CENTER FOR BIONIC MEDICINE The Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine is a leading research group within Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Its goal is to improve the function and quality of life for individuals with amputation and other physical impairments. With valuable input from patients, the center’s focus is on creating clinically viable technologies that advance prosthesis design and control, allowing individuals with limb loss and difference to live more independently. BIOLOGICS LABORATORY At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Biologics Laboratory — the only one of its kind in a rehabilitation hospital — biological tissue is processed with an eye toward understanding human problems and advancing patient outcomes. It is driven by a forward-thinking, risk-taking, science-embracing strategy that harnesses the best and brightest minds to make patients better.
Jasper Climbs Back to Beat the Odds After Spinal Cord Injury One summer afternoon, Kori and Greg got a call no parent ever wants to receive: Their 15-year-old daughter, Jasper F., had fallen 40 feet during climbing camp in rural Virginia. Jasper, an avid and experienced climber, had shattered both ankles and wrists, and sustained a severe spinal cord injury that left her partially paralyzed from the waist down. She went through three major surgeries in the first 24 hours. “When the neurosurgeon came out, he told us she would never walk again,” said Greg. Jasper was in acute care, much of it in the ICU, for a month and a half. She was healing, but still not allowed to put any weight on her legs and feet. Greg and Kori began researching rehabilitation hospitals but, due to the complexity of Jasper’s condition, she was turned down by every one they contacted ... except Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “Shirley Ryan AbilityLab popped up early and often as the premier facility for Jasper’s type of injury,” Kori said. “The people we spoke with were intrigued, not daunted, by Jasper’s unique challenges. They wanted to try to help her.” Jasper was airlifted to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and began intensive inpatient therapy. Though she was unable to bear weight, Jasper’s therapy focused on core strength and everyday activities that she would need to be able to do without standing. “At first, sitting up made me feel like I was going to pass out,” said Jasper. “From there, I learned how to get dressed, transfer into and out of a wheelchair, a bed, chair and car. In occupational therapy, I worked on pinching and grabbing.” Thanks to Jasper’s fitness and determination, she was healing faster than expected. Jasper transitioned from inpatient into DayRehab, where finally she was able to try bearing weight. “On that first day, I stood up!” said Jasper. Jasper says she’s only looking forward, and even participated in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s annual stair climb up Chicago’s Willis Tower. “One of my big goals is to be able to do whatever I want and not have my injuries stop me … just regain that ability and confidence,” she said.
To watch Jasper’s patient story video, visit sralab.org/jasper
Inside Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
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