Texas twins with cerebral palsy receive innovative surgery in Houston
HOUSTON (May 8, 2023)
Walkers support each of the 4-year-old boys' steps. They both have cerebral palsy, a congenital disorder that limits movement, balance and posture.
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After car wreck, Bridge City cheerleader learns to walk, talk and cheer all over again
HOUSTON (March 8, 2023)
A story about a Beaumont area teenager who made a miraculous recovery at TIRR Memorial Hermann after suffering a traumatic brain injury when the car she was in was hit from behind.
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Wheelchair basketball team gets ready to show what they've got on Final Four court
HOUSTON (March 7, 2023)
KHOU Channel 11 did a story about the TIRR Memorial Hermann Hot Wheels basketball team and their upcoming exhibition game during the NCAA Final Four weekend in Houston. The story also featured Peggy Turner, TIRR’s adaptive sports coordinator, who will be honored with the NCAA’s &ldquo...
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Woman goes into septic shock after giving birth, has her feet and hands amputated
HOUSTON (February 23, 2023)
Dr. Vinay Vanodia, medical director of the amputee and limb loss rehabilitation program at TIRR Memorial Hermann, was interviewed by ABC’s Good Morning America about a patient who lost both hands and feet due to septic shock following child birth.
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Q&A: What is frontotemporal dementia? Bruce Willis’ diagnosis explained
HOUSTON (February 17, 2023)
Dr. Petya Demireva, a clinical neuropsychologist with TIRR Memorial Hermann, was interviewed by KPRC Channel 2 for a story on frontotemporal dementia in light of actor Bruce Willis’ diagnosis.
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Gabby Giffords reunites with TIRR Memorial Hermann team for documentary about her recovery from shooting
HOUSTON (February 15, 2023)
TIRR Memorial Hermann Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gerard Francisco, was quoted in the Houston Chronicle for a story about former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords thanking caregivers at TIRR prior to a screening of a documentary about her life.
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'Don't take life for granted': Bridge City High School cheerleader makes miraculous strides after traumatic brain injury
HOUSTON (February 8, 2023)
TIRR Memorial Hermann therapists, Chelsea Miller, Christine Malone, and Molly Filigrana, were interviewed for a story on KBMT-TV in Beaumont about a Beaumont-area cheerleader who was critically injured last fall when a charter bus rear-ended her parent’s vehicle.
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After a catastrophic injury, a Katy teen found music therapy. Now, he's in a 'much better' place.
HOUSTON (February 7, 2023)
TIRR Memorial Hermann therapists, Katie Nedley, Jordan Birdsong, Ty Walcott, were all interviewed for a story about a former patient who suffered a severe spinal cord injury. He’s a musician and he will be performing at the upcoming ReelAbilities Music Festival.
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Keep Waking Up Right Before Your Alarm? Here’s Why
HOUSTON (February 6, 2023)
Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula, associate professor of neurology with UTHealth Houston and medical director of the TIRR Memorial Hermann Neurological Sleep Medicine Center, spoke with Livestrong about why you might regularly wake up right before your alarm goes off.
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Local man finds hope at TIRR Memorial Hermann
Houston, TX (October 4, 2022)
An accident can change your life in an instant. In those unfortunate moments we’re so lucky to live in a place with world class medical care. The Texas medical center has some one-of-a-kind facilities, among them is TIRR Memorial Hermann. TIRR stands for the Institute for Rehabilitation and Resea...
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One woman’s journey from patient to doctor
HOUSTON (August 13, 2022)
Dr. Claudia Martinez had to put medical school on hold a few years ago when she developed a Chiari malformation and had a stroke that left her paralyzed from the neck down. She made a miraculous recovery at TIRR Memorial Hermann and is now a doctor seeing patients at TIRR.
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Doctor who survived 6 brain surgeries, stroke shares powerful message
HOUSTON (August 11, 2022)
Dr. Claudia Martinez had to put medical school on hold a few years ago when she developed a Chiari malformation and had a stroke that left her paralyzed from the neck down. She made a miraculous recovery at TIRR Memorial Hermann and is now a doctor seeing patients at TIRR.
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From patient to doctor: Houston woman now saves lives at the same rehab facility that changed hers.
HOUSTON (August 7, 2022)
Dr. Claudia Martinez had to put medical school on hold a few years ago when she developed a Chiari malformation and had a stroke that left her paralyzed from the neck down. She made a miraculous recovery at TIRR Memorial Hermann and is now a doctor seeing patients at TIRR.
