Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is Advancing Ability for thousands of adults and children around the globe.
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Welcome to the New RIC On March 25, 2017 the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago became the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. More than just a change of address, this shift enables our continued mission .

12/17/2025

“Honestly, I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue cancer treatment before I got to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I felt hopeless and didn't imagine how I could move forward from that point. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab changed everything, and I'm feeling so much better about my future now.”

In a matter of weeks, Sherri W.’s world changed drastically. She first learned she had terminal brain cancer, and then she came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for intensive therapy to regain mobility, speech and independence after surgery to remove a brain tumor.

During her time with us, Sherri discovered a new passion: adaptive cycling. She also discovered a new worldview about embracing — and enjoying — a strong quality of life amid a cancer diagnosis.

Read Sherri’s story to learn more about her journey and cancer rehabilitation: bit.ly/4qcMDfl

12/16/2025

Give to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab this holiday season so our youngest patients, like Andrew M., can achieve their best outcomes as they grow and develop.

Andrew was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, due to a lack of oxygen at birth. Since then, he has participated in a research study at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab that will contribute to our knowledge of movement and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. He’s also benefited from intensive therapy with the support of his parents, Adam and Betsy, who have learned and been able to reinforce therapeutic interventions at home.

Andrew is continuing to meet important milestones today! He walks on his own more often without any support. And, he is preparing for his biggest adventure yet — becoming a big brother this coming winter!

Your donation gives patients like Andrew hope for a bright future. Give today: bit.ly/3MD30n4

12/15/2025

Give the gift of fitness this holiday season! Treat the runner or golfer in your life to our exclusive discounts at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Our one-time running assessment is now available for just $150, and our golf assessment — now $250 — will help golfers get their swing ready for the links. Both programs are led by our expert physical therapists and exercise physiologists, ensuring top-notch guidance and support.

Don’t miss out — these special discounts are available through the end of December! Call 312.238.5001 to book now.

12/12/2025

Caring for body, mind and spirit: a hat trick in healing!

The Chicago Blackhawks recently stopped by to cheer on our youngest patients in their rehabilitation journeys. Together, we unveiled our fully renovated Chicago Blackhawks Foundation Playroom, a dedicated space in our Pediatric Innovation Center designed to bring comfort and confidence to the recovery process.

Players then jumped in for games and activities with patients — from coloring with the kids to enjoying hallway bike races and sled hockey.

“Our aim is to help people heal — body, mind and spirit,” said Pablo Celnik, MD, CEO of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “This playroom renovation for our youngest patients represents more than a design upgrade — it’s a tool for healing, and we are so thankful for the longstanding support provided through our friends at the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation.”

12/10/2025

By donating to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab this holiday season, you enable our scientists to lead groundbreaking rehabilitation research that benefits patients like Michele L.

More than 20 years ago, Michele survived a severe car accident, sustaining a spinal cord injury with paralysis from the neck down and very limited movement. Since then, she has engaged in intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and, as a power wheelchair user, has participated in our research studies — testing our autonomous wheelchair and more.

Today, Michele champions accessibility and disability rights. She’s been a leading voice in helping Chicago’s transit system receive funding to become more accessible; she recently participated in the Chicago Disability Pride Parade and spoke on a panel about ableism; and she advocates for accessible sidewalks in Chicago.

Your support transforms what’s possible for patients like Michele. Give today: bit.ly/3XMY5SN

12/08/2025

Join us for a monthly online group for individuals with ABI and cognitive or communication challenges. This is a welcoming space to share your experiences, hear others’ stories and build community.

Learn more and sign up: bit.ly/4rLbU1S

12/03/2025

In this season of giving, your gift to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab helps patients like Mitch W. reclaim independence and discover new passions after a life-changing injury.

