Author:

Sue Thoms

Sue Thoms is a writer and storyteller who joined Health Beat after a 30-year career at The Grand Rapids Press. She loves writing stories that shine a light on the resilience and beauty of the human spirit. In addition to medical features, she writes fiction and has published six picture books for children. Michigan born and raised, Sue enjoys exploring the state with her family―especially the lakes, sand dunes and ski hills. Contact her at susan.thoms@spectrumhealth.org.

Posts from Sue Thoms

Children's Health

What does baby see?

In the first months of life, brain and eye development combine to help an infant bring the world into focus.

Lungs, Breathing & Sleep
Patient Story

‘Honored to be his mom’

Forget all the tests and treatments. Jase Amesbury embraces life with joy—swimming, bike riding and playing with his sister.

Cardiovascular Care

Do heart attacks rise as we spring ahead?

Preventive and interventional cardiologists provide suggestions for how to take it easy on your ticker.

Living with Chronic Conditions
Patient Story

‘Something special’

Five-year-old Louis Ribbens and his parents have undergone quite a journey of the heart.

Children's Health
Patient Story

‘Like a warrior’

Tiny Riley Bosma has already met a host of challenges—a rare procedure before birth and two open-heart surgeries as an infant.

Children's Health
Patient Story

‘The sky’s the limit’

Lauren Vegter doesn’t just live with lupus—she soars.

Diet & Nutrition

Soup-er satisfying

A dietitian offers 4 reasons to put the familiar comfort food on your menu.

Children's Health
Patient Story

‘Just a tiny little poke’

“You have to be brave,” a 5-year-old girl advises after she gets her COVID-19 vaccination.

Orthopedics

The joy of rest

You need regular breaks in your workout routine so your body can heal, rebuild and grow stronger.

Children's Health
Patient Story

A Halloween smash

The magic and mystery of Halloween filled the halls of Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

Children's Health
Patient Story

‘The real Spider-Man’

The superhero rappelled down the side of the 11-story Helen DeVos Children's Hospital as children watched in awe.

Women's Health
Patient Story

Back on track

After recovering from a double mastectomy and plantar fasciitis, River Bank Run road warrior Becky Vander Zwaag is eager to race.