Top 15 Shepherd Center Stories of 2016

Readers of Shepherd Center news, features and blogs in 2016 followed developments in research for spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis, as well as celebrated with us as patients returned home to their families, students returned to school and communities heeded the call to support their friends and families during rehabilitation. Readers also learned from patients, families and staff what makes Shepherd Center truly unique.

In case you missed it, here is a recap our top 15 newsroom stories of the year.

1. College Student Injured in Diving Accident Reflects on Loss of Independence

Twenty-year-old Joseph (“Joe”) Bailey Jr. of Andrews, South Carolina, was boating with friends during spring break in March when he broke his neck after a dive into shallow water. Now, he urges others to think before diving.

2. Families Travel to Shepherd Center from All Over the Country

Two families explain why they chose to make the journey to Shepherd Center to help their loved ones regain function.

3. Haley Hammock Reclaims Joys of Being ‘Mom’

Former patient Haley Hammock reflects on motherhood following her ongoing recovery from a stroke after the birth of her second daughter.

4. FDA Clears Indego Assisted Walking Device for Some People with Paralysis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given clearance to market and sell the Indego^® exoskeleton for clinical and personal use in the United States. The device, which was tested at Shepherd, allows people with spinal cord injury to stand and walk.

5. Sports Community Motivates Injured Lacrosse Player During Recovery

Patient Jack Enright finds motivation in support from family, hometown friends and the nationwide lacrosse community.

6. Nurse Talks About What Makes Shepherd Center Different

Mike Marshall, RN, BSN, a charge nurse in Shepherd Center’s Intensive Care Unit, reflects on Shepherd Center's culture of hope.

7. Occupational Therapist Talks about Working with Shepherd Center's Youngest Patients

Patty Antcliff, MOTR/L, an SCI occupational therapist on the adolescent team, reflects on teamwork, tough love and the healing power of laughter.

8. Music Serves as Therapy During Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Patient Kyle Pinelli rediscovers his voice after his therapist uses music to assist in his recovery following a car accident.

9. Shepherd Center Culture Inspires Connections Between Patients and Families

Former patients and families serve as unofficial ambassadors of Shepherd Center, providing a beacon of hope for newly injured patients and their families.

10. Massage May Provide Healing Relief for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Researchers at Shepherd Center are gauging whether massage helps improve debilitating MS symptoms and quality of life.

11. Every Day is the "Best Day Ever" for Joseph Lopez After Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Return to School

Joseph Lopez, 24, of Jacksonville, Florida, moves beyond brain injury to graduate college on time and build a career in banking.

12. Long-Term Studies Reveal Positive Results for Initial Phase of Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Trial of Regenerative Medicine-Based Treatment

FDA clears company and research sites, including Shepherd Center, to expand clinical trial to increased numbers of newly injured patients and those with sensory incomplete spinal cord injury.

13. U.S. News & World Report Names Shepherd Center Among Best in Rehabilitation

Shepherd Center has been recognized again as one of the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in their 2016-17 rankings.

14. Young Mother, Teacher Recovers from Rare Illness

Kendyl Sumbry of Phenix City, Alabama, heads back to her job as a second grade teacher and is pursuing a doctorate in early childhood and elementary education.

15. Advice for People Newly Diagnosed with MS

Kimberly Miechiels, physician assistant at Shepherd Center Multiple Sclerosis Institute, offers tips on navigating your MS diagnosis.

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