THANK YOU—our donors, partners, staff and volunteers—for another outstanding year!
Mary Free Bed was again rated one of the nation’s top specialty hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Newsweek also recognized Mary Free Bed as one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the country. Of the nation’s 1,100 rehabilitation hospitals, Mary Free Bed continues to climb both lists.
Nationwide, few, if any, nonprofit rehabilitation hospitals served as many patients this past year. Mary Free Bed’s team of 3,500 employees, staff and volunteers provided hope, and a lot of freedom, to more than 100,000 patients across our expanding system of care in fiscal year 2025. These patients and their loved ones put their trust in us, and we cherish the opportunity to serve them.
Innovation has become a part of Mary Free Bed’s culture, ensuring our patients receive the highest quality treatment and outcomes despite an ever-changing, challenging health care environment.
Collaboration through partnership with other nonprofit health care systems remains our strategy. To date, Mary Free Bed is partnering with 12 health care systems and 39 network hospitals to give hope and freedom to an ever-expanding network of patients.
Mary Free Bed initiated construction on the sixth floor of our Grand Rapids hospital. To meet the growing need to serve more patients, we’re adding 28 additional inpatient beds.
Mary Free Bed and University of Michigan Medicine collaborated on a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) model system grant for spinal cord research.
Mary Free Bed celebrated an additional four PM&R Residency graduates this year, preparing these new physicians to begin careers in rehabilitation around the county.
The Mary Free Bed Foundation had a record year, thanks to many generous supporters who make changing the lives of patients possible.
This annual report is a welcome reminder of how our shared efforts add up to a remarkable journey for a 134-year-old institution. This year is no different. These stories and milestones are evidence of our collective, continuous efforts to strive for excellence in all aspects of patient care. I’m filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who have played an integral role in a mission that unites us all.
Wishing you another year filled with hope, freedom and “wow” moments!
KENT RIDDLE, CEO
IS TO RESTORE HOPE AND FREEDOM THROUGH REHABILITATION.
OUR VISION OUR MISSION
IS TO BE THE NATIONAL LEADER IN HIGH-VALUE REHABILITATION AND POST-ACUTE CARE, AND TO DEVELOP AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF CARE.
OUR VALUES
To restore hope and freedom, we’ll:
• Work collaboratively and with innovation.
• Include experiences and perspectives of all we serve.
• Be Truthful and respectful.
• Heal with our hands and treat with our hearts.
• Approach our work WITH JOY.
OUR COMMITMENT
We’ll embrace all people by:
• Treating everyone with dignity and respect.
• Opening more doors to opportunity for others to succeed.
• Growing talent and people.
• Ensuring a welcoming experience for all we serve, regardless of origin, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.
• Taking action against discrimination.
• Honoring our differences and how we collaborate.
• Educating staff, patients and the communities we care for.
• Restoring hope and freedom, TOGETHER.
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION
Chief Executive Officer
Kent Riddle
Chief Operating Officer
Bruce Brasser
Chief Medical Officer
Benjamin Bruinsma, M.D.
Chief Financial Officer
Ryan Podvin
Chief Nursing Officer & Vice
President, Inpatient Services
Maria Opoku-Agyeman
Chief Compliance Officer
Jennifer McWain
Chief of Staff
Chris Morelli, D.O.
Vice President, Medical Group Operations
Emily DeFouw
Controller & Vice President, Finance
Nate Guzman
Vice President, Patient Access & Referral Development
Jeff Munford
Vice President, System Operations
Kristin Brooks
Vice President, Outpatient Services
Jaime Myers
Vice President, Advisory Group
Joyal Pavey
Vice President, Advancement
Tim Pietryga
Vice President, Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics
Scott Riddle
Vice President, Human Resources
Open
Administrator, Sub-Acute Rehabilitation
Leslie Shanlian
President & CEO, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Tim Tuthill
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairperson
David Muir
Vice Chairperson
Jennifer Taylor
Treasurer
Dan Vaughan
Assistant Treasurer
Judy Palmer
Trustees
Amy Abbott
Nancy Albers
Becky Bechler
Dave Beemer
Kevin Birchmeier
Susan Bloss
Benjamin Bruinsma, M.D.