Mitch, a firefighter and paramedic, sustained a severe spinal cord injury and paralysis in 2021. After weeks of inpatient therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, he was discharged on what was supposed to be his wedding day to his fiancée, Sarah. Four years later and now married, he and Sarah have welcomed their first child, Emmalina Rose. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab also has helped Mitch — now a wheelchair user — discover a love of competitive wheelchair rugby.

As part of your holiday giving, make a donation to help patients like Mitch: bit.ly/4rC5vpx

12/01/2025

"Kyle had the stroke four days after we got married. Yes, the stroke happened to Kyle, but the stroke also happened to me. And the stroke happened to us.”

Michelle D. reflects on her experience as her husband, Kyle C., recovered from a rare brainstem stroke that caused locked-in syndrome. As Kyle relearned how to walk, talk and use his hands, Michelle relearned what it means to be strong. Together, they moved forward.

THANK YOU to all of the caregivers who — like Michelle — provide unwavering support throughout their loved ones’ rehabilitation journeys.

Read our blog for Kyle and Michelle’s story: bit.ly/48cTjmo

11/19/2025

With the busy holiday travel season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to share helpful tips about air travel for those with limited mobility. To learn more, follow along with Michael G. — who goes by Gio — for a special trip to the airport!

Gio came to us for intensive rehabilitation after experiencing a spinal cord injury, and he recently joined our recreational therapy team for a “community reintegration” visit to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Our airport trips, a collaboration with United Airlines, provide patients with limited mobility an opportunity to practice all aspects of air travel before transitioning home after rehabilitation — and to learn about accessibility in different environments.

During Gio’s visit to the airport, he gained real-world travel skills in a community setting — learning how to board and deplane; transfer from his wheelchair to an aisle chair; access his seat and the restroom; and navigate the airport security screening process.

Visit our blog to learn more about recreational therapy and our community reintegration offerings: bit.ly/4oPMGh3

11/13/2025

“We can keep going.”

Declan C. started coming to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab as an outpatient after receiving an early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) at 18 months old. Now, at age 7, he recently completed intensive inpatient rehabilitation after a life-changing surgery to address muscle spasticity caused by CP — and he continues in DayRehab to improve his mobility, function and independence.

Through it all, Declan’s curiosity and determination have continued to shine brightly.

Watch Declan reach his biggest milestone yet, and read his full patient story to learn what’s possible when science, hard work and hope come together: bit.ly/47Eh1cd

11/12/2025

For Diabetes Awareness Month this November, our expert exercise physiologists are sharing insights about how movement, strength and mindfulness are key for effective diabetes management.

Read our blog for more on the health benefits of yoga and exercise for people living with diabetes and learn about our diabetes and fitness education classes: bit.ly/4nS02YH

11/11/2025

Throughout her 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Molly experienced a series of spine injuries, and, due to progressive complications, she became partially paralyzed. Not only did these setbacks end her career; Molly also was told she would never be able to play sports again.

Then, Molly discovered Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s military sports camp — open to both veterans and active duty service members with a primary physical disability. The experience transformed her life as she learned to ride a recumbent bike and found camaraderie among fellow veterans and service members.

In honor of Veterans Day, read Molly’s full story to learn how military sports camp helped her rediscover fitness and find community: bit.ly/4oRKi9D

11/06/2025

“It’s all worth it because this is a new lease on life,” said Dean C.

After being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, 29-year-old musician Dean immediately began searching for solutions — soon discovering a novel path forward.

Dean traveled from his home in Syracuse, N.Y., to receive an extremely rare double-lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine through the Canning Thoracic Institute's DREAM Program for select patients with terminal lung cancer. Building on the success of the transplant, he then transitioned to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation.

For several weeks, Dean participated in intensive therapy and received specialized care to rebuild his lung strength and endurance, learn how to breathe efficiently again, and regain everyday skills which he had lost. Soon enough, he was strong enough to walk a quarter mile and climb more than 30 stairs — huge milestones toward independence.

Today, Dean is cancer-free, continues to recover in DayRehab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and is back to playing guitar as he looks toward the future.

