGrand

EDISON, NJ — A spinal cord treatment room At Edison’s JFK University Medical Center has been named after former Rutgers University defensive tackle Eric LeGrand.

In a surprise ceremony held Wednesday, Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano unveiled a $250,000 donation he and his wife made to name the treatment room after LeGrand.

LeGrand, who grew up in Avenel and lives in Woodbridge, suffered a devastating spinal cord injury during the 2010 college football season that left him paralyzed.

The room is called the Eric LeGrand Spinal Cord Injury Patient Care Room.

LeGrand's mother told ABC her son was "completely shocked" by the honor. Due to the nature of his injuries, he still regulalry uses the Edison rehab facility that "saved his life a couple of times over past two years."

Schiano, who grew up in Wyckoff, made the $250,000 donation with his wife, Christy. He is paid a yearly salary of $4 million from Rutgers University.

“Since his injury, Eric has worked tirelessly to make life better for others impacted by spinal cord injuries,” said Schiano. “Making this gift in his honor was our opportunity to do the same. We are so proud of Eric for all that he has achieved and know that he has come so far thanks to a dedicated spinal cord program. Our gift ensures that others have the same options afforded to them so that they can receive the best care possible and live their lives to the fullest.”

Since his injury, LeGrand has tried to raise awareness. He is a a mentor, professional speaker and businessman, who just opened a coffeeshop by the Woodbridge train station last year, and is also embarking on a bourbon and beer line.

“Coach Schiano and Eric LeGrand have such a special bond and we are so grateful to be the recipients of this generous gift by Greg and Christy, which will help us to continue delivering groundbreaking, compassionate care,’’ said Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett at Wednesday's unveiling.

The Spinal Cord Injury program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment, support services, technology and techniques to maximize recovery. Included in the Institute are two dedicated spinal cord injury treatment rooms that include a variety of tools and technologies in an accessible space, combined with the clinical expertise needed to treat spinal cord injuries.

(With reporting from Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff)

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