Born at just 25 weeks gestation, Matar was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hydrocephalus, a condition that leads to excess fluid on the brain. His parents were told he wouldn’t survive.
Against all odds, Matar did survive. However, his family initially was met with more heartache when they were told by doctors that he would never be able to stand, walk or talk.
At the age of three, Matar traveled with his family from their home in the United Arab Emirates to the United States in hopes of finding the medical support he needed. That journey led them to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, Illinois, and offered a renewed sense of hope.
“Being away from home is very difficult,” said Othman, Matar’s father. “Yet, we were committed to sacrificing anything and doing whatever it took to find a cure for our son.”
When Matar arrived at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, he was only capable of dragging his body across the floor and walking on his knees. He also could not speak and almost never used his left hand. As he received intensive speech, occupational and physical therapy during his six-month stay at the hospital, progress soon began to take form.
Destination: Ability
Matar’s story is not unique. Thousands of patients travel great distances to receive care from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The hospital serves adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions – from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment.
Its reputation precedes it. In fact, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has been designated the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital in America by U.S. News & World Report annually since 1991. Each year, patients come from around the world to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s state-of-the-art research hospital in Chicago. There, clinicians and scientists embrace a translational approach that integrates the latest research findings into care. This unique model enables patients to benefit from access to the brightest minds, the latest research and the best opportunity for recovery.
Curated, comprehensive offerings for global patients
For those coming from afar, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Global Patient Services (GPS) team members work with patients and their families before, during and after their care process. Beyond coordinating international travel arrangements, GPS case managers also collaborate with numerous third parties, including working with embassies on everything from visas to patient sponsorship.
Additionally, the team manages logistics for transporting patients with physical impairments and other medical needs. GPS case managers link patients and families with service partners who provide a range of resources – interpreting and translation, exchange of medical records, setting up bank accounts and handling other financial matters, obtaining a mobile telephone and cellular service, securing housing, and more.
“Like family”
By the time of his discharge, Matar was walking, talking and using his left hand as he continued to make strides in his recovery.
“Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is so different from any other rehabilitation facility we have ever seen – not only in terms of having the latest technology and the biggest building but, most importantly, because it has the greatest people,” said Othman. “The therapists there are like family. From day one, we felt that they genuinely care about their patients. They are truly amazing, and they make miracles happen every day.”
Connect with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Interested in learning more about Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s best-in-class care?
Visit http://sralab.org/international
