ShenaLi continues progress after surgery with Virtual Services therapy sessions
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began early last spring, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital has taken measures to protect the health and safety of patients, employees and the community. Those measures include offering Virtual Services to help adults and children maintain their therapy progress in the comfort and safety of home, like ShenaLi Chien. The 12-year-old […]
Divya’s new adventures a year after traveling from India for surgery, rehabilitation
UPDATE Oct. 3, 2019: A year ago, Divya Harkema couldn’t stand by herself. Today, she swims and rides horses in her native India. Merissa Harkema brought her adopted daughter to Grand Rapids in September 2018 for surgery to reduce problems caused by spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital was one of a limited […]
Charlotte makes great gains with outpatient pediatric rehabilitation: ‘We were looking for hope’
UPDATE: After their daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was about six months old, Kristine Hendricks and her husband, Matt, knew early intervention would have a positive impact on her quality of life. So, every Tuesday morning, Kristine drove Charlotte to Mary Free Bed for therapy. “It was about two years ago […]
Arlee Rodgers tackles cerebral palsy with determination and a lot of spunk
Guest blog: Jynel Rodgers shares her daughter, Arlee’s, story and how Mary Free Bed’s pediatric rehabilitation specialists have helped put her on the path to independence following Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery to treat cerebral palsy. Scroll to the bottom of the page to watch her heartwarming video story. Arlee is 7 1/2 years old. She […]
Tearra Garth – A Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Story
Editor’s note: As part of our holiday campaign, Mary Free Bed is asking former patients to tell us about their rehabilitation experience. What follows is one of those stories. Mary Free Bed patient, Tearra Garth, has had quite a journey these past few weeks and is very excited about her future… Listen as Kent Riddle, […]
Young Jack Stoner doesn’t let cerebral palsy keep him down
Nine-year-old Jack Stoner smiles a lot these days. He’s often setting aside his wheeled walker in favor of crutches and even endeavoring to take a few steps without the aid of either. “My toes are forward. It’s easier to walk and I can go faster,” he says. In early October, Jack underwent a selective dorsal […]
Teenager Documents Journey with Cerebral Palsy Part 4
We are excited to welcome Katharine as our first Mary Free Bed Guest Blogger. She came to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation following a complicated surgery to correct her gait. Kat is blogging about this experience, and she is allowing us to share her thoughts with you. Keep on keepin’ on Well hey! So far […]
Teenager Documents Journey with Cerebral Palsy Part 3
We are excited to welcome Katharine as our first Mary Free Bed Guest Blogger. She came to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation following a complicated surgery to correct her gait. Kat is blogging about this experience, and she is allowing us to share her thoughts with you. My new home. Today was a big day […]
Teenager Documents Journey with Cerebral Palsy Part 2
We are excited to welcome Katharine as our first Mary Free Bed Guest Blogger. She came to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation following a complicated surgery to correct her gait. Kat is blogging about this experience, and she is allowing us to share her thoughts with you. Hi! So I’m still getting the hang of […]
Teenager Documents Journey with Cerebral Palsy
We are excited to welcome Katharine as a Mary Free Bed Guest Blogger. She came to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation following a complicated surgery to correct her gait. Kat is blogging about this experience, and she is allowing us to share her thoughts with you. My Story. Hi! My name is Katharine, and I created […]
Johnnie Tuitel Motivated by Mary Free Bed
Johnnie Tuitel came to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in March 2013. The celebrated West Michigan author, motivational speaker, and disability advocate with cerebral palsy was found barely conscious, having spent nearly 9 hours in freezing temperatures after falling from his wheelchair. Emotionally drained, with frostbitten fingertips and a mild brain injury, Johnnie found in Mary […]
Baclofen pump helps two boys with severe spasticity
Thirteen-year-old Kordell Rodrigues has cerebral palsy. Seven years ago, he suffered from such severe spasticity that his body was like a stiff board, according to his grandmother, Debra Rodrigues. Doctors recommended that Kordell have a baclofen pump surgically implanted into his abdomen to alleviate his spasticity. Debra said the decision to get the baclofen pump […]
Teen embraces the hard work of physical therapy
Vinnie Baker, 15, has cerebral palsy, which affected the way walked. After a complex sugery to help him walk more upright, Vinnie comes to Mary Free Bed for intense physical therapy (and has some fun, too!).
Cerebral palsy patient shares MFB experience
In December 2008, Mary underwent major surgery at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. During the eight-and-a-half hour operation, six of the bones in Mary’s legs were broken so that they could be repositioned using steel plates, releasing muscles and tendons. After spending four days in the hospital, Mary was sent home with her legs in casts. […]