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

Diet & Nutrition

Reap the benefits of tomatoes

The harvest bounty offers a wonderful opportunity to boost your nutrition with some creative dishes.

Orthopedics
Patient Story

‘Yes, I can do this again’

When twin hockey players faced debilitating hip pain, minimally invasive surgery helped them return to the ice rink.

Children's Health
Patient Story

‘Such a joy’

A colorful string of bravery beads shows a baby girl’s remarkable journey.

Diet & Nutrition

Plant power—even in a hurry

Don't let a busy day derail your plan to eat more fruits, veggies and whole grains.

Pregnancy & Childbirth
Patient Story

‘Life is valuable’

A teen with cancer opts for a new treatment—ovarian tissue cryopreservation—in hopes it will help her have a child someday.

Neuroscience
Patient Story

‘Our little fox’

Paxton Florek survived a brain tumor and now seems determined to defy what once looked like insurmountable odds.

Living with Chronic Conditions
Patient Story

‘I just want you to save my boy’

After managing hemophilia since birth, MacKale McGuire faced a diagnosis of bone cancer at age 11.

Pregnancy & Childbirth

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.