Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

02/27/2026

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the brilliance, resilience, culture and leadership of Black Americans who have shaped our nation and continue to shape our future.

At Mary Free Bed, growth happens in meaningful moments. Our patients and staff were invited to honor the month by giving presentations that spotlighted Black leaders, innovators, artists and changemakers. Kids did research, organized their thoughts, and shared what they learned – strengthening critical thinking, communication and self-expression skills, while working on gross and fine motor goals as part of their therapy journey.

After the presentations, the kids, their families and the therapy team shared a meal together from a locally Black-owned business, generously donated by Coloplast — a meaningful moment that highlighted the importance of community, connection and coming together in celebration.

Honoring Black History Month means celebrating those legacies while recommitting ourselves to compassionate, inclusive rehabilitation for every patient and family we serve. Because when health care reflects the strength, diversity and stories of the communities around us, healing is stronger and hope reaches further.

02/27/2026

When Jakob Chapman was 17 years old, he experienced cardiac arrest. A lifelong athlete, Jakob had always loved basketball, standing tall at 6-foot-8.🏀

Months of outpatient therapy at Mary Free Bed helped Jake get back on the basketball court, and two and a half years later, he's wrapping up his freshman season with the Grand Rapids Community College Raiders men’s basketball team, feeling stronger than ever. 🧡

You can learn more about his story here:

Jake Chapman was 17 when we got a severe concussion playing football. While recovering, he went into cardiac arrest. How his father's quick thinking saved his life.

02/26/2026

Snow, speed and all the smiles! ❄️🎿

We hit the slopes with our friends at Kentwood Parks & Recreation and the Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan, and it was nothing but good vibes the whole run.

Special thanks to the incredible volunteers who made this event a blast!

We’re already looking forward to next year … see you back on the slopes! 🏔️💙

City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports

02/26/2026

Families across West Michigan have recognized Mary Free Bed Kids as a leader in pediatric therapy, earning top honors in the 2026 GR Kids Family Care Providers Guide. In this livestream, we talk with Kate Rustem, PT, and Shon Kuhn, PT, from the Mary Free Bed Kids Outpatient team about what this recognition means and about the work that makes it possible.

Kate and Shon share what it’s like to be part of a highly specialized pediatric rehabilitation team, the types of patients they treat, their advanced training, and the meaningful progress they see kids make every day. They also share their excitement about the upcoming Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, opening this fall.

Learn why families choose Mary Free Bed Kids for physical, occupational, and speech-language pathology, and how our team helps children grow, move, and thrive. Enjoy!

02/22/2026

The best kind of medicine. 🐾

It’s time for the Mary-est Moment of the Week. This week features a pawsitively adorable duo!🧡

Kimberly has always loved dogs. While she was at University of Michigan Health-West before coming to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, she received a special visit from the UM Health-West K-9 Security Team.

When came to Mary Free Bed, the puppy love continued during a special recreational therapy session with Faith, Mary Free Bed’s animal-assisted therapy dog.🐾

Together, they worked on Kimberly’s therapy goals, including standing, mobility and dexterity. Nothing boosts therapy quite like a furry friend!
It’s safe to say their time together was an absolute treat! 🦴✨

02/21/2026

You know what’s wheely fun? Wheelies!

Jason Norwood has always loved dirt bikes - popping wheelies, catching air, and chasing that next jump. But after a spinal cord injury, Jason had to learn a whole new kind of wheelie.

With encouragement and guidance from his physical therapist, Kristy, he mastered the art of popping a wheelie on his wheelchair - a new found skill that never fails to bring a smile to people’s faces.

02/20/2026

We are so incredibly grateful for community partnerships like this!🧡💚

02/20/2026

Therapy is always better with Faith! 🐾

Meet Mr. Terry from Jenison! He’s a proud dog lover, and during his recreational therapy session, he had a very special therapist by his side: Faith, Mary Free Bed’s animal-assisted therapy dog.🦮 🐾

Together, they worked on balance and motor skills with plenty of pets!🧡

Recreational therapy is all about helping patients connect - and reconnect - with the activities that bring them joy and purpose. From adaptive sports and creative hobbies to time in the community (including quality dog time with Faith 🐶), our recreational therapists incorporate what patients love into their rehab journey.

Time with Faith wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Pet Supplies Plus.
Through in-store gift cards, they help cover our animal-assisted therapy pups’ needs, from toys and treats to food and grooming. Their partnership keeps Faith happy and healthy so she can bring comfort, motivation and healing to patients every single day.✨

Because sometimes the best kind of therapy comes with four paws and a wagging tail.🧡

02/18/2026

It’s a big confetti moment in Grand Rapids!🎊 🎉

We’re increasing access to inpatient care at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Our newly expanded 6th Floor is open — adding 20 private inpatient rooms and creating space to care for more patients.🧡

As we celebrate meeting the community’s need for growth, we’re also excited to honor our dedicated teams who bring compassion, joy and expertise to Mary Free Bed every day. These hearts and faces are the real magic behind our mission to restore hope and freedom for more patients!💚

Learn more about our expansion here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4aXcR0w.

02/17/2026

Snow days + therapy = the best kind of winter fun! ❄️⛄

Deb, a recreational therapist at Mary Free Bed, spent the day outside with kids and their families soaking up all the joys of winter. From sledding and snowball fights to laughing and playing in the fresh air, it was a day full of smiles and snowy memories.

Recreational therapy is more than just therapy - it’s about getting back to the activities you love. Let’s be honest, what kid doesn’t love the snow? 💙

Everyone had a blast. Along the way, those classic snow day activities were secretly working on balance, mobility and confidence. Who knew therapy could look this fun? 🎉❄️

02/16/2026

When MTV Cribs meets Mary Free Bed … welcome to Van Edition. 🚗 📹

After sustaining a spinal cord injury, Jason Norwood was gifted a brand-new, wheelchair-accessible van. Now, he’s giving us an exclusive tour of his new ride – a big, red, van proudly named Clifford. ❤️

After his spinal cord injury, this van represents independence, mobility and new adventures.
Jason shows off his sweet new setup, equipped with a ramp and a spacious interior, in true Cribs fashion - with humor, personality and plenty of pride.🔥

Step aside, MTV - this is Mary Free Bed Cribs, and Clifford is stealing the spotlight. 💚

02/16/2026

We’re spreading the love this week - it’s time for the Mary-est Moment! 💕🌹

Valentine’s Day at Mary Free Bed was filled with smiles, sweet treats and lots of heart.

From the incredible Mary Free Bed Guild sharing valentines and brightening Mary Free Bed team members’ days, to Faith, Mary Free Bed’s beloved animal-assisted intervention dog, delivering her very own valentines 🐾💌 - the joy was contagious.

Chocolate, roses, wagging tails and heartfelt moments made it a day to remember. It’s safe to say … we all felt the love. ❤️