Keep Rolling, Keep Happy: Jason’s Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
Jason Norwood’s chill demeanor rolls off him like waves. He’s quick to smile and eager to talk about motocross, the sport he’s loved since he was a kid. Recently, he’s been sharing a new story: how his life has changed after a spinal cord injury. It’s another kind of challenge with a different track, but […]
The Cost of One Fall: Why Hunters Must Prioritize Safety
In the quiet woods of Michigan, a single misstep changed Bill Pahl’s life forever. On November 11, 2022, while hunting from a tree stand, Bill fell nearly 20 feet to the ground. The fall resulted in a spinal cord injury (SCI) that left him unable to walk. Bill’s road to recovery has been marked by […]
The Power of Patience: Devion’s Life After a Spinal Cord Injury
From his inpatient hospital room at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids, 32-year-old Devion Holbrook could hear graduations underway. For Mary Free Bed patients, a graduation is a monumental moment that marks discharge from inpatient care. Therapists, nurses and friends line the halls celebrating patient’s progress, ushering them out of the hospital through a tunnel […]
Sky’s the Limit: Bruce’s Resilience after a Spinal Cord Injury
In April 2023, life took an unexpected turn for Bruce Roger, 58, of Traverse City, Michigan. A fall at work left him with a concussion, orbital fracture and a spinal cord injury. Following the accident, Bruce was diagnosed with quadriplegia. Fortunately, Bruce’s C3/C4 spinal cord injury was incomplete, which meant he still had some […]
After His Spinal Cord Injury, Tom Maher’s Community Gives Back
Tom Maher is a problem solver. He has always taken great pride in being part of solutions for others. Now, his community is returning the favor. In July, Tom was driving his motorcycle to work when he was struck by a drunk driver. He suffered severe spinal cord injuries and was rushed to Bronson for […]
Motocrosser Todd DeHoop on road to recovery
Veteran motocross racer Todd DeHoop was rounding a corner during a practice session at the Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship when things took a devastating turn. In an instant, Todd went down hard, sustaining a serious spinal cord injury. Doctors at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona determined Todd fractured his third and fourth cervical vertebrae […]
Spinal cord injury doesn’t stop Michigan student
Hailey Naugle is a vibrant young woman who dreams of a career caring for others. An unfortunate accident gave the 19-year-old University of Michigan student a new perspective about what that means. “This experience will help her tremendously,” said Dr. Sam Ho, a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. “Because when you go […]
Encouraged by heartfelt support, Olivia and Alex ‘fight to beat this together’
Olivia Ancil’s story of recovery is about faith over fear and perseverance over pain. It’s also one of hope and the undeniable power of love. On May 28, the young nurse was leaving a specialty certification class at Holland Hospital to spend time with her boyfriend, Alex Arent. Just 22 and a recent graduate of […]
After car crash, quick access to rehabilitation improved Kim’s recovery
For Kim Laskus, “life was great, life was wonderful, I had no complaints.” Then the 60-year-old Grand Rapids woman was involved in a car crash “and everything changed.” Kim was driving to work on Feb. 19 when the crash occurred. She sustained serious injuries, including a broken neck, hip and femur. Laskus was taken to […]
Mary Free Bed’s Research team creates care packages to alleviate pandemic’s effect on people with spinal cord injuries
Mary Free Bed is helping to relieve the stress faced by current and former patients with spinal cord injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a $10,000 emergency support grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. Using these funds, the hospital’s John F. Butzer Center for Research & Innovation created care packages for 40 members […]
Mary Free Bed alum Mike Ballard sets sights on 2021 Paralympics
Mike Ballard was living the dream in 2014. The Gladwin, Michigan native had moved to the luxurious city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for a teaching job and played club rugby for the Abu Dhabi Harlequins. The Harlequins made it to the finals of the West Asia Cup, an accomplishment that alone […]
Clementine triumphs over brain injury, internal decapitation and cherishes second chance to ‘love’
Update: Clementine met the first responders who saved her life right after the crash early in February. You can see the FOX 17 story by clicking or tapping here. Original story: Clementine Sikiri says the theme of Proverbs 31:25 perfectly describes her. “I’m clothed with strength and dignity. I laugh without fear of the future.” […]
Cameron’s recovery from spinal cord injury inspires sister’s career in occupational therapy
Life sometimes has a funny way of coming full circle. The journey began for the Tacey family on April 18, 2004. Cameron Tacey was 16 when he injured his spinal cord in a car accident near his Bay City home. His parents were told he may not survive and if he did, that he’d likely […]
Spinal cord injury study shows promise for increased independence; more participants needed
People with spinal cord injuries who exercise regularly are seeing a positive impact on their health, according to preliminary results of a study by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Michigan. The three-year, collaborative research effort is investigating whether a novel exercise training program affects quality of life for people with spinal […]
Mary Free Bed and University of Michigan collaborate on research
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Michigan’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are partnering on research to help people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers from Mary Free Bed and the University of Michigan are collaborating on a three-year study investigating the effect of a novel exercise training […]
Mary Free Bed first hospital in Michigan with robotic device that helps paralyzed patients walk
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is the first hospital in Michigan to provide treatment with the Indego® exoskeleton, a state-of-the-art robotic device that enables patients affected by spinal cord injuries to stand and walk. “I love the way I feel when I’m walking in it,” said Brittany Yeomans, who was 21 […]
New Bone Health Program at Mary Free Bed designed to fight, manage osteoporosis
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital has launched a Bone Health Program focused on the prevention and treatment of bone diseases, particularly osteoporosis, that affect millions of Americans every year. Osteoporosis is a startlingly common condition that can affect overall wellness and longevity. About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone […]
Mary Free Bed research team awarded $400,000 Neilsen Grant
Grand Rapids, Mich. – The John F. Butzer Center for Research & Innovation at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital has received a $400,000 grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to compare the effectiveness of two exercise and social engagement programs intended to enhance quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. “This award […]
Physiatrist joins Mary Free Bed Medical Group
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Mary Free Bed Medical Group is pleased to introduce Carolyn F. Vollmer, MD, as a physiatrist working primarily in the Spine Center. Areas of focus and sub-specialization include occupational medicine/work-related injuries, interventional spine procedures, musculoskeletal conditions, sports medicine and women’s health. Dr. Vollmer is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Human […]
Ken Taylor recovers, regains strength at Mary Free Bed after spinal cord injury
Thomas “Ken” Taylor, 77, was working in a hilly part of his yard last spring when he lost his balance. He fell into a tree, which caused him to fracture is neck (C1 vertebrae). Ken was immediately taken to the emergency room at Holland Hospital. After a few days in the hospital he was referred […]
Man Overcomes Spinal Cord Injury and Publishes Book
As a former firefighter and father of three, Steven P. Christians always had an active lifestyle. When he wasn’t fighting fires, Steven ventured outdoors, spending his free time fishing, hunting, or camping. However, Steven’s life took a drastic turn when doctors found a syrinx, a fluid-filled cyst, in his spinal cord. At age 35, Steven […]
Motivation Leads to Remarkable Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury
Last March, Chris Graystone was enjoying a fun evening with friends. However, the night filled with good laughs and memories took a turn for the worse when a few friends decided to take a polar bear plunge. Chris decided to join them. While making his way to the lake, Chris tripped over uneven ground just […]