Displaying 1 - 12 of 94
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

Lewis at Chicago Lakefront

Intrepid, Joyful Lewis Takes SCI Rehabilitation by Storm

Lewis wants to help others who are on similar journeys. “I would love to show people who have spinal cord injuries that there are always possibilities. I want to be a leader, sharing my positivity — especially in Kenya.”

Patient Story

Care team member helping patient out of wheelchair

Watch Jaya's Story: Back to Beloved Activities Following a TBI

Jaya was in a car accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury and spinal fracture, among other injuries. She arrived at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in a minimally conscious state.

Patient Story

Lupita's Graduation Day

Lupita’s Lessons: Navigating Adulthood with Spina Bifida

“There’s a story behind everyone’s voice, and we should all be heard,” said Lupita, 29, a Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patient living with spina bifida.

Patient Story

Tracy and Kevin

Tracy’s Path Back from Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury

It’s been said that finishing a marathon is a state of mind that says anything is possible. Learn more about Tracy's journey to running the Chicago Marathon.

Patient Story

Patient

Meet Charles and Discover Music Therapy

Watch this video to meet Charles C. and see his experience at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after experiencing issues related to his cervical stenosis.

Patient Story

Patient

Inspiring Stories Featuring Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Watch this video to meet Mary, Lucy, Lewis and Cody as they navigate their rehabilitation.

Patient Story

Satej Hiking

Raging Optimist Satej Recovers from SCI

Satej's doctors told him that he probably wouldn’t move again from the shoulders down. On his second day at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Satej stood for the first time.

Patient Story

Rob Kozarek Racing

Peer Mentors Model a Life Well Lived

Returning home after a life-changing illness or injury is a positive step in recovery, but it can take time to adjust. Our peer mentor program helps patients and families through the transition.

Patient Story

Jeff and Physical Therapist

Jeff’s Journey of Healing & Hope After a Rare Diagnosis

When Jeff became paralyzed by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), your generous support helped him recover mobility, independence and hope.

Patient Story

John and Joan Wories

John Finds the Words Again After Stroke

Since his time at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, John has reached many of his goals. He participates in community activities, serves as a greeter at church, reads books, writes correspondence without an editor and even travels solo again.

Patient Story

Patient Who Sustained SCI in Diving Accident

WGN Profiles Patient Who Sustained Spinal Cord Injury in Diving Accident

WGN News recently aired a two-part feature on Pato, an 18-year-old SRAlab patient who sustained a C7 cervical spinal cord injury after diving into Lake Michigan.

Patient Story