Back in the Swing of Things – Update on Ozzie Koroma
After a fateful night in March that landed him at Mary Free Bed – and in the headlines – 24-year-old Osman Koroma is back at work and looking forward to returning to Grand Rapids Community College this fall. “Ozzie,” who lost his sight due to cataracts at the age of 14, was hit by a […]
Our congrats to Orrin Schroeder
Our congrats to Orrin Schroeder – way to go! A recent below–the–knee amputee, 67-year-old Orrin came to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to be fitted for a prosthetic leg and receive outpatient therapy. On May 19, a little more than a month after he received his prosthesis, Orrin shot a hole–in-one on hole 16 at […]
Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle talks our doctors in his monthly video blog series
Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle talks about our culture and doctors in his monthly June video blog. This video starts off a series that explores each of our own doctors and how they can help assist you in the rehabilitation process. When you need rehabilitation, #AskForMary.
Mary Free Bed partners with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine are joining together to transform Mary Free Bed into a research and teaching hospital. This collaboration sets the stage for cutting-edge research and evidence-based medicine to improve the lives of patients and encourage more medical school students to focus on physical rehabilitation. […]
MFB and MSU form research partnership
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine are joining together to transform Mary Free Bed into a research and teaching hospital. This collaboration sets the stage for cutting-edge research and evidence-based medicine to improve the lives of patients and encourage more medical school students to […]
MFB and MSU form research partnership
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine are joining together to transform Mary Free Bed into a research and teaching hospital. This collaboration sets the stage for cutting-edge research and evidence-based medicine to improve the lives of patients and encourage more medical school students to […]
Wheelchair racer who owns 40 course records set to return to 2014 River Bank Run
Rollin on the River – 25 year sponsor of Wheelchair Division of the River Bank Run
Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle talks Home and Community Services via his monthly web blog
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is coming on its 1 year anniversary for the Home and Community Services program. Rehabilitation can come directly to your own home, gym or local West Michigan community.
Pediatric patient Tamarah Williams finds independence at Mary Free Bed
Guest Blog by Sarah Williams, mother of Mary Free Bed alumnus Tamarah Williams Tamarah Williams is my 13-year-old daughter who was born with hydrocephalus, more commonly known as water on the brain. She suffered a brain injury during a medical procedure in June, 2013, which left her unable to care for herself. On July 3, […]
Two sisters came to Mary Free Bed and found hope
Guest Blog by Sue Bauerle, sister of Mary Free Bed alumnus Nancy Goodsell Hope. That’s the first word that came to mind as I accompanied my sister (Nancy Goodsell) to the Mary Free Bed gym on the first morning of her therapy. Just a few weeks before, her health had begun deteriorating. She was confused, […]
Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle talks new Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program via monthly video blog
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital recently launched the Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program. CEO Kent Riddle talks about the program and good it has already done in West Michigan.
Artist John Schindler gives a special present to his former therapist
Spray-paint artist and former lymphedema patient John Schindler paid a visit to the Mary Free Bed Outpatient Therapy Clinic today to bestow a gift upon the woman who helped him regain his hope and freedom three years ago. “It was one of my darkest points. I was at my wit’s end,” 26-year-old John told […]
Student graduates from Mary Free Bed in style
Sixteen-year-old Hanna Rinkevicz was all smiles today as she walked out of Mary Free Bed. She was accompanied by her parents, Christy and Mark Rinkevicz, and a group of firefighters who work with her dad at the Grand Rapids Fire Department. They came to wish her well and provide a grand escort from the hospital. […]
Prosthetic legs don’t deter Grand Rapids man
Due to complications from diabetes, Dan Feather’s left leg had to be amputated below the knee. He was 73 at the time and, after a couple weeks of rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed, was ready to return home to his wife, Wilma. Later, the same circulation problem took his left leg. That was two years […]
Cancer Survivors Seek Rehab for Improved Quality of Life
From the Grand Rapids Press – Sunday, February 9, 2014
Three generations of Ford women behind cancer rehabilitation program
Historians say cancer can be divided into two categories: before Betty and after Betty. She was the first prominent woman to speak openly about breast cancer. Because of Betty Ford’s courage, women visited their physicians. Countless lives were saved. Our campaign is aimed at getting the word out about cancer rehabilitation. It’s a new sub-specialty in the […]
Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle starts monthly web video blog to community
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is going through and has undergone many changes as of lately. CEO Kent Riddle gives you the 2014 State of our Hospital in his first web video blog.
