Hanger Clinic Integrated Care Center

02/20/2026

A zip-lining accident at a friend’s wedding in Mexico turned into a life-altering event resulting in nine surgeries and ultimately an above-knee amputation for Dr. Richard Tholen. Despite the challenges of being a new amputee, he was determined to return to his active lifestyle and career as a plastic surgeon, and just 91 days after his injury, he was back in the operating room!

“I was fortunate to receive high-quality prosthetic care and an above-knee prosthesis from the beginning of my journey, which enabled me to continue working and enjoying an active lifestyle.”

Initially receiving care in Minnesota, Dr. Tholen realized that he needed additional resources to ensure his device could meet his specific needs in the operating room. After connecting with Hanger’s Kevin Carroll, he was directed to the ICC’s very own Ryan Caldwell.

Dr. Tholen was immediately impressed by the Integrated Care Center’s innovative approach. “The facility offers a variety of real-world environments where amputees can test their prostheses,” said Tholen, “This setup allowed Ryan to make real-time adjustments to my prosthesis.”

Knowing Dr. Tholen’s passion for automobiles, Tony Kapechuk, a technician at the Integrated Care Center, sourced carbon fiber with a metallic red finish to match Dr. Tholen’s red car—an extra detail that made the prosthesis uniquely his.

Now, Dr. Tholen travels to the ICC for his care, and we couldn’t be happier to work with him and see his progress! Learn more about the ICC and Dr. Tholen at the link in our bio.

02/13/2026

When building the ICC, our team strived to create a space for those of all abilities to try new things. One of our biggest requests was a climbing wall! 🧗‍♀️

With a big adaptive sports community in the Chicago area, and our very own Tom O'Doherty assisting in several adaptive climbing groups, we knew that a climbing wall was just what we needed.

Since our opening, many of our patients, whether they have climbed many times before or are brand new to it, have given the wall a try. 💪

During our Bilateral Above Knee Amputee (BAKA) Bootcamp that took place here last summer, many of the participants climbed for the very first time, which was a highlight of the event.

Curious about our facility and the resources we offer? Check out the link in our bio to learn more.

02/05/2026

After her dreams of attending the Olympics for field hockey were dashed by a blown-out knee during her freshman year of college, Kay Levenson spent the next 35 years having more than 34 surgeries, to try and salvage her leg and to keep herself walking. When a knee replacement failed, she decided to amputate in 2019.

Despite all this, she has never let it slow her down. Kay has always been incredibly active, between sports, hiking, and three kids, she rarely slowed down.

Once she had her amputation, Kay struggled to get back to where she'd been, which is when she met Hanger Clinic's, Kevin Carroll, who introduced her to ICC Clinician Ryan Caldwell.

Despite living in Alaska, Kay traveled to Chicago to receive care from Ryan. She knew he was the right fit as soon as he asked her, "How can we make this happen for you?"

Now, Kay is back to traveling the world, even spending two-and-a-half months in the Galapagos this past spring.

"It doesn't matter that I don't have a leg, I am still very grounded on this earth, I have a great support system in Ryan's team, my family, and my PT, who all believe in me, which means I believe in me too."

We are so grateful that Kay is able to experience our facility and continue doing all the things she loves.
Interested in checking out the Integrated Care Center? Learn more at the link in our bio!

01/27/2026

Our team is currently in Grapevine, TX for Hanger LIVE, our annual gathering of Hanger employees and orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) industry innovators.

The ICC team is excited to participate in high‑impact educational sessions and powerful networking moments. This year’s conference theme, “Bold Moves,” perfectly sums up the energy that ICC patient Katy Sullivan brings to everything she does in life. We were honored to have her share her incredible story during the Hanger LIVE Showcase!

Congrats Katy, and we can't wait to see what else the week brings! "

01/26/2026

In 2009, Rich Barnat was riding his motorcycle when he was hit by another vehicle. After a month-long hospital stay, he ultimately ended up having his leg amputated above the knee.

Since then, he has been working hard to continue doing the things he loves with the support of his prosthetist, Tom O'Doherty, and his amazing support system.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer just two months before Rich lost his leg, his wife was a huge support and took care of him while going through chemotherapy herself.