Pamela Buschle
Stephen Drew
Laurie Duthie
David Hooker
Mira Jourdan
Deb Kay
Maureen Kozel
Brad Mathis
Tonja Moyer
Margaret Nault
Holly Peterson
Kent Riddle
Amy Stuursma
Wendy Stock
Maryln Walton
Cameron Young
GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Co-Presidents
Mary Beth Brown
Maureen Kozel
Immediate Past
President
Amy Stuursma
First Vice President
Mira Jourdan
Second Vice President
Susan Bloss
Third Vice President
Concy Richards
Treasurer
Judy Palmer
Assistant Treasurer
Stacy Trierweiler
Recording Secretary
Amy Abbott
Corresponding
Secretary
Joan McCrone
Directors
Nancy Bush
Sandy Conner
Janet Freund
Susan Porter
Maryln Walton
Jodi Elsen
Holly Gelfand
FOUNDATION BOARD
Chairperson
Lee Perez
Vice Chair
Lindsay Benedict
President
Kent Riddle
Treasurer
Nate Guzman
Secretary
Timothy J. Pietryga
Trustees
Timothy D. Arter
Rev. Katherine Lee Baker
Anne Chamberlin
Gregory Conway
Eva Aguirre Cooper
Marcus Jackson
Dr. Benjamin Bruinsma
Jacques Moss
Amy Stuursma
Jennifer Taylor
Diane Vander Maas
Brent VanHaren
Executive
Administrative
Assistant
Kelly Fitzgerald
LEADERSHIP
ABOVE AND BEYOND
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Mary Free Bed Ranks 9th Best in the Nation for Rehabilitation
Mary Free Bed has been named the 9th Best Rehabilitation Hospital in the country by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-25.
Out of 1,049 hospitals considered, Mary Free Bed stood out for exceptional outcomes, compassionate care and patient experience. We earned high marks in key areas, including the number of patients who return home after rehabilitation and our expertise in treating people recovering from strokes, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
NEWSWEEK
For the fourth year in a row, Newsweek has named Mary Free Bed one of the Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers in the nation—and this year, we’re proud to be ranked #1 in Michigan. Newsweek evaluated rehabilitation centers across all 50 states, recognizing just 255 for excellence. Rankings are based on quality of care, service, follow-up treatment and amenities.
Mary Free Bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation has been named one of the Best Short-Term Rehabilitation programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report—earning a five-out-of-five overall rating for the eighth consecutive year. Our team’s dedication to safe, effective care is reflected in outcomes that exceed both state and national averages.
Grand Rapids Kids Top Docs
Nine Mary Free Bed pediatric therapists were recognized as Grand Rapids Kids Top Docs. The Mary Free Bed outpatient location in Walker, Michigan, was also named a Top Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing Center. The dedication, compassion and expertise of these teams help kids across West Michigan reach their goals every day.
LUCY’S ERA: MOVING FORWARD WITH STRENGTH AND SPARKLE
When Lucy Plont was diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis in May 2023, her family entered a world of unknowns. The rare condition caused septic arthritis, leading to multiple surgeries and weeks at Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Her incredible team of doctors, nurses and specialists helped stabilize her condition and paved the way to the Mary Free Bed Kids Inpatient Program in Grand Rapids.
With help from her family and her Mary Free Bed team, 5-year-old Lucy has been wow-ing us every step of the way—often with a little help from her favorite artist, Taylor Swift. Whether she’s blowing bubbles in art therapy or
walking to the beat of her favorite song, Lucy brings energy, determination and spunk to her rehabilitation journey. Her journey isn’t over, but she faces each day with resilience, creativity and the kind of sparkle that inspires everyone around her. Last summer, we were honored to have Lucy and her family join us for the groundbreaking of Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital—Michigan’s first pediatric rehabilitation hospital, built for big dreams and bold futures.
Scan to meet Lucy bit.ly/mfb-lucy
GROWING A SYSTEM OF CARE – TOGETHER
We’re growing with purpose—bringing together like-minded organizations committed to redefining what’s possible through expert rehabilitation and compassionate care.
This year, we were honored to welcome Vandalia Health in Charleston, West Virginia, to our system of care. Together, we’re expanding access to expert rehabilitation while supporting local teams with the tools, knowledge and compassion that define Mary Free Bed.
Across Michigan and beyond, our growing system includes:
• Therapy services in both acute and outpatient settings
• Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics
• Shared clinical tools and professional development
• A focus on outcomes, innovation and patient experience
The Mary Free Bed Advisory Group—a national collective of experts— supported more than 40 locations across 13 states and Washington, D.C., this year. Through strategic guidance and trusted partnership, we’re partnering with hospitals and health systems to elevate care for patients of all ages and abilities.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF) with Mary Free Bed management or Joint Operations
Outpatient locations
Acute-care therapy services/TCU/LCU managed by Mary Free Bed
System member locations
Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics
MARY FREE BED REHABILITATION SYSTEM
The Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation System is an alliance of acute care hospitals across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia.