In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, read Dean’s full story: bit.ly/47ZyQ5A

11/05/2025

Interested in opportunities to participate in spinal cord injury (SCI) research and learn about advancements in treatment? Join us for an informational open house on Friday, Nov. 14, from 1-4 pm to hear from researchers, patients and staff members.

This event is open to individuals with SCI, caregivers, family members, support persons, researchers and therapists. Learn more and sign up today: bit.ly/49AXlam

11/04/2025

On behalf of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, thank you for supporting SkyRise Chicago 2025! More than 2,140 participants climbed 105 stories to Skydeck Chicago Willis Tower, handcycled the distance or participated virtually — and, together, you helped us raise more than $1.2 million!

Thank you to our friends at Willis Tower -- and to all of our participants, volunteers and donors who made this happen. See you next year!

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! Our expert occupational therapists offer five easy tips for making the holiday accessible and joyful for everyone — from offering trick-or-treat and decoration ideas to tips on planning welcoming Halloween parties.

Read our blog for more! bit.ly/3LeDsvP

👻🐈‍⬛💀🧛‍♀️🧟🧙‍♀️🦽

10/30/2025

As we recognize National Physical Therapy Month this October, we’re introducing you to 16-month-old Parker J., who demonstrates that it’s never too early to see the benefits of PT!

Parker was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 11 months. His parents brought him to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for a 12-day outpatient intensive to take advantage of early, specialized therapies while his brain was developing rapidly.

As a little guy with a big desire to get moving, Parker’s goal in PT was to learn to walk with a gait trainer. He quickly built tolerance for sitting in the gait trainer and practiced bearing weight on his feet, and his physical therapist helped him take initial steps on the treadmill while using a harness.

Soon enough, Parker was walking 20 feet in the gait trainer with assistance … and, eventually, started cruising around in therapy all on his own!

In addition to PT, Parker also benefited from swallow therapy and occupational therapy during his intensive. He continues to gain skills in early intervention and through outpatient therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

“Our goal is for Parker to be happy and independent, and to give him the ability to do things for himself,” said his mom, Kristen.

Visit our website to learn about physical therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: bit.ly/43rG2oD

10/29/2025

Are you ready for Skyrise Chicago 2025 this Sunday, Nov. 2?

For our monthly “Ask the Expert” series, we invited clinical manager Kyle Bisping, DPT, to answer your questions about SkyRise Chicago — our annual stair climb at the Willis Tower. In this Q&A, Kyle offers training tips and ways you can get involved!

Learn how you can support SkyRise Chicago at skyrisechicago.org.

10/28/2025

Each year more than 2,000 individuals participate in SkyRise Chicago, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s annual stair climb at the Willis Tower. And, for many participants, joining a climbing team helps them maintain motivation while they scale 105 flights to Skydeck Chicago!

Such is the case with Lilly F. She came to us for rehabilitation in 2023 after surgery for a benign brain tumor impacted her ability to walk and caused visual impairments. In the years since rehabilitation, Lilly has returned to running — participating in 5K and 8K races and training with a running club that supports people with impairments.

She is celebrating her continued recovery by participating in SkyRise on Nov. 2 for the third time. This year, she joined the Streeterville Crew team to fundraise and participate with her Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physical therapist, Juliana, who helped Lilly recover her mobility. Lilly participates in SkyRise to give back and show gratitude to her therapists.

“So lucky to be part of my third Skyrise! Were it not for the incredible team at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, I wouldn’t be here today climbing. I’m proud to join the Streeterville squad to celebrate community, caring and the science that helps people reach their potential,” said Lilly. “Every climb reminds me to stay grateful, hopeful, and helpful — even in hard times.”

We’ll be cheering for Lilly, the Streeterville Crew and all of our climbers and handcyclists at SkyRise! Register today to join us: skyrisechicago.org

Address

355 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL
60611

Telephone

+13122381000

Website

https://www.sralab.org/

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