"In terms of amputees, you owe it to yourself and your family to do everything you can to lead a normal productive life," said Barnat.

Now, Rich spends his time with his daughter and two granddaughters. He also makes sure to exercise daily by walking as much as he can.

Since the opening of the Integrated Care Center, Rich has been a staple here! He is often here using the facilities or assisting our team with educational opportunities and events!

When asked what advice he had for other amputees, Rich said "You can learn a lot by talking to other amputees. They can relate to you, and they know what some of your challenges are. Challenges that many others have overcome."

01/15/2026

As a second-generation prosthetist with over 20 years of experience, ICC clinician Ryan Caldwell goes above and beyond for every person he works with at the Integrated Care Center. With a focus on working collaboratively with clients and care partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for those with limb loss or limb difference, Ryan is a renowned expert in advanced lower limb prosthetic sockets with the use of active vacuum technology.

Ryan is a key clinical developer of the NU FlexSIV socket, and provides national and international educational courses on this technology in conjunction with Northwestern University.

Outside of work, he focuses on spending time with his family and traveling the world! Thank you for all that you do, Ryan!

Interested in receiving care from Ryan at our facility? Head over to the link in our bio to learn more.

01/08/2026

After having both legs amputated above the knees due to necrotizing fasciitis back in 2023, Jim McNulty is happy to be alive and spending time with his family.

With a wonderful support system of his wife, three daughters, and two sons, Jim is living his life to the fullest. He is currently focused on spending time with his grandchildren and getting back to the hobbies he loves, which includes playing games, reading, and spending time at his church.

As a Hanger Clinic patient in Ohio, Jim first came to the Integrated Care Center during our BAKA Bootcamp event back in June. As part of Hanger's collaborative care model, Jim and his family have been able to work with both his team in Ohio, and to travel to Chicago to receive brand new prosthetic devices in just four days at the ICC thanks to the ICC's care team and onsite lab.

We are incredibly grateful to be a part of Jim's journey and to provide him with the care he needs to continue to enjoy life with his family!

12/31/2025

It’s been an incredible first year for the ICC, and we are so grateful for all of the people who got us to where we are and all of the patients that have been part of our journey so far.

We hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season and we can’t wait to see you in the new year!

12/10/2025

In June 2023, on his way home from a cricket game, Nishad Jose lost his leg in a traffic accident when a car failed to yield and hit him on his motorcycle.

Nishad spent 37 days in the hospital where he connected with a Hanger Clinic employee for peer support who was also an amputee. This meeting ultimately led Nishad to his prosthetist Ryan Caldwell.

"I can't tell you how thankful I am for that connection. I am so happy to be working with Ryan. His approach, and his time and patience….all I can say is I am full of gratitude," said Nishad.

As a cricket player, who has played regionally and internationally, Nishad was determined to get back on the field. With the help of his team, his amazing support system, and the staff at Hanger Clinic, he was back to playing the summer of 2024 after his amputation.

"My heart is with cricket. I would lose my identity without it," said Nishad.

He continues to receive his care with Ryan at the Integrated Care Center and is on the cricket field pushing himself every day! We can't wait to see what you do next, Nishad! "

12/03/2025

Last month, we hosted a Chicago Area Amputee Support group!

The ICC was built not only as a state-of-the-art space for patients to receive excellent care, but also for patients to come together and connect with other community members.

A big thank you to Össur for sponsoring the night's dinner!

11/26/2025

Last week, the Integrated Care Center (ICC) and ROMP Global partnered up for a Limb Disassembly Day as part of the Immobility is History campaign.

With millions of people worldwide lacking access to a prosthesis, leaving them unable to walk and care for their families, the ROMP campaign seeks to turn the page on immobility.

On November 18th, Hanger Clinic volunteers from the Chicago area came together at the ICC to disassemble prostheses donated by area clinics to provide ROMP's global clinics with the feet, knees, and other items needed to provide care.

Learn more here: https://rompglobal.org/

11/24/2025