Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

11/25/2025

Ten years ago, Marcus Fairfield survived a car crash that left him with a spinal cord injury and uncertain future. In this heartfelt Thanksgiving conversation, Marcus reunites with his Mary Free Bed rehabilitation team, Kristen, Jamie, and Jess, to reflect on his incredible journey and express gratitude for the people who helped him during his recovery. It's a powerful reminder of what we can overcome when we have the right support and never give up hope.

11/24/2025

When Faith heard about Phoebe - the infamous S-Curve Kitty who watches over one of Grand Rapids’ busiest highways - she knew she had found a friend fur life.

After all, that stretch of road carries plenty of Faith’s patients and coworkers on their way to Mary Free Bed each day. As our animal-assisted intervention therapy dog, Faith also spends her days making sure her patients and colleagues stay safe, happy and healthy.

Undeterred by age-old rivalries, Faith packed up a goodie bag for Phoebe and her mom. Now the S-Curve Kitty can watch over the city with a little Mary Free Bed flair - adding hope, freedom and a whole lot of joy to everyone on 131. 💚

11/21/2025

When Mary met “Rocky” – aka Joan! 🥊

It’s time for the Mary-est Moment of the Week, and this one’s got serious “Eye of the Tiger” energy.

Joan channeled her inner Rocky Balboa during her rec therapy session with Alicia – gloves on, determination up and ready for anything! As Clubber Lang would say, “My prediction? … Pain.”

But Joan flipped the script and showed nothing but strength, grit and heart.

Way to go, Joan – you’re going the distance! 💚

Want to help keep rec therapy swinging? Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4ou6xS1

11/20/2025

Big news for Carle Health and Mary! 🧡❤️ Carle Health is welcoming Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation as its dedicated partner in elevating inpatient rehabilitation services.

Beginning in January, patients across east central Illinois will have greater access to world-class rehabilitation closer to home. Together, we’re combining Carle Health’s trusted, patient-first care with Mary Free Bed’s nationally recognized rehabilitation expertise.

It’s a first-of-its-kind collaboration in Illinois, and we’re proud to unite our missions to deliver more hope, more freedom, and more access for the communities we love and serve.
Read the full press release here:

National rehab expert and community health system offer local care and advanced treatment   

11/20/2025

Twirl squad! 🪩 We’ve got all the right moves at the SpartanNash YMCA!🎶 Try to keep up!

11/19/2025

On the livestream today, we're catching up with Evan and Adyson Kennard, two years after she sustained a spinal cord injury when their tree stand fell. After months in rehabilitation, her then boyfriend, Evan, proposed to Adyson as she walked out of the hospital.

In this conversation, we talk with Adyson about how her recovery has been going since she left Mary Free Bed. We hear about their recent wedding in September, and ask her if she has any safety tips for deer hunters this hunting season.

11/18/2025

Fire Up, Chips!💛

We’re proud to announce a new partnership with Central Michigan University – helping our team get exactly where they want to grow. Through this collaboration, Mary Free Bed staff, their spouses and dependents now have access to discounted tuition at CMU, opening the door to more education, more specialization and more opportunity.✨

At the center of our collaboration is a shared belief: invest in people, and you lift entire communities. CMU’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education aligns seamlessly with Mary Free Bed’s mission to bring more hope and freedom to every person we serve – including own team members. 🧡

Together, we’re creating meaningful pathways for growth and a stronger future for health care.💫

11/18/2025

Join us in celebrating Tina!!!💚🧡

11/17/2025

After a car crash and a traumatic brain injury, Madeline came to the Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to rebuild her strength and independence. What she didn’t expect was how much joy she’d find along the way.🌟

Read Madeline's story here:

At Mary Free Bed, occupational therapists collaborate with a team of rehabilitation specialists – including physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, recreational therapists (and dogs!), respiratory therapists, nurses, and physicians to design personalized plans for every patient.

11/15/2025

A new woman has been crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan at a ceremony at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation in Grand Rapids. Congratulations to Madison Reid, 21 from Detroit, who is a survivor and advocate after a person tragedy. Let's meet her and hear her story following her crowning with the new title.

11/14/2025

It’s time for the Mary-est Moment of the Week! This week, our hearts are full.💙

We’re honoring everyone who came together for this year’s Thrive Gala, presented by Buist. From our Orange Carpet moments to a few legendary dance moves (IYKYK), and so many special moments in between – we lit up the night with our biggest celebration yet! More than 1,300 Mary Free Bed friends lifted up the mission that guides us.✨

Together, we raised more than $300,000 for the Mary Free Bed Nursing Scholarship Program – a milestone level of support for the future of compassionate, specialized nursing care.💙

A heartfelt thanks to all of our guests for bringing your joyful energy. And to the Mary Free Bed Foundation for an unforgettable celebration of hope, freedom and rehabilitation. Your dedication and compassion make this night possible.🌟

You can watch the full program here: https://youtu.be/mfgJQrNHpSw?si=VPLhrvDOnsFxkqGF

Check out “Live from the Orange Carpet” here: https://www.youtube.com/live/_MNpxSzQIik?si=Pfju8bbETfY9K1pW

11/13/2025

As you gear up for the weekend, remember stay safe and look out for one another.

Former Mary Free Bed patient Bill Pahl is sharing his story to remind fellow hunters about the importance of tree stand and hunting safety practices.

Learn more about this story below.

Three years after breaking his neck, Bill Pahl's determination and grit helped him retire his wheelchair. He now has a walker but can stand on his own.