Ryder Trauma Center
In the early 1990’s, Jackson Memorial Hospital became the only South Florida Hospital willing to treat trauma victims. The hospital was overwhelmed, and in response Rolando was asked to manage a $28 million campaign to construct and equip the 150,000 square foot center. Under his leadership, an extensive marketing and fundraising campiagn was launched that counted upon the help of the most influential and powerful leaders in South Florida.
The "Golden Hour" campaign became a famed community cause that not only raised the needed dollars to create the center, but served as the centerpiece for a successful community referendum to add a half-penny to the Miami-Dade County sales tax, dedicated to Ryder and Jackson Memorial Hospital.
“Ryder” is now one of the premier trauma centers in the world, providing critical emergency treatment to thousands and leading groundbreaking research that has saved lives worldwide. Its dedicated name is in honor of its principal sponsors, Ryder Systems, and its groundbreaking $3.2 million gift. It is the home of the The William Lehman Injury Research Center, an internationally recognized research facility that has led some of the most respected auto safety and design research efforts in the world.
The Ryder Trauma Center is also one of the principal training centers for the US Army medical corps, and one of the most respected centers of its kind in the world.