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When Kevin C. sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at age 47 after falling down the stairs in his Delaware home, he was fortunate to have the support of his wife, Nichol, and his parents, Terry and Bob.
After 10 weeks in intensive care at a local trauma center, Kevin was moved to the neurological step-down unit. It soon became clear that the facility did not have the specialized care that Kevin required. Nichol searched online for experts in complex brain injury recovery and found Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Terry and Bob traveled with Kevin to Chicago for his TBI recovery and found more than expert medical care for their son — they discovered a community that cared for them, too. With a daily schedule and collaborative treatment plan, they were able to participate in Kevin’s recovery while also taking time to rest, confident he was in good hands.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center played a pivotal role in their experience. An educator provided tailored resources that helped them better understand Kevin’s condition. They also were invited to join the weekly caregiver support group, where they connected with others facing similar challenges. These sessions offered emotional support and practical guidance, helping them navigate complex decisions and feel less alone.
Through ongoing conversations with LIFE Center staff, Terry and Bob gained a deeper understanding about TBI and how to support Kevin’s healing. They appreciated having trusted experts who could address their questions and concerns, and they valued the genuine care shown to them as individuals.
“The LIFE Center team embraced Kevin, but they embraced us as caregivers, too,” Terry said. “The kindness and compassion we received was incredible.”
Bob added, “Sometimes we feel lost and frustrated, but we know that we have someone to turn to if we have a question or a problem. What the LIFE Center staff does is invaluable.”
About the Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center
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The LIFE Center offers the most comprehensive collection of educational resources for people living with a wide range of cognitive and physical impairments, chronic conditions and diseases affecting function. The LIFE Center promotes learning, innovation, family and empowerment, with resources available free of charge. Its services fall within Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s comprehensive quality-of-life programs, which are not covered by insurance but are offered at no cost or low cost to patients and community members, thanks to the generosity of donors.
