GVSU mail carrier returns to post after rehabilitation aids recovery from COVID-19
When Kevin Howell contracted COVID-19, “I could hear him breathing from across the house,” his wife, Samantha, said. The virus hit the 57-year-old Grand Valley State University mail carrier in mid-July. He was plagued by a persistent cough and fatigue, then noticed swelling in his ankle and calf. He went to the emergency room where […]
Mary Free Bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation again ranked among nation’s best
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For the fourth straight year, Mary Free Bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for Best Short-Term Rehabilitation. More than 15,000 organizations were evaluated. Mary Free Bed ranked better than both state and national averages for consistency of nurse staffing, fall prevention, the amount of physical […]
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 […]
Practice gratitude for your body, and see what it can do!
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. At the beginning of each year, we focus on setting new goals or practicing new healthy behaviors. One thing we may not think a lot about is practicing gratitude. Research shows that those who practice gratitude are thriving psychologically, spiritually, physically and […]
Weight Management Program teaches Rachel lifelong lessons: ‘It’s a chance for real growth and change’
Rachel Webster joined the Mary Free Bed Weight Management Program, because she wanted to improve her lifestyle and overcome fears about her weight. Since completing the 20-week Foundation program, Rachel said she’s learned some lifelong lessons and lost 25 pounds along the way. What are some of the most helpful things you learned? There’s no […]
Focus on building healthy lifestyle habits that last
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. The new year is approaching, and we’re all feeling excitement for a fresh start. It’s understandable to reflect on how we spent our time this year. Many of us were at home due to unexpected circumstances, and guess what? Home is where […]
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 […]
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 […]
Mary Free Bed re-opens ReCOVery℠ Unit for COVID-19 patients
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The ReCOVery℠ Unit at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is operational once again. The dedicated unit is for patients who need intensive inpatient rehabilitation and have recently tested positive for COVID-19. The 12-bed ReCOVery℠ Unit is in a physically isolated area of Mary Free Bed’s main campus hospital. All Centers for […]
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 […]
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 […]
Mary Free Bed expands patient capacity to support community
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – West Michigan general acute-care hospitals are seeing a significant surge of patients with COVID-19, and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital officials are adding temporary beds to help reduce the strain. The state has granted approval for the additional beds, and the first 14 are operational. These beds are for patients who […]
Add these healthy recipes to your holiday feast
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. The holiday season is upon us, and that means celebratory meals filled with traditional dishes. It’s always fun to try something new, though! These three recipes have become favorites in my home, and if you need vegan- or diabetic-friendly ideas or gluten-free […]
Following amputation, Art ‘picks himself up’ with help of Mary Free Bed at Covenant team
Art Bean was running new machinery during a normal day at work when a freak accident changed how the Fairgrove, MI man would do things the rest of his life. “(The machine) came down to rest on my foot between my steel toe and my ankle, and that crushed everything in between,” said Art, whose […]
Mary Free Bed limiting visitors to protect patients, staff and community
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed is addressing the surge in COVID-19 cases and working to reduce the spread by limiting the number of people coming into our buildings. As always, everyone visiting our main campus in Grand Rapids or any of our outpatient locations will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms or risk factors […]
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 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 […]
Mary Free Bed staff, patients do the ‘Time Warp’
To say this year hasn’t been easy or typical is an understatement. The COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest and all those election ads inspired staff in the Mary Free Bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Program to say “Let’s ‘Time Warp’ out of 2020.” Based on a song from the 1975 cult classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” staff and patients choreographed a socially distanced and masked performance. The music video features more than two dozen creatively costumed staff members from […]
Al remains ‘hard working and dedicated to his recovery’ from West Nile virus
For information about West Nile virus activity in Michigan and how to protect yourself, visit the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website. It’s been more than three years since a mosquito bite changed the course of Al Walczak’s life. A small insect infected with the West Nile virus caused Al to develop serious […]
Mary Free Bed partners with Brooks, Madonna rehabilitation hospitals for telehealth research study in response to COVID-19 pandemic
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is teaming up with two rehabilitation partners to launch a research study that will advance the use of telehealth for rehabilitation during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will obtain vital data and feedback used to shape the future of telehealth for […]
Saginaw man returns home after three months in hospitals fighting complications from COVID-19
Six months ago, John Curtis was a healthy 44-year-old, living life. Then one day, he woke up with a 104-degree temperature. He had COVID-19. John “has been through a lot,” said Dr. Ralph Wang, a physiatrist at Mary Free Bed who oversaw his rehabilitation care. The Saginaw man graduated Sept. 30 from Mary Free Bed […]
National association honors Mary Free Bed CEO with Leadership Award
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association (AMRPA) has recognized Kent Riddle, president and CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, with the AMRPA National Leadership Excellence Award. The announcement was made Oct. 8 at AMPRA’s virtual Fall Educational Conference and Expo, where the medical rehabilitation industry celebrates excellence in the field. […]
Broaden your palette with Hispanic cuisine
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. Do you ever get in a cooking rut and tire of making the same ol’ meals for dinner? You’re not alone! Instead of diving into the abyss of Pinterest for recipes, narrow your search by focusing on a different culture’s cuisine. Hispanic […]
Energize your morning with these grab-and-go ideas for a healthy breakfast
Breakfast is an important meal. It provides our body with the energy it needs to start the day off with a fueled-up tank. When you balance your energy intake throughout the day, including that morning fuel, you’re less likely to overeat later. When we eat little to nothing for breakfast and a light lunch, we […]
Nearly 2,000 ‘Notes of Hope’ lifts spirits during pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit West Michigan earlier this year, we thought “Notes of Hope” would be a simple way for the community to help restore hope to patients already facing challenging circumstances due to an injury or illness. We knew West Michigan residents would open their hearts to help patients who couldn’t have family […]
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 […]
Mary Free Bed ranked Top Rehabilitation Center in Michigan by Newsweek
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Newsweek officials today announced their first ranking of rehabilitation organizations, and Mary Free Bed tops the list in Michigan for 2020. The ratings are based on quality of care, service and follow-up care in addition to accommodations and amenities. Newsweek partnered with global market research firm Statista Inc. to rank […]
Mary Free Bed names Chief Operating Officer
Mary Free Bed’s new Chief Operating Officer has more than 30 years of health care experience. Ingrid Cheslek joined Mary Free Bed in 2015 as the Chief Nursing Officer and in 2016 was also named Chief Clinical Operations Officer. The first woman to serve as COO at Mary Free Bed, Cheslek oversees all aspects of […]
Gary battles debilitating effects of West Nile virus with intensive rehabilitation
It took 65 days in three different hospitals before Gary Shepherd was able to return to the two things he loves most: his family and his farm. Gary’s from Onaway, a small town in northern Michigan where he owns Bonz Beach Farms. He grows fresh produce, makes maple syrup and honey, and cares for egg-laying chickens. During an off-season trip to Arizona In November 2019 with his father, everything changed. “I was running along, 10 […]
Guild awards scholarships for 2020-21 school year
The Mary Free Bed Guild has awarded 18 students a total of $80,000 in scholarships for their academic achievements. The Guild established the Minority Scholarship Program in 2006 to help students pursuing degrees in neuropsychology, nursing, orthotics, prosthetics and rehabilitation therapy programs. The Disability Scholarship Program began in 2013 for students with physical disabilities related to a brain injury, spinal cord […]