Fireside chat features renowned disability rights activist Judy Heumann
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Internationally known disability rights advocate Judy Heumann is the featured guest for the upcoming Ms. Wheelchair America competition being presented by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation. Heumann will discuss her life’s work during a live, virtual fireside chat with Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle and current Ms. Wheelchair America Hilary Muehlberger. […]
Mary Free Bed rated among nation’s best
Grand Rapids, Mich. – U.S. News & World Report released its list of Best Hospitals for Rehabilitation, and Mary Free Bed is rated one of the nation’s top providers. Of the 1,083 rehabilitation organizations evaluated by U.S. News health care analysts, Mary Free Bed is #17 in the United States and out-scored rehabilitation providers in […]
Mary Free Bed celebrates Pride Month and its commitment to inclusion
Pride Month is an opportunity for the world to celebrate and honor the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQIA+) community. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation is a place for healing, and that’s why we’re committed to supporting important causes for equality and condemning discrimination. This month, we’re proud to fly a rainbow flag on campus […]
Bikes for the Rest of Us matches participants with adaptive bikes
More than 70 adults and children with disabilities have been introduced to adaptive bicycling, thanks to the Mary Free Bed Guild. Pre-registered families were paired with therapists matched their physical need with the most appropriate bicycle. Airway Oxygen, West Michigan Bike and Fitness, AMBUCS and Creative Mobility provided the biking equipment. Every rider also was […]
Mary Free Bed’s Carol Lyman honored with Essential Service Award
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed employee Carol Lyman’s efforts to ensure the health and safety of patients, visitors and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic have been recognized with a 2020 Essential Service Award by West Michigan Works! Lyman, a senior administrative assistant, is among eight frontline workers honored by the organization for going […]
Mary Free Bed dishes up new dining services for patients
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – There’s a lot cooking at 235 Wealthy Street these days. With the launch of its in-house food and dining service, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital patients are enjoying a new menu of nourishing meals tailored to their specific needs. Patients who need rehabilitation sometimes require a long hospital stay, and nutrition […]
Holland Community Aquatic Center will include Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation
HOLLAND, Mich. – Holland Community Aquatic Center officials have invited Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation clinicians to bring their expertise to town. Beginning this summer, Mary Free Bed therapists will be using the center’s warm-water pool, fitness space and private treatment rooms with capacity for additional growth. Physical therapy will be available to treat a variety […]
Larry’s determination shows after year-long fight to recover from Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Larry Rodabaugh was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in January 2020. Within three days from the onset of initial symptoms, the then 56-year-old Vassar, Michigan resident went into total respiratory failure. However, due to his efforts and determination combined with the skill and care of the staff at Mary Free Bed at Covenant HealthCare, Larry’s rehabilitation […]
Mary Free Bed receives first doses of COVID-19 vaccine
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this morning and vaccinations began this afternoon. Rehabilitation physician Richard Ball, M.D., was the first person immunized. He’s the medical director of the Mary Free Bed Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program, which trains physicians specializing in rehabilitation […]
Kyle’s love for Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports moves donors to raise $300,000
The COVID-19 pandemic did little to deter supporters of Mary Free Bed from celebrating its mission to restore hope and freedom. While “Thrive,” the Foundation’s annual gala, looked a little different this year, the result was the same. Instead of one large event attended by hundreds of people, the Foundation offered opportunities for sponsors to […]
Mary Free Bed outpatient locations open for rehabilitation care
We’re making it safe and easy to get the care you need at several convenient locations. Would you rather receive virtual services from home? We can do that, too! In-Person Visits You can feel confident coming to see us. We’re following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State of Michigan guidelines for disinfecting, distancing […]
Protect yourself against coronavirus and other viruses: Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, stay away from people who are sick
With a surge in cases of COVID-19 and nearly 3,000 deaths worldwide, concerns and questions arise regarding the risks to people around the world. The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the rapidly evolving outbreak that emerged in Wuhan City, […]
Education is an important part of pain rehabilitation
From our experts: Nicole DeHaan is a physical therapist and therapeutic pain specialist in Mary Free Bed’s Pain Rehabilitation program. As a member of the program’s team of experts, she works with patients to reduce their chronic pain and improve their ability to function. People with chronic pain recognize the pain they’re experiencing is … […]
Recreational power soccer team forming for power wheelchair users
Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports program is gearing up to add power soccer to its roster of teams for people with disabilities. It will join more than 250 teams from around the world competing in one of the fastest-growing sports on four wheels. Power soccer is the first competitive team sport designed for […]
Love is in the air: Rick’s rehabilitation team helps bring daughter’s wedding to Mary Free Bed
