Brooklyn raises money for Mary Free Bed a second time
UPDATE: She did it again! Brooklyn Hammer, now a fifth grader, visited Mary Free Bed on Giving Tuesday this week with another generous donation – $611 – for the Mary Free Bed Foundation. Since she last visited in 2018, Brooklyn’s family once again has experienced rehabilitation through Mary Free Bed. Her 14-year-old cousin was admitted […]
Sales from Grand Rapids photographer’s new book to benefit Mary Free Bed Kids
Brian Kelly’s new passion project exemplifying his love for the city of Grand Rapids will help two local organizations near and dear to his heart. The popular Grand Rapids photographer is publishing a book of aerial photographs offering a unique perspective of the city. “AERIAL: Grand Rapids from Above” is a 100-page coffee table book […]
ShenaLi continues progress after surgery with Virtual Services therapy sessions
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began early last spring, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital has taken measures to protect the health and safety of patients, employees and the community. Those measures include offering Virtual Services to help adults and children maintain their therapy progress in the comfort and safety of home, like ShenaLi Chien. The 12-year-old […]
Mitch Albom embraces Mary Free Bed Kids staff for care of young family friend
Bestselling author, longtime Detroit Free Press columnist and philanthropist Mitch Albom sent a “long-distance hug” to Mary Free Bed employees for taking care of someone special to him and for doing “really important, amazing work.” Albom shared his sentiments in a video message for helping a young girl during her recent inpatient stay. Albom is […]
Mary Free Bed Kids therapists earn neurodevelopmental treatment certification
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Five members of the Mary Free Bed Kids therapy team have earned specialized certification in a well-established treatment approach to help children with neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida, become as independent as possible. Physical therapists Andrea Dennis, Micah Huegel and Kate Rustem, and occupational therapists Elle Augustine […]
Portage teen battles EEE virus with rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed
It was Aug. 16 when Kerri Dooley noticed her 14-year-old daughter wasn’t feeling well. Savanah DeHart had a severe headache and was acting dazed and lethargic. When her symptoms worsened overnight, Kerri took Savanah to the emergency room at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, not far from their Portage home. Doctors performed several tests […]
Shriners Hospitals for Children partners with Mary Free Bed to launch telehealth program
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Michigan families will have more convenient visits with their specialists and reduced transportation costs thanks to a new collaboration between Chicago and Cincinnati Shriners Hospitals for Children and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Instead of making out-of-state trips, young patients and their families can receive consultations from […]
Child life specialist helps Mary Free Bed’s youngest patients cope with hospitalization
Mariah Bruff always knew she wanted to become a teacher, but she didn’t expect a hospital to be her classroom and its youngest patients to be her students. Mariah studied education at Grand Valley State University, but found teaching in front of a large group in a small classroom wasn’t for her. Her sister, a […]