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Single mom determined to communicate, overcome locked-in syndrome after severe stroke
HOUSTON (June 23, 2022)
Dr. Sheng Li, a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and Director of Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Research at TIRR Memorial Hermann, spoke to the Houston Chronicle about a patient who suffers with ...
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ER doctor and patient have something in common: Crossfit
HOUSTON (June 15, 2022)
Dr. Afton McNierney, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, Dr. Sam Javedan, a neurosurgeon with Mischer Neuroscience Associates at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and Amanda Wirt, occupational therapist with TIRR Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands...
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Para-athlete in Kingwood turns his disability into opportunity
HOUSTON (June 1, 2022)
Jacob Allen was born in Ukraine with Spina Bifida. He was adopted out of a Ukrainian orphanage by a family in Kingwood at the age of 15. His health care had been so neglected before moving here that his leg could not be saved. It was amputated in December of 2018. He endured 6 to 8 weeks of...
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May Heroes: Mason’s road to recovery
HOUSTON (May 18, 2022)
David Cañamar, a registered nurse, and Emily Young, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist at TIRR Memorial Hermann, were featured along with patient, Mason Spelling, on a special broadcast that honored healthcare workers. Mason was paralyzed after a motocross accident and has been ...
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Understanding the symptoms and warning signs of strokes
HOUSTON (May 6, 2022)
May is Stroke Awareness Month. From warning signs to risk factors - Dr. Sunil Sheth, a UTHealth neurologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Associates, discusses what to look out for to help prevent and treat strokes.
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Boston Marathon returns to Patriots' Day
HOUSTON (April 25, 2022)
Jacob Allen was born in Ukraine with Spina Bifida. He was adopted out of a Ukrainian orphanage by a family in Kingwood at the age of 15. His health care had been so neglected before moving here that his leg could not be saved. It was amputated in December of 2018. He endured 6 to 8 weeks of...
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A brain injury sent a Houston-area baby to the brink of death. Months later, he's a ‘little miracle’
HOUSTON (April 12, 2022)
The miracle recovery of Walker Hicks, a baby who suffered a traumatic brain injury who has made huge strides in his recovery thanks to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital. Dr. Stephen Fletcher, Dr. Phuong Nguyen, Dr. Stacey Hall, Dr. Peter Scully and Dr. ...
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How long covid is accelerating a revolution in medical research
HOUSTON (April 3, 2022)
Dr. Cindy Ivanhoe, a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at UTHealth Houston and TIRR Memorial Hermann, talks about how doctors are treating long-term COVID patients.
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Former patient becomes mentor for others at TIRR Memorial Hermann
HOUSTON (March 17, 2022)
TIRR Memorial Hermann patient, Jaclyn Pellicote, suffered a traumatic brain injury after a car accident. After months of intense rehab she made a miraculous recovery. She is now using her experience to mentor other patients going through rehab.
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Paralyzed athlete from Humble commits to University of Arizona for wheelchair basketball
HOUSTON (February 15, 2022)
Peggy Turner, Athletics Community Liaison and Adapted Sports Coordinator with TIRR Memorial Hermann, along with former TIRR patients, spoke about a high school athlete who received a scholarship to the University of Arizona to play wheelchair basketball.
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Players clash for spot on inaugural U.S. Low-Point Wheelchair Rugby Team training for World Games
HOUSTON (February 13, 2022)
Peggy Turner, Athletics Community Liaison and Adapted Sports Coordinator with TIRR Memorial Hermann, along with former TIRR patients, spoke about tryouts for the USA Low-Point Wheelchair Rugby Team hosted by TIRR Memorial Hermann.
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She may never walk again. But this Texas cheerleader has hope — and grit.
HOUSTON (December 27, 2021)
Dr. Matthew Davis, an Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and clinical medical director of spinal cord injury service line at TIRR Memorial Hermann, spoke with the Houston Chronicle about Makayla Noble, a high school cheerleader who...
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Teen who once couldn't walk without crutches hitting huge milestones
HOUSTON (December 27, 2021)
In just four short months, Himanshu Prasad has made great progress. Once not able to easily bend his legs, today he is climbing stairs and he's got even bigger goals. The 17-year-old was born with spastic diplegia, a type of cerebral palsy that causes tightness in the hip and leg muscles. All his...
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Harris County unveils its first fully-inclusive park for all visitors of abilities
HOUSTON (December 15, 2021)
Peggy Turner, Athletics Community Liaison and Adapted Sports Coordinator with TIRR Memorial Hermann, along with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, spoke with KUHF Radio about the new James Driver Park, a new inclusive park in NE Houston.
