Breathing Easier: Hannah Blumka Makes a Remarkable COVID-19 Recovery
Last December, 17-year-old Hannah Blumka arrived at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital fighting for her life. Before contracting COVID-19, Hannah was a healthy, lively teenage girl. The infection quickly and unexpectedly took a toll on every system in her body. Within a day of arrival at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, she was placed on life-support – […]
Team mindset helps Matthew overcome amputation, stroke and COVID-19
A few months ago, Matthew Stallman didn’t believe he’d be able to enjoy doing things he loved ever again. But with a little help and a lot of determination, Matthew set a goal to compete in a 5K and reached it far sooner than he thought possible. The 43-year-old Traverse City man developed a bone […]
COVID-19: Protecting our patients, staff and community
Updated: July 17, 2021 Mary Free Bed’s priority is the safety of our patients, staff and community. Our experts are working diligently to protect everyone’s health through enhanced protocols and added resources. These measures follow national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and State of Michigan mandates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary Free […]
Mary Free Bed reopens ReCOVery℠ Unit due to increase in COVID-19 cases
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The ReCOVery℠ Unit at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is operational for the third time in response to a significant surge of patients with COVID-19 in West Michigan hospitals. The dedicated unit is for patients who need intensive inpatient rehabilitation and have recently tested positive for COVID-19. The 11-bed ReCOVery℠ Unit […]
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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
With a little help from Mary Free Bed, Inkster couple battles back from COVID-19
When Charlunda and David Thompson celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in June, the Inkster couple will mark “a new beginning.” “Together, we’re stronger,” Charlunda said. The Thompsons are beginning the next phase in their journey of recovery from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that’s sickened millions of people worldwide and killed thousands. Charlunda, 45, a hospice […]
Mask fabrication added to list of creative skills on Custom Seating and Assistive Tech team
Mary Free Bed’s Custom Seating and Assistive Technology team is a creative bunch that finds solutions to life’s everyday challenges. From customized seating fabrication to tools that help patients complete tasks, there are few needs these therapists and tech experts can’t meet. So when the need arose to protect Mary Free Bed patients, visitors and staff members during the COVID-19 pandemic, they rose to the challenge. “Once we heard of the […]
Don Force celebrates his birthday and his recovery from COVID-19 by going home
“Going home on my birthday is the best gift ever,” said Don, who was hospitalized since March 29, battling COVID-19. After a month away, Don discharged from Mary Free Bed’s ReCOVery Unit and headed home to Howard City. He’s the first patient with COVID-19 admitted to the new unit for those who need intensive rehabilitation […]
Mary Free Bed Kids physical therapist donates masks in fight against COVID-19
When Kate Rustem heard area hospitals were accepting donations of homemade masks, she tapped into her crafting skills and a stash of fabric remnants. A physical therapist on the Mary Free Bed Kids outpatient team who’s on temporary leave, Kate created nearly 50 masks while also caring for her young niece and nephew when her […]
Portage woman with COVID-19 is first graduate of Mary Free Bed’s ReCOVery™ Unit
Nancy Blodgett came to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation after spending nine days on a ventilator, fighting for her life. A week later and much stronger, she became the first graduate of the hospital’s ReCOVery™ Unit for COVID-19 survivors. “It will be a new normal, but I’m OK with that,” the 55-year-old Portage resident said. […]
Mary Free Bed opens ReCOVery Unit for COVID-19 patients
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – There is a new rehabilitation program at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital for patients recovering from COVID-19. The dedicated “ReCOVery Unit” is serving patients who need intensive rehabilitation but still test positive for the virus. Whether COVID-19 is a primary or secondary diagnosis, these patients are focused on one thing: safely […]
Give yourself a break: Keep meals simple during COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate
From our experts: Jessi Holden is a registered dietitian/nutritionist at Mary Free Bed. I’ve seen so many posts from social media “influencers” dishing out health and nutrition advice, and pushing us to “use our time at home wisely” during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a registered dietitian and health care professional, I’m qualified to provide advice […]
Sub-Acute Rehabilitation patients unable to have visitors share messages of hope
Some are notes to loved ones. “Miss and love you” to David and Ginger. “Love you all” to Patty, Aaron and Jenny. “Hey kids! Love and miss you! Love, Dad.” Others are messages of encouragement for the community. “Keep the faith!” “We rise by lifting others.” “Choose happiness.” They’re all words of hope to anyone […]
COVID-19: Protecting our patients, staff and community
Updated: Nov. 13, 2020 Mary Free Bed’s priority is the safety of our patients, staff and community. Our experts are working diligently to protect everyone’s health through enhanced protocols and added resources. These measures follow national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and State of Michigan mandates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary Free […]