Ascension Borgess Hospital (2 hospitals)
Beacon Health System
Bronson Healthcare (4 hospitals)
Corewell Health South (3 hospitals)
Covenant HealthCare*
Henry Ford Allegiance Health
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
McLaren Health System (13 hospitals)
Munson Healthcare* (6 hospitals)
Sinai Chicago (3 hospitals)
University of Michigan Health - Sparrow* (6 hospitals)
Trinity Health (3 hospitals)
University of Michigan Health - West
Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
Valley Health Winchester Medical Center
Vandalia Health CAMC General Hospital*
*Indicates Joint Operating Agreement
BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR MORE PATIENTS
A JOYFUL MILESTONE FOR KIDS REHABILITATION
The Crowning Ceremony for Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital was a celebration of progress, purpose and possibility. Pediatric patients, families and team members joined together to sign the final steel beam before it was lifted into place.
Planned to open in 2026, the hospital is a joint initiative between Mary Free Bed and Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. With advanced technology, innovative therapy programs and a family-centered care approach, the hospital will provide comprehensive rehabilitation services for kids. This joyful moment marked a major step toward creating a space where care, creativity and healing will come together in extraordinary ways.
MARY FREE BED PARTNERS WITH VANDALIA HEALTH
Mary Free Bed has expanded its reach through a partnership with Vandalia Health, bringing specialized rehabilitation services to Charleston, West Virginia. As of January 1, 2025, the two organizations began working together through a joint operating agreement to support the Inpatient Rehabilitation Program at Vandalia Health CAMC General Hospital. The partnership also includes plans to build a new 50-bed rehabilitation hospital, enhancing access to expert care across the region.
Grounded in a shared commitment to patient-centered care, the collaboration combines Mary Free Bed’s expertise with Vandalia Health’s deep connection to the community to deliver coordinated, compassionate care for people with complex medical needs—right where they are.
EXPANDING ACCESS TO AUTISM CARE IN WEST MICHIGAN
Families seeking autism services now have a new place to turn. In September 2024, we opened the doors to our newly renovated Mary Free Bed Kids – Walker Clinic, a bright, welcoming space thoughtfully designed with kids and families in mind.
This kid-friendly clinic brings together Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy and diagnostic evaluations—all under one roof. It’s a place where young children and their families can begin their journey with early intervention, a proven key to healthy development.
ABA is an evidence-based approach that helps children build essential skills for communication, learning and daily living. At our newly renovated clinic, each detail—from the calming environment to the compassionate experts—is meant to support patients and families as they achieve new milestones.
LYNNE’S STORY: FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH CONNECTION
When Lynne Polselli began feeling under the weather in early 2024, she had no idea how quickly her life would change. After waking up exhausted, Lynne arrived at the hospital with a temperature of 105 and a life-threatening sepsis infection. Within hours, she was fighting for her life. Doctors made the decision to amputate all four of her limbs to save her. After nearly 100 days in the hospital, she came to Mary Free Bed determined to move forward.
Supported by her husband, their two daughters and a compassionate team of specialists, Lynne began her rehabilitation journey with courage and grace. From navigating life using a wheelchair to preparing for custom prosthetics, Lynne regained mobility, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Along the way, she connected with Pam Buschle—a Mary Free Bed Guild member and fellow quadruple amputee. Their bond has become a source of strength and inspiration, rooted in empathy and shared experience. For Lynne, Pam’s encouragement is a reminder that she’s not alone on this journey.
Now continuing her recovery at home, Lynne’s journey is inspiring others. We’re honored to be part of her story and grateful for the strength and resilience she brings to the Mary Free Bed community.
STATISTICS AND FINANCIAL PORTRAIT
102,124 PATIENTS SERVED*
9,136 INPATIENT*
79,764 OUTPATIENT*
4,435 OUTPATIENT VIRTUAL**
17,820 MEDICAL GROUP***
14,128 ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS + BIONICS
4,461 MARY FREE BED AT HOME
OUTSTANDING RESULTS
FOR INPATIENT SAFETY *
Lower health-acquired pressure ulcer rate (adults) than national average.
* Throughout Mary Free Bed System
** Included in Outpatient total
***Included in Outpatient and Inpatient totals
FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT USING
THE QRP SCALE
The amount of functional improvement patients make in rehabilitation is measured by the difference in abilities between admission and graduation. A variety of skills used in daily living are tracked. We share this information with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid through the Quality Reporting Program, which enables us to compare the functional improvement of our rehabilitation patients to others across the nation.
