Mary Free Bed's Mark Bennett routinely thinks outside the box to help patients achieve independence. Working with Hamzah Al-Daeni was no exception. The Iraqi teen was hit by shrapnel nearly 10 years ago, losing his right leg and part of his stomach. Mark, a certified orthotist and prosthetist, has helped fit Hamzah with an innovative prosthetic. Watch Hamzah’s story of hope and freedom

In 2013, Jodi (Mata) Scott sustained severe burn injuries in a house fire. Her fingers and thumbs had to be amputated. With determination, hope and help from Mary Free Bed's specialists, Jodi is now back to many of her favorite activities, including writing. Watch Jodi’s story of hope and freedom

Gary Brownell suffered a spinal cord injury in a fall from a ladder. He was determined to get to Mary Free Bed & back on his feet. "We knew this is where we had to end up," Gary said. "We'd heard so many good things." Grit, hard work & state-of-the-art equipment (like the Lokomat) helped Gary walk out of Mary Free Bed on his graduation day. Watch Gary’s story of hope and freedom

With courage, determination and the support of her Mary Free Bed therapy team, Jamie Spore has achieved many of her goals, including standing and walking. She also was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2016.Read Jamie’s story in her own words

Marcus Fairfield didn't think he'd get to attend the 18-week ultrasound for his first child. Recreational Therapist Kaitlin Salowitz, also expecting her first child, found a way to make it happen for the father-to-be and patient of Mary Free Bed's Spinal Cord Injury Program. Read more about Marcus and his story.

"It was really hard to have a stroke and go through rehab," said Pamela "Pamtastik" Essenburg, a stroke survivor and Mary Free Bed alumna. "I fell in love with about 100 of (my treatment team members). They became like my family...I really don't think there is any place like this." Watch Pam return to Mary Free Bed to say “Thanks”

Our patients often find creative ways to bring joy and healing into the hospital. This was exemplified when then-patient Bob Bernard and son, Seth, treated patients & staff to an intimate musical performance. "I just felt like their songs would ring a bell," Bob said of sharing music with his fellow patients. Watch Bob’s story and hear him play the fiddle with son Seth

Rebekah, 21, and Marion, 100, formed a special connection at Mary Free Bed. Both fell, became rehabilitation roommates and discovered that Marion taught Sunday School to Rebekah’s grandmother. After Marion graduated, she unexpectedly passed away, but not before asking Rebekah to sing at her funeral. Watch their story to learn more. 

“He was doing something he enjoyed, which is why he could stand for so long,” said recreational therapist Steve Wheeler, who asked patient (and former Pentagon barber) Chuck Bifulco for a haircut. “My goal was to help him gain confidence and realize he could still do something he loves. That’s what rec therapy is all about.”

Julie Scheving had a stroke on April 16, 2009. Five years later, she returned to Mary Free Bed to celebrate how far she's come since that day. Julie arrived with a colorful cake to share with nurses and therapists in a show of gratitude for the care and compassion she received while at Mary Free Bed. Watch Julie’s story to learn more.