GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Mary Free Bed treated over 600 brain injury patients in 2018. Many suffered extensive trauma and face a long road to recovery.
Mary Free Bed's Brain Injury Program treats their patients who have endured the most traumatic of injuries. Staffers say it's their mission to make sure patients reach their goals and work within limitations they may now have. Mary Free Bed works with patients to cope with their physical disability, mental and emotional reactions, pain management, home access and help them learn to drive again.
One of those patients was LoriAlthoff-Schuler of Stanton. She suffered several injuries after her car was struck by a semi-truck in March of 2018. Althoff-Schuler suffered a traumatic brain injury and broke 27 bones in her body.
After being hospitalized, Lori spent 7 weeks at Mary Free Bed. Staff members said she not only made a great recovery but had a friendly demeanor throughout. Lori ended up earning the coveted title as one of the 'Mayor's of Mary Free Bed'.
Lori shared her story on FOX 17 Morning News on Thursday. She utilized the Home and Community Services Program, which allows patients to utilize home services and therapy while they're in recovery for a brain or spinal injury. Once patients are healthy enough to drive, they can go through driver's rehabilitation. By working with occupational therapists, patients are evaluated and a driver's training plan is created.
For more information about Mary Free Bed and the services they offer click here.
