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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

Sol hiking

Managing Chronic Pain through Exercise: Sol Makes Pilgrimage through Spain

The Camino De Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that wind through Spain and end in Santiago de Compostela. Today, the Camino is enjoyed by those seeking spiritual nourishment, as well as others seeking to clear the mind, get exercise and take in the beauty of Europe’s cities and countryside.

Patient Story

Lucy

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

After a severe car accident left
Lucy unable to walk at just two
years old, she came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to begin intensive rehabilitation.

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 AbilityLab and, as a result, hope for the future.

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

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

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 AbilityLab 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