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After breast cancer and lymphedema, a new life blooms
HOUSTON (October 25, 2021)
Dawn McDonald, OTR, CLST, Lead Pediatric Therapist, OT III, TIRR Memorial Hermann – The Woodlands, spoke with the Houston Chronicle about how she developed lymphedema after a double mastectomy and now helps women at TIRR with the same condition get back to their lives.
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Bodybuilder starts non-profit to help brain injury patients
HOUSTON (October 1, 2021)
Eugene Bramble, fitness specialist with TIRR Memorial Hermann – Kirby Glen was part of a feature story about Kel Matabah on KTRK Channel 13. Matabah, a TIRR Memorial Hermann patient, suffered a traumatic brain injury and started a foundation to help others who are also recovering from TBIs.
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Many Faces of the Hidden Souls: Medical and Neurological Complications and Comorbidities in Disorders of Consciousness
HOUSTON (May 21, 2021)
This is the first large retrospective cohort study on the primary medical and neurological complications and comorbidities in persons with DoC. A total of 146 patients admitted to a specialized inpatient DoC rehabilitation program from 1 January 2014 to 31 October 2018 were included.
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How Gabby Giffords is using music to rewire her brain after being shot
HOUSTON (April 8, 2021)
Dr. Gerard Francisco, Chief Medical Officer at TIRR Memorial Hermann and Chair of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at UTHealth, talks about music therapy for the brain.
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Houston Newsmakers: ReelAbilities goes Virtual
HOUSTON (February 14, 2021)
Rhonda Abbott, Senior Vice President & Chief Executive Officer at TIRR Memorial Hermann, talks about TIRR Memorial Hermann being a founding partner and supporter of the ReelAbilities Festival.
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How Gabby Giffords Used Music to Regain Her Speech
HOUSTON (January 15, 2021)
How music therapy helped U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords find her voice after being shot.
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'We are so fortunate' | Polio survivor gets COVID-19 vaccine
HOUSTON (January 14, 2021)
A Kingwood, TX woman who contracted polio as a child before the development of vaccine vowed not to miss out on getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Houston woman to play basketball for Team USA at Tokyo Paralympics
HOUSTON (November 25, 2020)
Kaitlyn Eaton started playing wheelchair basketball at 5 years old. She was born with a condition where part of her spine missing.
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ER doctor who survived COVID-19 reunites with family after 3-month battle
HOUSTON (July 24, 2020)
An ER doctor from Louisiana survives COVID-19 after spending weeks in the hospital and going through rehab at TIRR Memorial Hermann.
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'COVID toes,' lung scarring among long-term effects of coronavirus, expert says
HOUSTON (July 20, 2020)
A UTHealth/Memorial Hermann doctor talks about the long-term effects of COVID-19.
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Specialized program at TIRR Memorial Hermann helps COVID-19 patients recover
Houston (June 24, 2020)
Most patients who survive COVID-19 after being treated in ICU, need to undergo rehabilitation to get their mobility back. TIRR Memorial Hermann has created a program specifically designed to help these patients.
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"Our rehabilitation programs can mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19."
HOUSTON (June 23, 2020)
Gerard Francisco, MD, is chief medical officer for TIRR Memorial Hermann rehabilitation hospital and chairman and professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at UTHealth’s McGovern Medical School. He spoke with TMC News on June 3, 2020. From what we heard about COVID...
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Rehabilitation of critically ill COVID-19 survivors
HOUSTON (June 11, 2020)
Survivors of critical illness from acute respiratory syndrome and the prior SARS epidemic suggest that critically ill COVID-19 survivors may experience a wide range of sequelae, resulting in long-lasting physical, cognitive, and psychological dysfunction. Early rehabilitation can mitigate these c...
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High School Principal Who Nearly Lost His Life to COVID-19 Discharged
HOUSTON (May 19, 2020)
Lake Creek High School Principal Phil Eaton was unconscious and using a ventilator for nearly three weeks at Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands. "I shouldn't be alive," he says. After spending 21 days on a ventilator fighting for his life, Phil Eaton spent a month as a TIRR Memorial Hermann-The Woodl...
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COVID-19: Screening and triage challenges in people with disability due to Spinal Cord Injury
(May 11, 2020)
People with spinal cord injury (SCI) represent a unique diagnostic challenge as it relates to coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with SCI develop a myriad of physiological changes that not only increase their risk of morbidity from COVID-19, but may also mask the presentation of a...
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Cy-Fair area teen recovering after ejection from vehicle
CYPRESS, TEXAS (July 24, 2019)
Lacy Johnson, 17, has recently begun regaining function in the left side of her body thanks to TIRR Memorial Hermann.
