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Tim Cavanagh

Tim’s Triumphant Return to the Stage After Cancer

As a Shirley Ryan AbilityLab inpatient, Tim received intensive physical, speech and occupational therapy through our Cancer Rehabilitation Innovation Center.

Patient Story

Brian and Missy

Brian’s Journey: Advanced Technology Leads to Explosive Gains After Locked-in Syndrome

Following a cardiac procedure, post-surgical complications led to multiple strokes for Brian. He developed locked-in syndrome and, despite paralysis, was fully aware of his surroundings.

Patient Story

WGN Profiles Pediatric Patient in Story About Young Survivors of Gun Violence

WGN Profiles Pediatric Patient in Story About Young Survivors of Gun Violence

WGN news recently aired a story about children who have survived gun violence in Chicago, focusing on the experience of 12-year-old Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patient Mekhi.

Patient Story

An Icon’s Icon: Clarence Waldron’s Stroke Recovery

An Icon’s Icon: Clarence Waldron’s Stroke Recovery

During his storied career and decades-long tenure as senior writer and editor for Jet magazine, Clarence Waldron interfaced with these icons and many more. In addition to lovingly being referred to as “the dean of arts and entertainment journalists,” Clarence, himself an icon, also is a stroke survivor. As we commemorate National Stroke Awareness Month, he generously has offered to share his story and perspectives.

Patient Story

Jasper Beats the Odds

Jasper Climbs Back to Beat the Odds After Spinal Cord Injury

In early August, Jasper was air-lifted to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and began with two weeks of intensive inpatient therapy. “The hospital felt like a spaceship,” she said. “Huge, colorful, cool equipment. I thought, ‘I got this, and these people are here to help me.’”

Patient Story

Jared B. on track

Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month Spotlight: Meet Jared B.

Jared was 19 years old when he lost his left leg to a rare type of bone cancer. He came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for outpatient physical therapy and to get fitted for a prosthetic walking leg.

Patient Story

A photo of Tyler, a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and his wife

Watch Tyler’s Story

Tyler, a St. Louis resident, was a newlywed when a car accident left him with a severe traumatic brain injury and in an unconscious state. In the months that followed, and thanks to intensive rehabilitation and care provided by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s 25th Floor team, Tyler hit milestone after milestone. Watch his story.

Patient Story

Genevieve in her studio with one of her paintings

Finding Purpose & Passion in Art: Meet Genevieve Nutley

Genevieve found her purpose in Art Therapy and has dedicated her life to making art and advocating for marginalized communities.

Patient Story

Kyle S.

Kyle’s Story: From Rehabilitation Hospital Worker to Patient

Kyle went from being fully dependent for all mobility to being able to walk with a walker for more than 100 feet.

Patient Story

Officer Tyler Bailey’s poses for a photo with his well-wishers

Watch: Officer Tyler Bailey’s Sendoff

In December 2021, Tyler Bailey — a police officer from Bradley, Ill. — sustained a traumatic brain injury in the line of duty. After nearly a year of intensive inpatient and DayRehab therapy, Officer Bailey recently said goodbye to his Shirley Ryan AbilityLab care team as his colleagues escorted him home.

Patient Story

Kyle's Journey with Locked-in Syndrome

Kyle's Journey with Locked-in Syndrome

At 30 years old, Kyle experienced a rare brainstem stroke causing a condition called locked-in syndrome. Although his cognitive abilities were completely intact, he was unable to move or talk.

Patient Story

Still from Spark! 2022 Video

A Tribute to Work and Recovery

Watch Spark! 2022 Video Featuring Patients Stories and “Say I Won’t” by MercyMe

Patient Story