Inpatients at the Grand Rapids campus achieved more functional improvement than the national average as measured through QRP. The following information includes both adult and pediatric data.
* Mary Free Bed Grand Rapids Campus
Source: eRehab
LIKELY TO RECOMMEND*
SOURCES OF REVENUE AVAILABLE FOR OPERATIONS
JEREMY’S STORY: HOLDING ON TO HOPE
When Jeremy Lawson, 48, fell from a hunting stand in November 2023, everything changed. The accident caused a complete spinal cord injury. It happened just as his wife, Emily, was nearly six months pregnant with twins.
The days that followed were full of uncertainty. By the time Jeremy arrived at Mary Free Bed at University of Michigan Health – Sparrow, in Lansing, Michigan, the goal was clear: help Dad build the strength to hold his babies. His therapy team tailored a plan around that moment, starting with lifting seven-pound weights—the size of a newborn.
Behind the scenes, the therapy team and labor and delivery unit worked together to make another milestone possible: coordinating every detail so Jeremy could be present for the birth of his children. It was a powerful act of teamwork, and a moment the family will never forget.
When the twins were born, Jeremy did what had once felt out of reach; he sat upright for the first time in weeks and held his babies, one in each arm.
Jeremy spent 11 weeks regaining strength and independence in the Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program. Today, he continues his rehabilitation journey surrounded by his family and those who believe in him. His story is a powerful reminder: even in the hardest moments, hope has a way of showing up.
Scan to meet Jeremy bit.ly/mfb-jeremy
MARY FREE BED FOUNDATION
Fueled by the generosity of people who believe in the power of rehabilitation, the Mary Free Bed Foundation has raised over $125 million since it was established in 2012 by advancing access, innovation and hope for thousands of patients on their journey to recovery.
PHILANTHROPY MAKES AN IMPACT
No one does rehabilitation like Mary Free Bed. We have a unique, patient-centered culture that’s focused on healing the mind, body and spirit. Some of the programs and therapies supported by philanthropy include:
· Animal-assisted therapy dogs
· Art therapy
· Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program
· Children’s therapy playground
· Full Peds Ahead—an initiative for Mary Free Bed Kids
· Lee Montgomery Athlete Assistance Fund
· Music therapy
· Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics
· Patient assistance fund Pediatric recreational therapy RISE Initiative, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program
STORYTELLING, PURPOSE AND CONNECTION
Events at Mary Free Bed do more than raise money—they bring people together through a shared purpose and powerful stories. Events like the Let Freedom Spring Luncheon, the Mary Free Bed Open Golf Outing, Crafting Vision and the annual Thrive Gala unite our community through generosity, connection and a commitment to brighter futures. These gatherings spark inspiration, deepen engagement and fuel the vital support that helps restore hope and freedom for our patients.
$7,090,858 PROGRAM DEDICATED
$318,917 UNRESTRICTED
$46,191 IN-KIND
$23,209,723 MARY FREE BED KIDS REHABILITATION HOSPITAL DEDICATED 5,865 GIFTS 1,631 DONORS
LEAPS & BOUNDLESS
The Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Foundation announced the Leaps & Boundless Capital Campaign to raise funds for Mary Free Bed Kids Rehabilitation Hospital—the first hospital in Michigan solely dedicated to rehabilitation for infants, children and teens. Following the groundbreaking in August 2024, construction is now well underway.
This unprecedented progress is made possible by the generosity of donors and enthusiastic community support. As we continue to bring this vision fully to life, every gift helps ensure kids have access to the specialized care they need, close to home.
TOTAL FY24 DONATIONS
$30,665,688
PM&R RESIDENCY PROGRAM
TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF CARE
Mary Free Bed Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency trained:
In addition to residency programs for clinicians and physicians, we’re the site for the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Division of Rehabilitation Medicine.
EMPOWERING OUR TEAM
$100,468
94%
92%
94%
WHEELCHAIR AND ADAPTIVE SPORTS:
WE’RE ON A ROLL
The Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports (WAS) Program is one of the largest of its kind in the country. The program provides enriching recreational opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities. This year, two of our teams took first place in their divisions at their national tournaments! Congratulations to the Junior Pacers Varsity Basketball and Overdrive Power Soccer teams for well-deserved first place wins!