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Hospitals to list service costs online Jan. 1 due to new federal rule
HOUSTON (December 27, 2018)
Hospitals will be required to post the cost of their standard services online, starting Jan. 1, 2019. Patients will be able to compare prices before seeking treatment.
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Out of Control: In Texas, the cost of one crash
HOUSTON (December 5, 2018)
The crash injured Anzaldua so badly that he initially could not speak or breathe on his own. It was weeks before he could swallow on his own. He spent almost two months at TIRR Memorial Hermann, one of the premier rehabilitation facilities in the country.
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Remembering President George H.W. Bush's impact on the Texas Medical Center
HOUSTON (December 3, 2018)
Houston disability rights activist Lex Frieden, one of the ADA’s authors, told TMC News this year that working with Bush was a defining moment in his advocacy efforts.
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After two years, Montgomery County child still recovering from polio-like illness that is now spiking in U.S.
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (November 25, 2018)
On the Fourth of July in 2016, Braden Scott came down with what seemed like just a summer cold. But a couple of days later, when the 5-year-old couldn’t swallow and was having trouble walking, his parents took him to urgent care in Beaumont. But Braden continued to get worse, so his parents...
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The story of Hiram, a Texas child who during his few years of life has struggled to overcome various disorders
HOUSTON (November 20, 2018)
Since the birth of little Hiram was diagnosed with Charge syndrome and, for this reason, had to undergo different treatments and operations that would allow him to continue alive. Today, at 4 years of age, he has managed to overcome medical prognosis, walks by his own means and communicates with ...
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Patient with spinal cord injury returns to military, school thanks to TIRR Memorial Hermann
HOUSTON (November 9, 2018)
The impact from the accident tore Sneed’s spinal cord from the base of her skull. Two weeks later, Sneed was transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston—the No. 2 rehabilitation hospital in the nation—for in-patient care. Although she was unable to talk, walk, move her limbs...
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Paralyzed just six weeks ago, A&M student gets back to walking
HOUSTON (November 2, 2018)
What started as minor numbness in her face, by the end of the day, she was completely paralyzed. “It’s a disease where the body, something causes it to attack itself. It attacks the nerves," said Dr. P. Jacob Joseph with TIRR Memorial Hermann/UT Health. Dr. Joseph says the exact cause...
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Young Katy Dad’s Hardest Job Ever: Coming Back from a Stroke
KATY, TEXAS (October 18, 2018)
Keith Smith, a 40-year-old father of two, spent four weeks in the Memorial Hermann Katy ICU following a stroke last February. Once discharged from the acute care hospital, Keith began intense rehabilitation at Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital – Katy, part of the Memorial Hermann Reh...
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Keeping busy helps woman fight breast cancer
HOUSTON (October 3, 2018)
“I sat down with my doctor to come up with a plan to allow me to continue to teach class as I went through chemo. My doctor said, ‘You’re not sick. You might have cancer, but you’re not sick.’” Her medical oncologist is Dr. Michelina Cairo. Her breast surgeon i...
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Memorial Hermann: Planning for the future of your health
HOUSTON (October 1, 2018)
Dr. Kristyn Greifer with Memorial Hermann Health Plan and Memorial Hermann ACO stops by to share the importance of Medicare Advantage plans.
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Lack of sleep could increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease
HOUSTON (September 27, 2018)
An Alzheimer's study found that excessive daytime sleepiness may cause plaque buildup in the brain that's considered a hallmark of the condition. A leading Houston sleep doctor said this study should be a wake-up call to everyone. "This should be something you think about and one of the many reas...
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Boy uses Siri to save life of grandmother having stroke
HOUSTON (September 26, 2018)
A 7-year-old boy is being credited with helping save his grandmother's life by using Siri. Noble Koontz was with his grandmother, Evon Pruitt, on a business trip on Sept. 17 when Pruitt suffered a stroke. Koontz realized something wasn't right with his grandmother because she was unable to use he...
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Out from Under: How one surgeon survived two tragedies
HOUSTON (September 4, 2018)
After Eugene Alford suffered six broken ribs, a broken collarbone and a broken shoulder blade from the accident, he went through rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann.
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Most Admired Nonprofit CEO: Chuck Stokes
HOUSTON (August 23, 2018)
The Houston Business Journal named 48 business leaders as honorees for the 2018 Most Admired CEO Awards, including Chuck Stokes, president and CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System.
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Most Admired Nonprofit CEO: Chuck Stokes
HOUSTON (August 23, 2018)
The Houston Business Journal named 48 business leaders as honorees for the 2018 Most Admired CEO Awards, including Chuck Stokes, president and CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System.
