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

Patient Story

‘Look at us now’

To see Christopher Yates walk, run and jump, you’d never know he went through years of treatment for clubfoot.

Patient Story

First baby of 2020: ‘She’s perfect’

Dad hopes little Kendra Rose reaches for the stars.

10 exercise tips from a pro

Here are ways to make your fitness commitment last all year.

Patient Story

Top baby names: A newcomer arrives

Charlotte leads the girls' list, and Oliver leads the boys.

Patient Story

‘A Christmas miracle’

A year after a sudden cardiac arrest stopped his heart, Gordon Bose looks forward to celebrating his new "first birthday" this holiday.

Patient Story

A holly jolly NICU visit

The tiniest babies in the hospital get treasured holiday photos with Santa.

Patient Story

‘You need to stay happy’

For Hope Gonyon, a 9-year-old who has spina bifida, surgery gives a boost in independence.

‘His true legacy’

As Dr. Bob Connors steps down as president of Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, he looks back on a career dedicated to caring for children—as a pediatric surgeon, an administrator and a tireless advocate.

Patient Story

A merry little holiday party

Kids take a break from hospital rooms and medical appointments to play, meet Santa and choose gifts.

Patient Story

‘This will be life-changing for her’

Susan prayed every night for two years someone would come to her orphanage in Myanmar and offer the surgery she needed to speak clearly.

Patient Story

Helping Grandpa, bead by bead

A 10-year-old’s craft project becomes a source of motivation for people receiving stem cell transplants.

Patient Story

‘You saved my life, man’

A Michigan State Police trooper in need of a new liver gets a living donor transplant—from a friend on the force.