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 .

02/28/2026

The last day of February marks and, in recognition, we’re celebrating the wonderful progress Beckett W., age 5, has made in both inpatient rehabilitation and DayRehab while living with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) — a rare and very serious disease that results in a disturbance of brain function, often following a viral infection.

Beckett has come to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab twice following acute-care hospitalization and impairments stemming from ANE, including loss of physical function, speech, and gross and fine motor skills. Fortunately, he’s made great gains thanks to intensive therapy and his supportive family.

“We want Beckett to know how loved he is. We are so proud of Beckett’s progress and can’t wait to see how far he will go,” said his mom, Christine.

Beckett’s journey highlights how pediatric rehabilitation can help children with rare diseases build skills, strength and endurance after experiencing significant setbacks due to illness. Read his full story: bit.ly/46QDGBp

02/26/2026

👀Sneak peek: Art installation is underway for Art in Motion 2026!

It's not too late to get your ticket! Join us tomorrow night at our hospital and bid on one of the 168 original pieces of art on display, created by our 26 patient artists.

Thank you to our Art Expert Sponsors, including Anonymous, the Dolan Family Foundation, Michuda Construction and the Nommensen Family.

sralab.org/artinmotion

02/25/2026

“If I have the ability to change my outcome, why not?”

This is the mindset that fueled Michael G. — who goes by Gio — during rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after experiencing a spinal cord injury.

With intensive therapy, the support of his care team and family, and his own unwavering determination, Gio has achieved major milestones during his recovery journey:

🌇 Climbed 105 flights of stairs at the Willis Tower for SkyRise Chicago 2025.
👨‍⚕️ Returned to his career as an ophthalmologist, including performing surgery once again.
✈️ Took a much-anticipated family vacation to Orlando, Fla., after gaining air travel skills through our recreational therapy team’s “community reintegration” outing to the airport.

Read Gio’s full story to learn how he has continued to push forward through his recovery.

bit.ly/4cTEhFU

02/23/2026

Today’s curiosity may lead to tomorrow’s career — that was the inspiration behind our second annual healthcare career fair at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! We recently welcomed more than 110 high school and college students, as well as parents and guardians, to a special event designed to spark an interest in healthcare and to give students an inside look at the many career paths within rehabilitation medicine.

Enjoy photos from the expo and explore careers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: bit.ly/4cG6WhF

02/17/2026

The Art in Motion online gallery is now LIVE! Take a peek at the patient artwork that will be available via silent auction Art in Motion on Feb. 27.

This year, we're featuring 168 art pieces from 26 incredible patient artists -- in a remarkable range of mediums including framed paintings, stained glass, jewelry and even hand-painted sneakers. Proceeds benefit our art therapy and therapeutic recreation programs as well as the artists themselves.

Thank you to our Art Curator Sponsor the Wilshire Charitable Foundation.

Browse the artwork, get your tickets to Art in Motion and start planning your bids now! sralab.org/artinmotion

02/14/2026

Valentine's Day fun? We LOVE to see it! Our pediatric patients recently enjoyed a special celebration complete with a dance party, games, and activities such as making Valentine's Day cookies and jewelry boxes. 🧡💖💓🫶

Learn more about pediatric rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: bit.ly/3Nsk8ZE

02/12/2026

Get your tickets for Art in Motion on Feb. 27 featuring artwork created by patient artists like Avah W., available for sale via silent auction.

Avah, a sophomore in high school, came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab due to rapid neuromotor regression and Parkinsonism, which caused difficulty with walking, eating and using her assistive communication device. She is non-speaking and benefited from art therapy to help express herself.

Learn why art is Avah’s lifeline and join us for Art in Motion on Feb. 27. Proceeds benefit our art therapy and therapeutic recreation programs, as well as our patient artists!

sralab.org/artinmotion

02/10/2026

Samra, age 11, has always been an avid reader. One of her favorite activities is to visit her local public library to check out stacks of books. However, she started experiencing functional vision loss and, for two years, her vision came and went in ways she could not control. She lost her ability to read clearly — making it challenging to work on class assignments, take tests and read the books she so enjoys.

Ultimately, Samra was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) and came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for outpatient occupational therapy (OT). Here, she discovered strategies to improve her vision — enabling her to get back to her active life, back to books and back to the library!

Read Samra’s story, including her personal reflections and advice for other kids facing similar challenges: bit.ly/4clnoUq

02/05/2026

Don’t miss Art in Motion on Feb. 27! Attend in person to take home amazing artwork created by patient artists like Kyle C.

Kyle came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after a brainstem stroke left him with locked-in syndrome. Though his cognitive abilities were completely intact, he couldn’t speak or move. Through inpatient care and DayRehab, Kyle regained the ability to walk, talk and use his hands — and art therapy provided him with the space to process his new way of life.

Watch Kyle behind the scenes in the studio where he creates stained glass projects and join us at Art in Motion to bid on his art. Get your tickets now at sralab.org/artinmotion!

02/02/2026

❄️ The cold never bothered us anyway! ❄️ When Chicago schools recently closed due to extreme weather conditions, our amazing quality-of-life program teams — and two service dogs — stepped up and hosted a free childcare pop-up for our employees’ kids. The day was full of fun and big smiles. Learn more about how we support our team members at sralab.org/careers.