When patients and their loved ones come to Mary Free Bed, they become part of the Mary Free Bed family, and “family’s the most important thing.” That’s why Rick Kitchen’s wife, Beth, and daughter, Jaslyn, united with his Mary Free Bed team to make sure he’d be part of a very special family celebration. Rick […]
Embrace heart health with these nutrition tips for a healthy lifestyle
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. February is American Heart Month, and there’s no better time to discuss heart health. Nutrition is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle and a vital way to fight heart disease. Here are some ways to ramp up your heart health: 1. […]
Mary Free Bed launches Patient and Family Advisory Council
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital recently launched a Patient and Family Advisory Council, a steering committee tasked with creating better experiences for patients, caregivers and team members. The PFAC will meet quarterly, but committees will hold monthly workgroup sessions with specific goals. Members will look at ways to promote patient- and […]
Mary Free Bed launches Patient and Family Advisory Council
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital recently launched a Patient and Family Advisory Council, a steering committee tasked with creating better experiences for patients, caregivers and team members. The PFAC will meet quarterly, but committees will hold monthly workgroup sessions with specific goals. Members will look at ways to promote patient- and […]
She’s got the beat: Cardio drumming fuels Marian’s recovery
Marian Johnson is tapping into her drumming skills and rocking her rehabilitation. Marian, who turns 85 next month, came to Mary Free Bed to gain strength and stamina after a recent illness left her weakened. When recreational therapist Katie Harrington asked Marian what type of activities she enjoys, she shared her love for cardio drumming. […]
Community Non-Profits Join Forces for Low Vision, Blindness Services
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Serving the West Michigan community for 106 years, staff members at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired have improved life for thousands of children and adults who have low vision or blindness. Determined to design the future so ABVI could grow its programs and services, leaders looked to affiliate […]
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 […]
Don’t let food stress you out this holiday season
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. In this blog, she shares some tips for managing your health during the holidays. The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for celebration, it also can cause stress. Maintaining your health, physically and mentally, throughout the holidays is about […]
Thumbs up: Teen recovers from toe-to-thumb transplant with help from Mary Free Bed’s Hand Therapy Program
Aiden Adkins was using a woodworking saw to create a gift as a prom proposal to his girlfriend when he accidentally cut off his thumb. Unable to find it, doctors repaired the wound, and Aiden went about his life, getting ready to graduate from Carson City-Crystal High School and competing on its clay target team. […]
Mary Free Bed patients treated to Spa Day
Patients at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital received some extra special pampering ahead of the holidays, thanks to volunteers and the Recreational Therapy department. Mary Free Bed’s recreational therapy gym was transformed into a salon, where students from the Paul Mitchell School in Grand Rapids treated patients of all ages to complimentary manicures, haircuts and […]
Stay safe this winter with these tips for running in cold, snow and ice
From our experts: Todd Buckingham is the Mary Free Bed Sports Rehabilitation team’s lead exercise physiologist and oversees the program’s Performance Lab. A runner himself, Todd works with all levels of athletes, from beginners to NCAA Division I and professional athletes, to fuel their performance safely and effectively. The weather is turning colder, and […]
Euchre brings two Mary Free Bed patients together during recreational therapy sessions
Two patients at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital have bonded after recreational therapists brought them together for a game of cards. Ben Marshall came to Mary Free Bed in early November after surgeries to repair damage to vertebrae in his neck. He was injured in a 2010 workplace accident and also experienced other illnesses and […]
Learning how to manage emotions a vital part of chronic pain management
From our experts: Dr. Evan Parks is a clinical psychologist in Mary Free Bed’s Pain Rehabilitation Program. Physical and emotional health are closely linked, and psychology plays a significant role in chronic pain management. We picture our life moving forward, accomplishing goals and enjoying good relationships. When chronic pain enters that picture, many of the […]
Mary Free Bed Selects Epic for New Electronic Medical Records Service
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – It’s going to be Epic, say Mary Free Bed clinicians and IT professionals. Leaders from Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital have signed a 10-year agreement with Covenant HealthCare officials to extend their electronic medical record (EMR) software called Epic to Mary Free Bed. Electronic medical records are the digital version of […]
Halloween Heroes celebrate in style
Kids love Halloween, and volunteers from the community and Mary Free Bed made sure 35 current and former patients were able to celebrate in a special way. The fourth annual Halloween Heroes Parade marched around Mary Free Bed and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital on Oct. 26, with the Forest Hills Central Marching Band leading […]
OrthoSEAT mobile unit brings custom seating services to patients
Technology that enhances the lives of patients is a direct extension of Mary Free Bed’s mission to restore hope and freedom. OrthoSEAT is a specialized service for people who need wheelchairs to support their health and to empower them to do what they want to, when they want to do it. OrthoSEAT’s mobile unit brings […]