Cancer Rehabilitation
The Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program at Mary Free Bed offers comprehensive care to address the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment – at every stage of your journey.
The evolution of cancer treatment was influenced by Betty Ford. As sitting First Lady, she told the world about her breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy in 1974. Dialogue opened. Women scheduled screenings. Countless lives have been saved.
Our program honors the groundbreaking cancer efforts of Mrs. Ford. She and her mother, Hortense Neahr Bloomer, both held leadership positions in the Mary Free Bed Guild that governs our hospital.
Why Choose Mary Free Bed?
Our evidence-based program combines coordinated care from physicians and cancer rehabilitation specialists to help you better tolerate treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation while promoting faster healing and recovery.
Our cancer rehabilitation program include:
- Prehabilitation: Preparing you for surgery or treatment Restorative
- Rehabilitation: Regaining strength and mobility after treatment
- Supportive Rehabilitation: Helping you adapt to permanent impairments
- Palliative Rehabilitation: Providing comfort and support as cancer progresses


Specialty Cancer Accreditation
The Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This designation ensures the highest standards of care from our specialized team of cancer rehabilitation physicians, nurses and therapists.

Paula didn’t give up after her #cancerdiagnosis and neither did her team. #askformary
Your Cancer Recovery Journey at Mary Free Bed
Inpatient Rehabilitation: Comprehensive Cancer Rehabilitation
Our inpatient program provides intensive therapy and 24/7 medical support to help you recover and regain function. The Intensive Medical Rehabilitation Program at our Grand Rapids hospital is specially designed for patients with complex injuries and includes:
- Personalized Therapy: Your therapy program is tailored to your unique needs, focusing on strength, flexibility, and overall function.
- Specialized Spaces: Dedicated gyms, ceiling-mounted ambulation systems, therapy pools, and simulated environments like apartments and cars help enhance your recovery.
- Family Involvement: Your loved ones are encouraged to participate in therapy and learn alongside you.

Outpatient Therapy
Mary Free Bed offers specialized therapy, home and community services, and lifelong follow-up care to manage the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of cancer.
Our outpatient services are available to new patients or those transitioning from inpatient care. After a thorough evaluation, our team meets weekly to tailor and adjust your treatment plan.
We understand it can be exhausting to attend multiple medical appointments, so we schedule appointments in blocks in either morning or afternoon sessions. We also offer you the opportunity to coordinate your therapy appointments with your other medical appointments and personal schedule.

Ongoing Support

Specialty Service
To enhance your recovery, we coordinate access to services like:

Community Resource
We can connect you with other cancer patients who received rehabilitation with us. They truly understand your situation and often are able to offer helpful insights.
- Support Groups: Monthly sessions to connect with others managing cancer.
- Community Organizations: such as Gilda’s Club, provide beneficial support programs for patients with all types of cancer and their families.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Pairing with experienced mentors who provide insight and encouragement. Visit Page
- Adaptive Sports Programs: Recreational activities for all ages to rediscover the joy of movement. Visit Page
- CREW: Cancer Rehabilitation & Education Workshop: Quarterly workshops with Mary Free Bed doctors and Gilda’s Club social workers, offering information and holistic health practices.

Meet Your Cancer Rehabilitation Team
Your dedicated team includes experts from various disciplines, all working together to maximize your recovery and independence.
We know the lives of your family and friends also are significantly affected by your cancer. Your loved ones are an integral part of your treatment team. They will receive support and education, so they can be an important part of your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are questions we often hear from patients who have experienced an amputation. Talk with your treatment team about specific questions or concerns.
What types of patients benefit from cancer rehabilitation?
We help patients recovering from all types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, gastrointestinal, brain, bone, gynecologic, and more.
What does cancer rehabilitation involve?
- Prehabilitation (preventive therapy): Prepares you for treatment by building strength, flexibility, and endurance. For example, therapists may help improve arm movement and fitness before surgery.
- Restorative Rehabilitation: Focuses on regaining abilities if your condition is temporary. Therapists work with you to rebuild strength and muscle.
- Supportive Rehabilitation: Helps you adjust to permanent changes caused by cancer treatment. This may include using prosthetics, improving mobility, and learning self-care skills.
- Palliative Rehabilitation: Provides comfort and support as cancer progresses, helping with movement, swallowing, eating, and daily tasks.
What side effects do you treat?
Our program addresses physical, cognitive and emotional issues related to cancer and its treatment, including:
- Pain or numbness
- Fatigue
- Balance problems
- Memory loss & concentration difficulty
- Incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Lymphedema
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral neuropathy
- Weakness and deconditioning
- Post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment
Will my family be involved in my care?
Yes! Your loved ones are integral to your recovery and will receive education and support to help you transition successfully.
Advanced Technology and Specialized Spaces
At Mary Free Bed, technology and innovative spaces play a critical role in your recovery:
ZeroG and Lokomat® Pro
Ceiling-mounted systems and robot-assisted technology for safe walking therapy.


