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During the season of giving, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is celebrating the rehabilitation journeys of five patients — Chuy G., Mitch W., Michele L., Andrew M. and Tracy D.
All five patients have undergone intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Their experiences reflect what’s possible when world-class clinical care and scientific discovery come together to facilitate better, faster patient recoveries.
Thanks to donor support, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab helps patients achieve their best outcomes — and return to the lives they love. Give today.
Meet Chuy: ‘Just Around the Corner Is a Breakthrough’
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Chuy lives in Minnesota with his wife, Irene, and six children. He is a diesel mechanic, and he underwent a double amputation following a severe workplace accident. He then came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for extensive rehabilitation as an inpatient and in DayRehab, and he was fitted with a custom prosthetic arm and leg, which clinicians taught him how to use.
Since going home, Chuy has met several milestones, both big and small — standing with his daughter for prom photos and helping his kids tie their shoes while using his prosthetic arm.
Today, Chuy typically uses a wheelchair to get around. He cooks dinner for his family on occasion and is focused on eventually walking around the block with his kids or going to the grocery store without a scooter. He is grateful for how his Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physical therapist, occupational therapist and psychologist helped him through his hardest days.
“Reflecting on the early months of my recovery, I am extremely grateful for the team at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for helping me not just physically, but mentally, too,” said Chuy. “I would tell new patients to take that extra step just when you feel like giving up because, just around the corner, there is a breakthrough in your recovery.”
Meet Mitch: Rediscovering Independence After Injury
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Mitch, a firefighter and paramedic, sustained a severe spinal cord injury and paralysis in 2021. After weeks of inpatient therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, he was discharged on what was supposed to be his wedding day to his fiancée, Sarah.
Four years later and now married, he and Sarah have welcomed their first child, Emmalina Rose. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab also has helped Mitch — now a wheelchair user — discover a love of competitive wheelchair rugby.
“Don’t underestimate the power of small victories. Every little step forward means more than you think. Trust the process, lean on your therapists and the people around you, and take it one day at a time — that’s how I found my way back to independence,” he said.
Meet Michele: Groundbreaking Rehabilitation Research
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More than 20 years ago, Michele survived a severe car accident, sustaining a spinal cord injury with paralysis from the neck down and very limited movement.
Since then, she has engaged in intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and, as a power wheelchair user, has participated in several research studies — including testing autonomous wheelchair technology.
Today, Michele champions accessibility and disability rights. She’s been a leading voice in helping Chicago’s transit system receive funding to become more accessible; she recently participated in the Chicago Disability Pride Parade and spoke on a panel about ableism; and she advocates for accessible sidewalks in Chicago.
“To anyone who is beginning their journey at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, remember that your disability does not define who you are or what you can do. It is challenging at first but, eventually, you will find a way back to things that matter to you,” said Michele.
Meet Andrew: Taking Steps Toward a Bright Future
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Andrew was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, due to a lack of oxygen at birth. Since then, he has participated in a research study at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab that will contribute to the knowledge of movement and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. He’s also benefited from intensive therapy with the support of his parents, Adam and Betsy, who have learned and been able to reinforce therapeutic interventions at home.
Andrew is continuing to meet important milestones today. He walks on his own more often without any support. And, he is preparing for his biggest adventure yet — becoming a big brother this coming winter.
“Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has been there for our family since Andrew was born. We can tell every single person is rooting for him, cares about his progress and celebrates his successes with us,” said Betsy. “After each visit, we always feel reinvigorated to work on our goals and are inspired by the positive atmosphere and people.”
Meet Tracy: Returning to Activities That Bring Joy & Meaning
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Nearly a decade ago, Tracy was training for the marathon when she had a stroke. Two years later, after making a full recovery, she was hit by a car during a run — sustaining a traumatic brain injury. After undergoing intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, she was able to get back to what she loves most: running. She’s since run on Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s marathon team three times, raising funds to advance the hospital’s mission.
Along the way, Tracy has benefited from markerless motion capture technology, helping her run better and faster. This past June, she set a new personal record in a half marathon. She has been able to lift 20 pounds during bicep curls — something she never would have considered when she was doing therapy for her arm.
“My experience with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab taught me not to give up and to see possibilities for myself,” said Tracy. “That’s something I try to carry with me personally, professionally and, of course, with my running.”
