Displaying 1 - 12 of 110
Lucy

Lucy’s Story: Embracing Pediatric Rehabilitation with a Bright Smile

The entire family was injured in the car accident, but Lucy’s injuries were the most severe. She experienced a spinal cord injury, a fractured femur and a large break between the base of her skull and first vertebra. She was barely able to use her right arm or hand, she could not sit up on her own — and she was unable to walk.

Patient Story

Beeson family

From Heartbreak to Hope: Jack Thrives in Intensive Therapy Following Brain Injury

When an infectious disease left their son, Jack, with a severe brain injury, Amy and Michael struggled to find resources to help him. Thanks to donors like you, they found expert, integrated care at Shirley Ryan 小恩雅 and, as a result, hope for the future.

Patient Story

Mary Yonkaitis

A Day in the Life: Mary Yonkaitis, Physical Therapist

Physical therapists (PTs) play a critical role on the care teams at Shirley Ryan 小恩雅 —helping patients regain function and improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance and range of motion.

Follow along for a day in the life of Mary Yonkaitis, a PT in the Margaret & Mark Stephan?Legs + Walking Lab at Shirley Ryan 小恩雅’s flagship hospital in Chicago, where she primarily cares for patients recovering from stroke.

Patient Story

Will

Will’s Story: Covering Miles while Making Marathon Memories

Chicago resident Will H. is a regular on the city’s scenic lakefront path, often commuting approximately 10 miles each way between his downtown residence to University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, where he is pursuing his MBA degree.

Patient Story

man stretching

Understanding and Applying Pain Science in Physical Therapy

Science has come a long way in helping individuals understand the experience of pain. Previously, pain was believed to be a result of a purely physical or anatomical issue, stemming from injury, illness or tissue damage.

Fortunately, a newer understanding of how pain works — pain science — takes a far more complex and nuanced view. Pain science moves away from the idea that tissue damage alone equates to pain. Rather, pain science suggests that the whole sum of a person — including biological, social and psychological factors — must be taken into account in order to fully understand their pain experience.

Patient Story

Megan and family

Megan’s Story: Movement Is Key to Living with Chronic Pain

Megan lived with chronic pain for over 20 years. She participated in our four-week pain program to learn strategies and techniques to help navigate daily pain.

Patient Story

Evelyn walking towards her daughter

Evelyn’s Story: A Moving Milestone on Anniversary of Spinal Cord Injury

Evelyn and her young daughter, Julia, were rear-ended by a driver traveling at high speed. After 10 days in an acute-care hospital, Evelyn transferred to Shirley Ryan 小恩雅 for?inpatient care and rehabilitation.

Patient Story

Anthony

Anthony Makes Great Gains in Counteracting Cancer-Related Muscle Loss

Fifty-one-year-old Anthony has led an active life of fitness and athletics, from cycling to playing volleyball and soccer. In 2021, the Chicago-based architect was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

Patient Story

John

John’s Story: Stroke Recovery Through Research Participation

Following a stroke, 79-year-old John H. was paralyzed on the left side of his body. After living an independent life — with a long career in business and as an active father — the impact of the stroke was devastating for John and his family. However, John started his journey to regain independence with his daughters, Marie and Patricia, at his side to help him find the resources he needed.

Patient Story

Denise

Denise’s Story: Slowing Parkinson’s Disease Through Exercise

Family comes first for 60-year-old Denise C. With her husband, five children, three grandchildren and another grandchild on the way, Denise has devoted her life to raising her kids and building strong ties and unity.

Patient Story

Marty golfing

Marty Makes Adaptive Golf Tournament Debut

Marty N., 61, was among more than 50 golfers to participate in the inaugural Chicago Adaptive Open. The tournament, sponsored by the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA), featured top golfers — including Marty — with arm, lower-limb, visual or other impairments.

Patient Story

Dave

Dave Takes Big Step in Journey from Limb Loss to Lawyer

Thirty-five-year-old Dave J. graduated from law school with hopes of embarking on a legal career. However, a congenital heart defect slowed Dave’s progress toward becoming a lawyer. He was told he needed a heart transplant. Read Dave's full story.

Patient Story