1,729 PARTICIPANTS
1,889
97% participants felt successful upon completion of an event.*
95% participants reported being highly satisfied with all WAS programs.*
*RedCap
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
“My first clinic was amazing; it made me feel excited for the other clinics I signed up for. It was nice to be able to do an activity that accommodated my disability and motivated me to go outside, enjoy the weather and socialize with my peers.”
- Adaptive Sailing Clinic Participant
“The archery event was excellent. We all had one-on-one attention, and there were many courteous, helpful and friendly volunteers. We all had lots of fun and lots of laughs. Best of all there were participants who use wheelchairs and have limb differences. It’s wasn’t just for those of us with visual impairments.”
- Adaptive Archery Clinic Participant
“My son usually has a hard time when changes occur, so we were concerned about having a new instructor. By the time the first class was over, my son felt very safe and happy. He really likes his new instructors.”
- Adaptive Swim Class Parent
IN THE MEDIA
GRAN FONDO RAISES OVER $80,000 FOR REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
In 2024, Mary Free Bed was selected as the official beneficiary of Michigan’s largest cycling event, the KeyBank Gran Fondo. More than 800 riders raised over $80,000 in support of Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports, Recreational Therapy, and the new Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital.
ATHLETES SHINE AT THE 2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES
Five athletes with ties to Mary Free Bed proudly represented Team USA at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Grace Norman competed in the paratriathlon; Kate Brim and Matt Tingley took on para-cycling events; John Boie helped lead the wheelchair basketball team; and Tyler Merren represented the U.S. in goalball. Out of the five, four returned home with medals—a remarkable achievement on the world’s biggest stage and a powerful reflection of their determination, talent and grit.
MS. WHEELCHAIR AMERICA HONORS ACHIEVEMENT, ADVOCACY AND ABILITY
The 53rd annual Ms. Wheelchair America competition returned to Grand Rapids in August 2024. Proudly sponsored by the Mary Free Bed Guild, this empowering, week-long event celebrated the achievements of 22 women from across the country. Michigan’s own Shanta Favors earned first runner-up honors.
FROM HOSPITAL HALLS TO HALL OF FAME: VANDY RETIRES
After eight years and more than 1,200 therapy visits, Mary Free Bed’s beloved animal-assisted intervention dog, Vandy, has officially retired. Vandy was the first-ever AAI graduate from PAWS With A Cause® and left an indelible mark on patients, families and staff alike. Her calming presence and unwavering companionship made her a true trailblazer— and a very good girl.
IN THE MEDIA
PHYSICIANS EARN ‘TOP DOCS’ RECOGNITION
Mary Free Bed physicians were named to Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2024 Top Doctors list, an annual peer-nominated recognition across 71 specialties. Honorees included Kelly Armstrong, M.D., Benjamin Bruinsma, M.D., Naomi Kaplan, M.B.B.S., Andrea Kuldanek, M.D., Christopher Morelli, D.O. and Meagan Smith, D.O.
PEDIATRIC THERAPISTS AMONG WEST MICHIGAN FAVORITES
In a community-wide poll conducted by GR Kids, nine Mary Free Bed pediatric therapists were recognized among West Michigan’s top providers. Honorees included physical therapists Andrea Dennis, Briana Dean, Micah Huegel and Kate Rustem; speech-language pathologists Sydney Losinski, Steven Jaeger and Riley Frens; and occupational therapists Courtney Stewart and Amelia Hayes.
THE SUMMARY PODCAST SPARKS NATIONAL CONVERSATIONS
Launched in 2024 and hosted by Mary Free Bed physicians Yunna Sinskey, M.D., and Dr. Doug Henry, M.D., The SumMARY podcast tackles complex topics in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The first episodes featured expert guests from leading institutions, including Harvard Medical School, the University of Washington, the University of Michigan and VA Puget Sound. Topics included AIpowered medical scribe technology, dysphagia care and innovations in amputation rehabilitation—helping to expand the conversation far beyond our walls.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CAMP
Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program proudly celebrated the 40th anniversary of Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp—an iconic summer tradition that has empowered generations of young athletes.
Held at Grand Valley State University, the week-long camp welcomed participants ages 7 to 18 for an unforgettable experience filled with skill-building, camaraderie and confidence. Campers explored a wide range of wheelchair and adaptive sports, competed in a fan-favorite dodgeball tournament and kept it cool in the epic annual water fight with the Allendale Fire Department.
The milestone celebration culminated on Family Day, where alumni from across four decades returned to connect with current campers, share memories and reflect on the lasting impact of the program.
