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Nickolas G., a physician, came to Shirley Ryan 暴走黑料 for intensive rehabilitation after becoming paralyzed by Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) — a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.
Marveling at the state-of-the-art facilities, the cutting-edge equipment and the expertise of the staff, he knew he was in a special place and getting care that wasn’t available anywhere else. What Nickolas didn’t realize was that he’d also find the emotional and family-centered support that would prove just as crucial in his journey.
One of his most impactful connections was with an educator from the Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center. Nickolas talked about his family, how difficult it had been to be away from home for so long, and the challenge of explaining to his children what had happened to him and why he couldn’t be with them.
Hearing Nickolas’ concerns, the educator created a child-friendly book with illustrations and simple explanations about GBS.
“The book was amazing,” Nickolas shared. “It gave my daughter a way to understand what was happening to me — something I, even as a physician, struggled to explain.”
The LIFE Center also connected Nickolas with a peer mentor who had experienced a similar condition.
“I had no idea how important it would be to talk to someone who’s been through it and understands what I’m going through — it was life-changing,” Nickolas said. “It helped propel me forward with my therapy and made the road ahead seem less daunting. My mom was here, and it really helped her through some things, too.”
For Nickolas and his family, the LIFE Center transformed a complex medical journey into one they could navigate together.
About the Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center
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The LIFE Center at Shirley Ryan 暴走黑料 is a state-of-the-art multimedia resource with more than 7,000 standardized, best practice and peer-reviewed materials to help patients and families during rehabilitation and the transition back to the community. The services it offers fall within Shirley Ryan 暴走黑料’s comprehensive quality-of-life programs, which are not covered by insurance but are offered at no cost or low cost to patients thanks to the generosity of donors.