01/29/2026

Join us on Feb. 27 for Art in Motion — Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s annual fundraiser benefiting our art therapy and therapeutic recreation programs, as well as our patient artists like Jacqui M.

Jacqui came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for physical therapy after knee and leg injuries caused by falling. She learned to rebalance while walking so she could continue daily activities she loves — including her No. 1 activity, painting! Jacqui’s eclectic artwork will be available via silent auction at Art in Motion.

Check out Jacqui’s creative space where she works on her masterpieces and hear why she’s excited about Art in Motion. Get your tickets now at sralab.org/artinmotion!

01/27/2026

Calling all high school and college students!

Are you interested in a future career as a doctor; nurse; physical, occupational or speech therapist; psychologist; or other clinician? Join us for a career fair and meet a broad range of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab team members. Explore how you can harness your passions and experiences to make a meaningful impact in rehabilitation medicine.

Join us Monday, Feb.16, from 4:30-6:30 pm.

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

UPDATE (Jan. 29): Because of high interest, registration for this event is now closed. We look forward to seeing attendees at our hospital on Feb. 16!

01/22/2026

Research shows that exercise during in vitro fertilization (IVF) supports positive outcomes — providing both physical and mental health benefits. Yet, many individuals stop exercising due to unclear guidance about the appropriate level of physical activity during fertility treatments.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab pelvic health specialists have developed evidence-based guidelines to help patients build strength and participate safely in physical activity -- from before IVF begins, throughout treatment and transfer, and during pregnancy.

Read our article for exercise recommendations during IVF: bit.ly/3LIXwHi

01/14/2026

With a hitting Chicago, you may be reaching for your shovel! ❄️ Before you head outside to clear the sidewalk, read expert advice from one of our physical therapists at our Northbrook Outpatient Center on how to stay safe while shoveling and reduce your risk of injury and strain: bit.ly/4bzCUvx

01/09/2026

After experiencing a stroke, patients turn to our experts to regain function and independence so they can return to the active lives they love. For Lisa T. (pictured left), that return included enjoying a very meaningful moment a few years into her stroke recovery: taking to the dance floor for a special mother-daughter dance at her daughter’s wedding!

Previously, Lisa had experienced a stroke and aphasia, which greatly impacted her ability to communicate. She came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for outpatient therapy, with a focus on speech-language therapy, and joined our aphasia community groups to find her voice again. These days, Lisa lives independently and enjoys yoga, crafting, going to the movies, spending time with family and, of course … dancing!

“I say to myself, you should be grateful that you woke up this morning because your next breath is not promised to you. Having the opportunity to go to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab was the biggest blessing. I cannot thank them enough,” said Lisa.

Read Lisa’s story to learn more about her recovery and life after stroke. bit.ly/450ja07

12/31/2025

As we turn the page on 2025, we reflect with gratitude on countless special moments at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — moments of healing, hope and ability that remind us what's possible when the best care and science come together to support our patients' journeys.

Here’s to millions of more moments in the year ahead. Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026! Learn more about Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: sralab.org

12/29/2025

Donate to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab before the end of the year to help patients like Tracy D. return to the activities that bring them joy — like running!

Nearly a decade ago, Tracy was training for the marathon when she had a stroke. Two years later, after making a full recovery, she was hit by a car during a run — sustaining a traumatic brain injury. After undergoing intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, we helped her get back to what she loves most: RUNNING! She’s since run on our marathon team three times, raising funds to advance our mission.

Along the way, Tracy has benefited from our markerless motion capture technology, helping her run better and faster. This past June, she set a new personal record in a half marathon. She has been able to lift 20 pounds during bicep curls — something she never would have considered when she was doing therapy for her arm.

Support patients like Tracy this holiday season by making a donation: https://bit.ly/4pZTSI3

12/23/2025

Santa paid a special visit to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, delivering presents and good cheer to young patients on our pediatric floor. Thank you to everyone who helps make the season brighter for kids who are away from home for the holidays.❤️

12/22/2025

No one expects to experience a life-changing injury but, when they do, many turn to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for their recovery. Now, as 2025 comes to a close, make a donation to ensure patients like Chuy G. can achieve their best outcomes.

Chuy lives in Minnesota with his wife, Irene, and six children. He is a diesel mechanic, and he underwent a double amputation following a severe workplace accident. He then came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for extensive rehabilitation as an inpatient and in DayRehab, and he was fitted with a custom prosthetic arm and leg, which we taught him how to use.

Since going home, Chuy has met several milestones, both big and small — standing with his daughter for prom photos and helping his kids tie their shoes while using his prosthetic arm.

Today, Chuy typically uses a wheelchair to get around. He cooks dinner for his family on occasion and is focused on eventually walking around the block with his kids or going to the grocery store without a scooter. He is grateful for how his Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physical therapist, occupational therapist and psychologist helped him through his hardest days.

Make a donation to support patients like Chuy as they continue their recovery journeys: https://bit.ly/4s5NTCZ

12/19/2025

Mark your calendars for Art in Motion 2026!

Join the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Associate Board on Friday, Feb. 27, for a lively cocktail party and auction featuring artwork created by current and former patients. Proceeds will benefit our Art Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation programs. We're excited to once again host this event at our hospital.

Buy your tickets now at sralab.org/artinmotion

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

Address

355 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL
60611

Telephone

+13122381000

Website

https://www.sralab.org/

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