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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 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

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

Jordan walking

Newlywed Jordan Embraces New Beginnings Following Stroke At 29

Jordan came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for her stroke recovery, which included two multi-week inpatient stays at the flagship hospital in Chicago.

Patient Story

Henry golfing

Watch: How Henry Went from Golf Caddy to Patient to Competitor

Through intensive therapy, Henry has worked hard to regain the ability to speak, walk, use his arms and to participate in his favorite sport — golf.

Patient Story

Meshari walking

Watch Meshari’s story: New prosthetic legs help pediatric patient make huge strides

Meet Meshari, who traveled across the globe from Kuwait for rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Here, he learned to walk, kick and play with his new prosthetic legs.

Patient Story

Brandon walking

Brandon Taps Inner Viking to Recover from Work-related Brain Injury

Brandon sustained a traumatic brain injury at work, requiring emergency surgery. Transferred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, his journey to recovery began.

Patient Story

Nicole

Empowered and Independent: Meet Nicole

Nicole found support through Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Vocational Rehabilitation program. With guidance from her vocational counselor, Nicole navigated workplace accommodations and secured funding for car modifications.

Patient Story

Ben at SkyRise Chicago

Ben Surpasses Expectations and Climbs to the Top of the World

From his first shaky steps at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, to the 2,149 steps up the Willis Tower, Ben has surpassed expectations. He continues to make progress and looks forward to returning to work soon.

Patient Story