A HealthBeat Special Series

Inspire

Spectrum Health makes it easy and fulfilling for people to achieve their best health.

Patient Story

‘An unbreakable spirit’

Born with a bone disorder that leaves her vulnerable to fractures, 9-year-old Addilyn won’t let life slow her down.

Patient Story

A journey re-imagined

Jacquie Karr-Zlotnicki's health journey has seen its share of ups and downs. She weathered it all through a renewed focus on all aspects of self—mind, spirit and body.

Patient Story

School rocks—even at the hospital

A party for young patients and their siblings delivers photo ops, fun activities and backpacks filled with supplies.

Patient Story

Stronger than suicide

Amid a struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts, Vicky Mennare wants others to know that getting help is a sign of strength.

Patient Story

A new kind of beat

Joint pain and weight problems kept Kim Metzger sedentary for years. She found a new groove with cardio-drumming—and later, bariatric surgery.

Patient Story

A day for smiles

Past and present cleft palate and craniofacial surgery patients connect with one another and their surgeons during a day of celebration.

Patient Story

The comeback kid

The flu bug hit 3-year-old Jase so hard he ended up on life support, fighting for his life.

Patient Story

Surviving the unsurvivable

Born with her liver and other organs outside her body, Karlee endured more than a dozen lifesaving surgeries. Today, she’s a vibrant 7-year-old.

Patient Story

A surgeon’s 1-pound patient

Born 14 weeks early with a surprising complication, Jameson Haight became one doctor’s smallest surgical patient ever.

Patient Story

The best little man

This 11-year-old gained great wisdom from the seat of a wheelchair. His indomitable spirit and quick smile lift up all those he encounters.

Patient Story

The magical music of Matthew

Born blind, a 14-year-old boy has become a virtuoso who sees colors within the most intricate sounds of music.

Patient Story

Visions of better tomorrows

Not all strokes happen quickly. But quick action still makes all the difference.