That’s a Wrap! Lymphedema Workshop Shares Tools & Techniques for Incurable Condition
Thousands of people in Michigan suffer from an incurable condition that is rarely discussed. That makes March, which is Lymphedema Awareness Month, a great time to talk about it. Mary Free Bed’s lymphedema physician and specially-trained therapists are hosting a Lymphedema Workshop for the public. Participants will hear from experts about: • Equipment overviews • […]
Gilda’s Club and Mary Free Bed Launch Cancer Education Workshop Series
Gilda and Mary are teaming up to talk about cancer. Mary Free Bed cancer rehabilitation physicians are partnering with social workers at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids to provide support and resources for patients, families and loved ones facing the rigorous disease. The new Cancer Rehabilitation Education & Wellness (CREW) initiative will hold free, quarterly workshops […]
Mary Free Bed Adds New Cancer Rehabilitation Physician and Services
Mary Free Bed is expanding its levels of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation for patients as part of the Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program. The program includes inpatient and outpatient physician-led treatment and specialized offerings for lymphedema care, interventional services, virtual visits and more. Cancer rehabilitation can help fight the debilitating effects of cancer at every […]
Mary Free Bed Staff Lay Wreath at Presidential Ceremony
To commemorate President Gerald R. Ford’s 109th birthday, members of the Ford family and his Historical Legacy Trust conducted a wreath laying ceremony at his tomb on the grounds of the Ford Presidential Museum. The ceremony included presentation of wreaths on behalf of President Joe Biden, the Ford family and two clinicians from Mary Free […]
Supporters raise over $300,000 for Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program
When Kyle Bianco and Linda DeKock talked about their battles with cancer and their hopes for the future, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The Mary Free Bed graduates shared their stories of rehabilitation in a video viewed by more than 600 supporters at the Mary Free Bed Foundation’s annual gala. And supporters […]
‘Thrive’ gala to benefit Cancer Rehabilitation Program
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Mary Free Bed Foundation’s annual fundraising gala, “Thrive,” is back and in person. After going virtual in 2020 and a postponement in 2021, the eighth annual event will be held March 12 at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids. This year, proceeds will benefit Mary Free Bed’s Betty Bloomer […]
Larry LeForge on his cancer rehabilitation: ‘If you work hard, there will be rewards’
Larry LeForge spent 35 years of his career in health care, including 15 at Mary Free Bed as its director of facilities, construction and security. He never expected to be a patient here, but that changed after surgery to remove a cancerous brain tumor. In April 2015, Larry became nauseous, sweaty and persistently dizzy. The […]
Cancer + Wellness series: Episodes 16 & 17 – Yoga for cancer patients and survivors
Need to unwind and relax? Looking for ways to holistically cope with stress and tension? Interested in learning more about yoga for cancer patients and survivors? Michele Fife, an instructor with Mary Free Bed’s Cancer + Wellness program, offers this free, 60-minute yoga practice. You also may benefit from a refresher on breathing techniques, which Michele […]
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 […]
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 […]
Learn about cancer rehabilitation, resources & research during free community event on March 16, 2015
Dr. Chris VandenBerg, medical director of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program, will be a panelist at Celebration Cinema North in Grand Rapids (2121 Celebration Dr. NE) for a free community screening of the new Ken Burns documentary, “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies.” The event begins at 7 p.m. Monday, March […]
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 […]
A Mary Free Bed Cancer Thriver’s Grand Journey
Ask Randy Herlein of Twin Lake, Michigan to describe his perfect day and rest-assured the answer would involve the outdoors. From caribou hunting near the Arctic Circle, to mountain climbs, canyon hikes, fishing trips and triathlons, Randy is always ready for his next adventure. He is a loving husband and devoted father. Randy is also […]
Randy Herlein – Mary Free Bed Video Preview
Watch this sneak peak of Randy Herlein’s amazing journey. His full story will be published on Friday, October 4, 2013
Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program at Mary Free Bed
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Susan Ford Bales announced the establishment of The Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program honoring her mother and grandmother. The daughter of President Gerald and First Lady Betty Ford acknowledged her family ties to Mary Free Bed. Bales’ mother and grandmother were active supporters of the hospital. Betty Bloomer Ford […]