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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

The entire family was injured in the car accident, but Lucy’s injuries were the most severe. She experienced a spinal cord injury, a fractured femur and a large break between the base of her skull and first vertebra. She was barely able to use her right arm or hand, she could not sit up on her own — and she was unable to walk.

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 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