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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

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

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

Phil's Story of Recovery

Hoops and Hope Following a Freak Accident

Imagine being a week away from achieving your basketball dreams when suddenly everything changes... Watch Phil fight his way to get back on the court.

Patient Story

John walking again after multiple brain and spinal cord injuries

John's Journey to Walk Again

John sustained a major multiple trauma with brain and spinal cord injuries, and was not walking upon arrival. Immediately following the accident, John’s trauma team said that he might never be able to walk again or reach his hands over his head. Just one month into his rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, John was able to do both.

Patient Story

Anne Marie

Anne Marie’s Story: Journey to Chicago During a Pandemic

Anne Marie was born with a rare condition in which the liver is missing a portal vein. After undergoing two surgeries, she came to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to relearn how to sit, stand, walk and regain activities of daily living.

Patient Story

Mike's Story of Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury

Mike's Story: Intensive Therapy & Game-changing Research Lead to His Recovery

Mike's life changed instantly after he fell down cement stairs, sustaining a spinal cord injury that left him unable to move from the chest down.

Patient Story

Payton

Payton's Story: Paralysis to SkyRise

Payton experienced a spinal hematoma in 2018 and became paralyzed from the waist down. Following intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, she was able to walk again.

Patient Story