Sparrow and Mary Free Bed establish Lansing rehabilitation venture
Lansing, Mich. — Sparrow Hospital and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital have joined together to create Mary Free Bed at Sparrow, a joint venture providing advanced inpatient rehabilitation care for patients in the mid-Michigan region. The rehabilitation unit at Sparrow will expand to 40 private Patient rooms and two therapy gymnasiums, which will be built […]
Four courtesies to extend to wheelchair users in winter
Navigating a wheelchair in the snow can be a challenge. Below are four ways able-bodied people can be good neighbors during the winter months. If there’s a van-accessible handicapped-parking spot, leave it for a van that is equipped with a wheelchair lift. Be sure not to crowd the van on the passenger side, which is where […]
Winter and wheelchairs: A tricky combination
Kelly Merz remembers all too well her first solo attempt at getting to work in the snow while using a wheelchair. When she opened the door of her apartment to venture toward the garage, a gust of wind picked up the stack of papers on her lap. So she wheeled over to the papers, maneuvered […]
Local Doctor Graduates from Mary Free Bed’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program
Guest blog: Dr. Russell Dykstra is a graduate of Mary Free Bed’s Brain Injury Program who agreed to write a guest blog about his recovery. My traumatic brain injury was caused by a collision while I was riding my cyclo-cross bike. I was going down a steep hill on a bike path, gaining speed as […]
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 […]
Third time’s the charm for Megan Reynolds
Megan Reynolds is pleased to be a “repeat customer” at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. “I requested to come back here because it feels safe. I trust everyone here,” says Megan, who is 27 and lives in Hudsonville. Last week, as she wrapped up her third stay as an inpatient, Megan spoke fondly of the […]
Mary Free Bed’s 2013 holiday commercial – Don’t Stop Believing
Enjoy Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s 30-second commercial spot for the 2013 holiday season!
Jennifer Crowell – A Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Story Part 2
Jennifer Crowell, Mary Free Bed graduate, decided that her accident wasn’t the end. In fact, it was the beginning of her decision to inspire and encourage others in similar situations. Listen as Shelley Mishler, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Guild President, shares Jennifer’s story of hope and determination.
Tearra Garth – A Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Story
Editor’s note: As part of our holiday campaign, Mary Free Bed is asking former patients to tell us about their rehabilitation experience. What follows is one of those stories. Mary Free Bed patient, Tearra Garth, has had quite a journey these past few weeks and is very excited about her future… Listen as Kent Riddle, […]
Devon Goebel: A Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Story
Editor’s note: As part of our holiday campaign, Mary Free Bed is asking former patients to tell us about their rehabilitation experience. What follows is one of those stories. Robin Bilotti’s Story: “I think I will end up being myself.” This was the prophetic note that my 17-year-old daughter, Devon Goebel, wrote when she was […]
Young Jack Stoner doesn’t let cerebral palsy keep him down
Nine-year-old Jack Stoner smiles a lot these days. He’s often setting aside his wheeled walker in favor of crutches and even endeavoring to take a few steps without the aid of either. “My toes are forward. It’s easier to walk and I can go faster,” he says. In early October, Jack underwent a selective dorsal […]
Melisa Davis Moore – A Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Story
Editor’s note: As part of our holiday campaign, Mary Free Bed is asking former patients to tell us about their rehabilitation experience. What follows is one of those stories. My son, Gabriel, experienced a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident on Aug. 16, 2001. He was 4 at the time. Gabriel was airlifted […]