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Chuy walking

Celebrating Patient Journeys: Stories of Hope, Healing & Independence

During the season of giving, Shirley Ryan ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ is celebrating the rehabilitation journeys of five patients ¡ª Chuy G., Mitch W., Michele L., Andrew M. and Tracy D. Their experiences reflect what¡¯s possible when world-class clinical care and scientific discovery come together to facilitate better, faster patient recoveries.

Patient Story

Declan

Declan¡¯s Journey With CP Leads to a ¡®World of Possibilities¡¯

Declan started coming to Shirley Ryan ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ as an outpatient after receiving an early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) at 18 months old. Now, at age 7, he recently completed intensive inpatient rehabilitation after a life-changing surgery to address muscle spasticity caused by CP ¡ª and he continues in DayRehab to improve his mobility, function and independence.

Patient Story

Molly riding a recumbent bike

Molly Discovers Hope & Community at Military Sports Camp

Military sports camp is one of Shirley Ryan ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ¡¯s quality-of-life programs, which are offered at no cost or low cost thanks to the generosity of donors. In 2024, 34 individuals participated in military sports camp, with all costs ¡ª including flights, lodging, meals, transportation and instruction fees ¡ª completely covered.

Patient Story

Cassandra and physical therapist

Cassandra¡¯s Story: Back on Her Feet While Managing Chronic Pain

Cassandra H., 63, has spent a lifetime on her feet. She was a clinical pharmacist and worked on her feet most days while helping patients. As a young woman, she played volleyball, basketball and ran track. She has continued to enjoy physical activities like bowling, golfing and exercising.

Patient Story

Larke studying

¡®College is Possible¡¯: Larke¡¯s Advice for Students With Disabilities

Larke always has driven to be independent, and she wants kids with CP or other disabilities to believe that college is possible for them, too. Below read a Q&A with Larke¡¯s advice for students who want to continue their education.

Patient Story

Larke flexing

¡®College is Possible¡¯ With Cerebral Palsy: Larke¡¯s Story

Larke was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby and has been receiving outpatient care at Shirley Ryan ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ ever since. Her clinicians have tailored Larke¡¯s therapies to help her achieve new milestones ¡ª from practicing wheelchair skills and navigating the city to preparing for a big transition: attending college.

Patient Story

Dean playing guitar

Dean Gets Fresh Start After Double Lung Transplant and Rehabilitation

Just two years ago, Dean C. started to experience a strange, dry cough that would not go away. After consulting with doctors, he received what he called ¡°the worst news I could imagine.¡± He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer ¡ª and he was only 27 years old.

Patient Story

Nicole hiking

Nicole¡¯s Mobility Milestone: Walking a 5K After Brain Tumor & Rehabilitation

Nicole came to Chicago for brain surgery, followed by eight days of intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ to restore her mobility after surgery. As part of her journey, she regained the ability to walk.

Patient Story

Jack dancing

Jack Keeps Dancing Thanks to Performing Arts Medicine

Jack started to experience pain in his hip and knee. Even more concerning, his left knee started to give out on him while rehearsing and while teaching fitness in his secondary role as a certified physical trainer.

Patient Story

Brendan

¡®Gotta Have the Grit¡¯: Brendan¡¯s Recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury

"Don't ever give up, no matter what." After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident, Brendan tackled 10 weeks of intensive inpatient rehabilitation.

Patient Story

Joe walking his dog

Joe¡¯s Story: Gaining Patience & Perspective in the Face of Post-stroke Language Recovery

One morning while he was getting ready for work, Joe had a stroke, triggered by a blocked carotid artery. In addition to mobility issues and other physical impairments, Joe experienced aphasia and apraxia, communication disorders that can occur after a stroke.

Patient Story

Annelies

Meet Annelies: Building Community while Living with Aphasia

Since her stroke, Annelies has worked tirelessly to regain her speech and language skills. She completed several sessions of the month-long Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program at Shirley Ryan ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ÊÓƵ, where she first learned about the hospital¡¯s aphasia community groups.

Patient Story