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Nickolas

Nickolas’ Story: Healing through Education After Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Nickolas G., a physician, came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for intensive rehabilitation after becoming paralyzed by Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) — a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.

Patient Story

DeMarcus

DeMarcus’ Story: Finding Healing after Limb Loss through Art Therapy

DeMarcus P. came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after his left foot was amputated following a work accident. Through intensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, he regained strength and learned to walk using a prosthetic leg. DeMarcus also discovered healing in our art therapy program — utilizing his creativity to process the frustration and emotional stress of his injury and recovery.

Patient Story

Sarah

Sarah Reaches New Heights after Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Meet Sarah, who came to us for extensive therapy after being diagnosed with GBS. Today, her function and independence are restored.

Patient Story

harvey

Meet Baby Harvey: A Year in the Life with Cerebral Palsy

Harvey S. was only four months old when he traveled with his parents, Michele and Jake, from Virginia to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and soon began inpatient “habilitative therapy” — a type of therapy geared toward developing new skills, often used in children with chronic conditions.

Patient Story

John

John’s Story: Finding Healing & Self-Acceptance in Art Therapy

John D. was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, often without warning. The resulting nerve damage can cause muscle weakness and, in John’s case, paralysis.

Patient Story

Nick and family

Nick’s Story: How Assistive Technology Gave Him a Voice

Nick lost the ability to communicate at just 17 years old when his heart stopped during a routine surgery on his jaw. He went without oxygen for 10 minutes, leaving him with a severe brain injury and unable to walk, talk or eat.

Patient Story

Bob

Bob’s Story: Helping Patients Envision Life After a Left Ventricular Assist Device

Bob, who will turn 85 on his next birthday, served as one of approximately 35 volunteers in the Peer Mentorship Program offered through the rehabilitation hospital’s Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center.

Patient Story

Tracy

Tracy’s Big Year: From the Paralympics to Parenthood

It has been a whirlwind of a year for Tracy O. — who has gone from competing as a Paralympian at the 2024 Paris summer games to embarking on a new adventure, parenthood.

Patient Story

Aretha

Super Aretha: Lifelong Learner Walks with New Prosthetic Leg at 93

Aretha J.’s 93rd birthday celebration had it all: A birthday balloon … her kids beside her to celebrate another year in her long, active and happy life … a celebratory t-shirt that read “Super Aretha” on the front, with a sparkly 93 on the back.

Patient Story

Ione

Athlete Spotlight: Ione Discovers Adaptive Sports with Enthusiasm

Ione S. is only 9 years old, but she already has been involved in adaptive sports for a few years. She initially came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for the Gait Camp program, a multi-week summer initiative that provides daily intensive mobility, strength, and endurance work for children.

Patient Story

Brett

Teen Patient’s Rehabilitation after Traumatic Brain Injury Featured in Wisconsin News Segment

Several months earlier, Brett experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a power-washing incident. Over the holidays, he continued his recovery at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, with his family at his side.

Patient Story

Caleb

Caleb Never Quits: A Teen’s Intensive Rehabilitation after Naegleria Fowleri (Brain-Eating Amoeba)

When Caleb Z. was 13 years old, he and his family set out early one Friday morning to swim at a beach near their Florida home. Though this was only the second time that they went to the beach as a family, it was a day that would forever change their lives — and especially Caleb’s.

Patient Story