Cancer + Wellness series: Episode 7 – Clean Eating Starts Here
Mick Von Doxatater offers guidance in how to support a more healthy diet after cancer. In the seventh episode of our video series, inspired by the Cancer + Wellness Program, “Surfer Mick” emphasizes the importance of (literally) eating clean. In this brief segment, he provides tips on how to properly clean fruits and vegetables before preparing them […]
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 […]
New program offers in-depth rehab services in outpatient setting
When Mary Free Bed’s Day Rehab Program launches this fall, it will help to address a growing rehabilitation need by “bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient levels of care.” Patients attend 4-hour sessions, 2-5 days a week, participating in physical, occupational and speech therapy. Additional time is allotted for exploring related rehabilitation services. Coordinated, […]
Healthy harvest: Easy fall recipes & fitness ideas
As humid summer days turn into crisp fall evenings, you may find yourself craving comfort casseroles, hot beverages, and, let’s be honest: pumpkin-flavored everything. The autumnal shift doesn’t have to halt your weight loss journey. There are many ways to enjoy the flavors and beauty of fall without sacrificing your healthy habits. Enjoy these tips and […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episode 6 – Tips for Healthy Eating
In the sixth episode of our video series, inspired by the Cancer + Wellness Program, Wendy Borden offers tips on healthy eating after cancer and treatment. She encourages people to take a simple approach and emphasize “whole, fresh, local, seasonal” ingredients as much as possible. “(Eat) clean, organic foods that are really going to nourish […]
Faith & friendship guide Mildred’s rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed at Sparrow
An unexpected fall led to the discovery of Mildred Mendenhall’s rare spinal tumor. The condition affected the use of her legs and necessitated months of intense rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed at Sparrow in Lansing. “They taught me how to sit up and maintain my balance,” Mildred says of her 5-month stay. “It was hard […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episode 5 – Eating by Color
In the fifth episode of our video series, inspired by the Cancer + Wellness Program, Mick Von Doxatater offers advice on how to eat a more colorful diet and why it matters: “Your immune system and your body will thank you.” Mick says “variety is the key word here. Between 5 and 10 colors is what […]
They believe in Anna, so Anna believes in herself’
Guest blog by Juliana Morano, mother to pediatric patient Anna Morano Anna was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. She is being treated by Dr. Mann, which is where she first met her speech therapist, Jenn Bobb. Due to her cleft, Anna was having a very difficult time making sounds and forming words […]
Sled Wings Susie Kluting earns fourth selection to U.S.A. women’s sled hockey team
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Forward Susie Kluting from the Grand Rapids Sled Wings adult sled hockey team has been named to the 2015-16 U.S. Women’s Sled Hockey Team. This season will mark the fourth time that Kluting has represented her country. She spent two years on the squad from 2011-13 then was an alternate in […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episode 4 – Meet Michele Fife
Ayurvedic yoga therapist and nutritionist Michele Fife is an instructor with the Mary Free Bed Cancer + Wellness Program. She was drawn to the innovative program because of her passion for positively impacting people’s lives. “I’m very much a fixer person, a helper person,” Michele says. “I love to help people. I like to be of use. I like […]
Brian bonds with team at Mary Free Bed at Sparrow
Brian Byelich needed 4 months of rehabilitation after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor. Knowing he had the right to choose where he received his care, he asked for Mary Free Bed at Sparrow. This decision also meant he could be close to his wife, Jessie, and their two kids – a crucial factor in […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episode 3 – Meet Brooke DeBeck
Registered dietitian Brooke DeBeck serves as an instructor with the Mary Free Bed Cancer + Wellness Program, which provides holistic education for people at all stages of their cancer journey; newly diagnosed, in treatment and post treatment. Brooke encourages people to learn more about the relationship between diet and cancer, and other health concerns. “It’s not really one […]
Little Abby decides to “give back” to MFB Pediatric Patients
Guest Blog by Shannon Almassian (Abby Almassian’s mother) Abby’s birthday theme was “Giving is Good.” She decided to donate to Mary Free Bed because she wanted the kids (in the inpatient pediatric program) to know other kids care and hope they would feel what comfort a stuffed animal can bring. She and her friends picked […]
Munson Medical Center joins Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Munson Medical Center and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital have signed an agreement that supports improving the quality of care for patients and enhancing rehabilitation services at Munson Medical Center. This agreement brings Munson Medical Center into the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network, an innovative alliance of hospitals and providers throughout […]
Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports Program named as beneficiary of Sports Legacy Fund
The Mary Free Bed Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports Program (WAS) has been named as the beneficiary of the National Association of Sports Commissions’ (NASC) Sports Legacy Fund in 2016. WAS has previously worked with the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC), a member of NASC. Grand Rapids will host the 24th NASC Sports Event Symposium April 3-7, 2016. […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episode 2 – Meet Wendy Borden
