RIC Stories of Restored Ability
Exemplifying the process that RIC patients undertake during their rehabilitation journey and designed to provide inspiration and encouragement to those that may face similar situations in life.
Mina Fuller - Thriving in the face of cancer
Cancer
After removing a cancerous tumor in her brain, Mina Fuller experienced a brain injury as a result of her cancer treatments that left her physically impaired and cognitively disoriented. Now Mina is home and working on her next goal of returning to work with the Chicago Police Department.
Read Mina's Patient Story
Scott Chan - Advancing despite an unexpected neurological injury
Pediatrics
Scott Chan was a healthy teen looking forward to another year at Chicago’s prestigious Notre Dame High School when he experienced an unusual brain aneurysm which then caused a stroke. Because of innovative technology like the LOKOMAT®, Scott is now able to walk again and is looking forward to returning to Notre Dame Academy in the fall for his junior year of high school.
Read Scott's patient story
Greta Neimanas - Achieving her athletic goals thanks to quality care and support programs
Prosthetics & Orthotics
Greta Neimanas came to RIC as a young girl to work on maximizing the function of her left arm, which was misshapen since birth. Today, Greta is living in Colorado Springs, CO, training for the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing where she will compete in cycling.
Read Greta's patient story
Paul Moran - Succeeding in paralympic sports
Amputation & Adaptive Sports
As a four-time Paralympic athlete, Paul Moran, 42, is no stranger to achieving his goals. Paul first came to RIC in 1985 after he was struck by a trolley and had his leg and two fingers amputated. Paul has been to four different U.S. Paralympic games for sit-volleyball and will return for a fifth time at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing this fall to compete in wheelchair tennis.
Read Paul's patient story
Jorge Alfaro - Prevailing over work, fatherhood and life
Spinal Cord Injury
When Jorge Alfaro learned he had a spinal cord injury after being shot at 15 years of age, he recalls feeling scared and discouraged about his future. Jorge is now a medical supply sales person, an athlete, a dad, a peer mentor and as he puts it a “regular guy” living a happy and fulfilling life.
Read Jorge's patient story
Read about other RIC spinal cord injury patients
Gayle Parseghian - Flourishing as she manages her back pain
Pain
After pulling her back out while moving furniture, Gayle Parseghian experienced excruciating chronic back pain that prevented her from her active lifestyle, teaching dance and affected her social relationships. Gayle learned several tools to manage her pain and now enjoys many activities.
Read Gayle's patient story
Amanda Kitts - Fulfilling her role in children's lives thanks to cutting-edge research
Research
Three years ago, Amanda Kitts was involved in a car accident that resulted in the amputation of her left arm. After extensive research, Amanda came to RIC’s Center for Bionic Medicine and regained function in her arm through the use of a myoelectric prosthesis. Amanda, a mother and day care owner, has enjoyed returning to an active lifestyle where she can work with children and spend time with her son.
Read Amanda's patient story
Jordie Krimstein - Expressing himself through art even after his stroke
Stroke
When Jordie Krimstein had a stroke, it took a toll on his love for painting. He lost function on the left side of his body, affecting his arm and his ability to paint. Jordie's recovery led him to form a new appreciation for his art. He currently is working on developing several pieces for an upcoming show in a Chicago art gallery.
Read Jordie's patient story
Read about other RIC stroke patients