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Health systems launch collaboration to improve care for Medicaid patients
HOUSTON (August 22, 2018)
Seventeen health systems have launched a national collaboration through the Avia innovation network to develop more effective ways of serving their Medicaid populations.
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Veteran scuba diver walking again after therapy at TIRR Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (August 14, 2018)
For Katie Sorrentino, her Mother’s Day scuba dive started off as normal as the hundreds of dives she had completed over the last 35 years. The veteran, licensed diver was on vacation with her family in the Bahamas when she experienced symptoms of decompression sickness or “the bends.&...
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Texas Medical Center hospitals recognized among the nation’s best
HOUSTON (August 14, 2018)
TMC institutions named among Top 10 hospitals nationwide in several medical specialties by U.S. News & World Report’s 2018-2019 “Best Hospitals” rankings.
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Stratford football player Ben Miller battles back after traumatic injury
HOUSTON (August 5, 2018)
A Stratford High School football player, excelling in the sport he loves, saw his life flash before his eyes. The end result - an appreciation for everything we all sometimes take for granted.
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Spotlight: Lex Frieden
HOUSTON (July 2, 2018)
This year, 2018, is 50 years after I graduated from what is now TIRR Memorial Hermann, 40 years after we founded the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) Program at TIRR and 30 years after the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center opened.
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Baytown teen accidentally shot in head walks at graduation with senior class
BAYTOWN, TEXAS (June 14, 2018)
A Baytown teen who suffered from a gunshot wound due to an accidental shooting was able to walk the stage with his senior class.
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Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center offers new procedure for recurring strokes
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (January 29, 2018)
As part of Hellard’s recovery plan, he was referred to TIRR Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands for inpatient rehabilitation. During treatment, Hellard was referred to an interventional cardiologist/heart disease specialist.
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Kothari: It’s time to talk about life, death and brain trauma
HOUSTON (December 11, 2017)
Thousands of people are wrongly labeled unconscious after severe brain injuries each year. Some have their life support withdrawn; some are sent to nursing homes and left to lay in bed, aware but unable to show it. A fortunate few make it to a Houston rehab hospital, where those with even the wor...
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Alive inside: How a Houston hospital restores patients with severe brain injuries
HOUSTON (December 11, 2017)
Across the country, thousands of people with severe brain injuries are wrongly labeled as unconscious each year. Among them, a small number make it to a Houston rehab hospital, where those with even the worst injuries get a shot at recovery.
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Meet Deborah Gordon, CLO of Memorial Hermann
HOUSTON (November 1, 2017)
Memorial Hermann is one of the largest integrated health care delivery systems in Texas, with more than $5 billion in total operating annual revenue and more than 25,000 employees.
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Meet Chuck Stokes
HOUSTON (November 1, 2017)
The fly-fishing paintings and golf course photos in Chuck Stokes’ office are there to remind him that he should take time to relax - but there hasn’t been much down time.
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How Houston hospitals fare in new U.S. News rankings
HOUSTON (August 8, 2017)
TIRR Memorial Hermann again ranked as the second best hospital for rehabilitative care in U.S. News & World Report's annual survey of the nation's best hospitals, released Tuesday.
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Willis teen pushes through paralysis, set to walk in May
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (February 10, 2017)
A Willis teenager paralyzed from the waist down in a serious auto accident last year is on track to walk across the Sam Houston State University stage for his high school graduation in May. "Walking honestly wasn't even a goal (in the beginning)," said Matthew Haynes, TIRR Memorial Hermann The Wo...
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Stem cell treatment could help paralyzed patients move
HOUSTON (January 15, 2016)
Paralyzed from the neck down, 20-year-old Louis Tontodonato has enrolled in the first clinical trial testing the ability of stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries and restore sensation and movement in quadriplegics.
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Best Of 2014 Winners
HOUSTON (January 1, 2014)
Check out the 2014 Best in Health Care winners in north and south Texas.
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Robot Leg Gives Near-Normal Mobility
HOUSTON (September 25, 2013)
Dr. Danielle Melton's opinion on robotic control systems for prosthetic legs in Michael Smith's article, "Robot Leg Gives Near-Normal Mobility" in MedPage Today.
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Houston school bombing victim shares perspective on Boston explosions
HOUSTON (April 16, 2013)
Director of the Amputee Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann, discusses the psychological implications of losing a limb on KPRC.
Nationally Ranked Rehabilitation
For the 34th consecutive year, TIRR Memorial Hermann is recognized as the best rehabilitation hospital in Texas and No. 4 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report's "Best Rehabilitation Hospitals" in America.
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