Wendy Borden, Executive Director of the Revive and Thrive Project, serves as an instructor with the Mary Free Bed Cancer + Wellness Program. Through the program, Wendy provides holistic education for people at all stages of their cancer journey; newly diagnosed, in treatment and post treatment. “I have a unique perspective on the program, because I […]
Marty makes strides – and plenty of friends – at Mary Free Bed at Sparrow
It’s been a long road to recovery for Marty McDougall, who, for more than year, has been coping with the effects of a fall she sustained in May 2014. Every day, with help from her team at Mary Free Bed at Sparrow, Marty is improving her mobility and strength. She says she “clicked” immediately with her […]
Celebrating National Smile Week at Mary Free Bed
A friendly smile is a popular accessory at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, where we value compassion, warmth and a good sense of humor. In honor of National Smile Week, celebrated annually during the second week of August, here are a few Mary Free Bed patients and staff showing off their happy mugs in the hospital and […]
Ryan Podvin continues to thrive at Mary Free Bed as an employee after diving accident
Summer is a time for fun and recreation, but it’s also known as trauma season. Unfortunately, accidents can occur during every day, familiar activities, like swimming, diving and playing sports. Ryan Podvin, an experienced swimmer, suffered a spinal cord injury after barely nicking his chin in a diving accident in Lake Michigan. Five years later […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episode 1 – Meet Surfer Mick
Mick Von Doxatater, aka “Surfer Mick,” is a surfer, chef and world traveler with a holistic approach to food and its healing potential. “The same foods that build you up and keep you strong are the same foods that will restore you when you get hit with a life-threatening illness, or when you’re coming back […]
Join the Movement & support Mary Free Bed’s expansion & renovation
Mary Free Bed officials and community leaders/philanthropists joined together on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to announce the launch of the public phase of a capital campaign to support a $66.4 million expansion and renovation project. The project will provide leading-edge rehabilitation care and services to the West Michigan community and well beyond. Read more about Tuesday’s press conference […]
Lakeland Health joins Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Lakeland Health and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital have aligned to enhance rehabilitation care for patients in southwest Michigan. Lakeland has joined the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network, an innovative alliance of hospitals and providers throughout Michigan. The network was established in 2011 to extend Mary Free Bed’s expertise as one of the leading rehabilitation […]
Tom and Andrea Yared honor their son’s memory
Research conducted by Mary Free Bed physical therapists Kirk Randall and Jennifer McWain has led to a groundbreaking discovery—and helped solidify a substantial donation from Tom and Andrea Yared in memory of their son, John. John Yared, a patient with brain cancer, worked with Kirk and Jenn on balance issues caused by chemotherapy-induced numbness in his […]
Kids enjoy success, teamwork at Mary Free Bed Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp
Campers, parents, staff and volunteers on Friday afternoon celebrated the conclusion to another successful Mary Free Bed Jr. Wheelchair Sports Camp. The free annual weeklong event, hosted at Grand Valley State University, offers kids of all ability levels and ages the opportunity to participate in 10 adaptive sports, ranging from kayaking and disc golf, to sled […]
5 health benefits of weight loss & management
Whether your weight loss goal is 20 pounds or 100 pounds, studies have shown that even a small reduction in weight, such as 5-10%, is likely to yield improvements in your health. Below, Kim Meeuwsen, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with the Mary Free Bed Weight Management Program, offers 5 health benefits to losing weight and maintaining a healthy […]
Sled Wings’ Robert Thrailkill named to U.S. National Developmental sled hockey team
Forward Robert Thrailkill Jr. from the Grand Rapids Sled Wings adult sled hockey team has been named to the 2015-16 U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team. This marks the third consecutive year the 24-year-old Thrailkill has been selected for the squad. Moreover, this is the sixth time in the last 7 years that a member […]
Teens raise money for limb difference program
Recent Hudsonville High School graduate Bailey Gulch was all smiles when she handed a white envelope to Mary Free Bed Annual Fund Director Jocelyn Dettloff. It contained checks totaling $1,000, all made payable to Mary Free Bed. During her last semester of high school, 17-year-old Bailey spearheaded a fundraiser to help with the cost of […]
Mary Free Bed alum finds inspiration 12,000 feet above ground
Buddy Gargus, 50, has long been an adrenaline junkie. A paralyzing spinal cord injury, sustained in a July 2010 diving accident, didn’t diminish his bold spirit. Post-accident, Buddy spent two months in rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed where he focused on maximizing his strength and mobility. “Mary Free Bed for me was a wonderful experience,” Buddy […]
2015 Midwest Wheelchair Tennis Championships recap
Guest blog by Erin Fouty, Tournament Director of the 2015 Midwest Wheelchair Championships, and Alicia Hass, Coordinator, Mary Free Bed Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports The beautiful facilities at MVP-Crahen were once again host to the Midwest Wheelchair Tennis Championships held July 10-12, 2015. Nearly 80 athletes from around the world traveled to Grand Rapids, Mich., to participate in all […]
Music is medicine’ at mini music fest for patients [Video]
Creativity, teamwork and initiative recently helped a music-loving patient experience a bit of the summer festival life she’s been missing while at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. When physical therapy assistant Diane Capen discovered that inpatient Angelique Scott was bummed about not being able to attend live musical performances this summer, Diane asked her daughter […]