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.
After managing hemophilia since birth, MacKale McGuire faced a diagnosis of bone cancer at age 11.
88 In the first months of life, brain and eye development combine to help an infant bring the world into focus.
78 Forget all the tests and treatments. Jase Amesbury embraces life with joy—swimming, bike riding and playing with his sister.
502 Preventive and interventional cardiologists provide suggestions for how to take it easy on your ticker.
66 Five-year-old Louis Ribbens and his parents have undergone quite a journey of the heart.
297 Tiny Riley Bosma has already met a host of challenges—a rare procedure before birth and two open-heart surgeries as an infant.
1.1k Lauren Vegter doesn’t just live with lupus—she soars.
393 A dietitian offers 4 reasons to put the familiar comfort food on your menu.
38 “You have to be brave,” a 5-year-old girl advises after she gets her COVID-19 vaccination.
731 You need regular breaks in your workout routine so your body can heal, rebuild and grow stronger.
55 The magic and mystery of Halloween filled the halls of Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
246 The superhero rappelled down the side of the 11-story Helen DeVos Children's Hospital as children watched in awe.
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