Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals

Group therapy outings are crucial for building patients' confidence in their ability to resume their daily activities and favorite pastimes after a serious injury or illness. These outings also foster a sense of community among our patients. For example, a trip to Top Golf allowed two of our young adult patients to apply the skills they've been honing in therapy and demonstrated the possibilities for them as they progress in their rehabilitation journey. MORE: https://bit.ly/4eKQ2w8

After a serious injury or illness, adaptive and assistive technologies can greatly enhance a person’s life. Now, thanks to a partnership with our friends at Nebraska Furniture Mart, we can show our patients what technology exists to make life easier. From Alexa-controlled appliances to video doorbells and wearable smart devices, our therapy teams got to demo the new state-of-the-art smart tech available in our kitchen, Independence Square and cognition lab. Our therapists can now show Madonna patients how to use assistive technology and find what works best for them. Then, we can help families work with NFM to install that technology in their homes. This partnership and the new technology would not be possible without the generosity of the Carta family who “understood assistive technology is critical in maximizing each patient’s independence,” said Nate Driml, associate vice president of development.

Sam Biberdorf is known for wearing silly socks. Those socks soon turned into a symbol of hope after a March 2022 car accident left the student-athlete with a brain injury. Following an 11-day stay at Rapid City Hospital, Sam transferred to Madonna’s specialized brain injury program. He had to re-learn how to eat, walk and talk. Embracing a new sense of purpose, Sam wore his signature socks every day while taking small steps toward progress in his occupational, physical and speech therapy sessions. His positive attitude inspired his Madonna care team, his family and friends to wear funny socks in his honor. Today, Sam’s hard work and resiliency have paid off. He’s returned to his passion of running, and he’s back to school and a part-time job.

It was a perfect day for a 5K! Thank you to everyone who came to Zorinsky Lake and joined us for Miles for Madonna! We had former patients, Madonna staff, friends of Madonna and their pups all come out for a fun run, walk and stroll. Your continuing support makes this all possible! And a special congratulations to our 5K winners, Katie and Isaac!

Just over a year ago, Jerad Hawkins dove into the Lake of the Ozarks and sustained a spinal cord injury. Jerad came to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals’ specialized spinal cord program striving for independence. After four weeks, he walked out the front doors and returned home to Wathena, Kansas His life in the last year has been nothing short of eventful and he has done all the things that bring him joy!

For over 28 years, Dr. Paul Krabbenhoft has been a beacon of support and encouragement for patients as the medical director for the spinal cord injury program at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. After sustaining a spinal cord injury himself at the age of 12, he understands the recovery journey and recognizes the significance of medical rehabilitation in a person living a full and active life. https://bit.ly/4eCxGxj

It’s Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, and at Madonna, we are dedicated to caring for spinal cord injury survivors. Check out these stunning stats about our spinal cord injury program!

This week, we had the privilege of taking part in the Women and Stroke conference at the iExcel Davis Global Center, hosted by the Nebraska Stroke Task Force. The conference focused on educating attendees about the specific referral needs of Nebraska women, stroke risks, and reproductive health. It also addressed rehabilitation for young women. Two former patients of Madonna, Lainie Linafelter and Andrea Kuester, generously shared their stories. In the audience, there were their friends, family, and care teams, cheering them on as they continue their journey through stroke rehabilitation.

Congratulations to our final 2024 Goal Award honoree Andrea Kuester! The active mother of three survived a major stroke in 2021. She came to Madonna to regain movement on her left side and improve her speech. Her care team also included her favorite hobbies, like gardening, in therapy sessions. Her hard work and determination helped her get back to her kids and her garden! She’s also been sharing her story with other women to encourage them to know the warning signs of a stroke. She spoke at a Women and Stroke conference just this week! Keep up the great work, Andrea! #PowerOfMedicalRehab MORE: https://bit.ly/3TqYPLD

Congratulations to our next 2024 Goal Award honoree, Byron Skinner! Last summer, Byron was in a car accident and sustained a spinal cord injury. Instead of playing in the Nebraska-Wyoming six-man All-Star prep football game, the student-athlete came to Madonna seeking independence. His strong work ethic coupled with a supportive Madonna care team are the reasons he’s been able to get back to ranching and college. And a visit from the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team put a big red smile on his face during his stay. Way to go, Byron! #PowerOfMedicalRehab MORE: https://bit.ly/3ztMwat