Spiritual Care
Therapeutic Recreation
professional. In the last year, chaplains of different faiths were available, seven days a week, to provide inclusive spiritual assessment for 3,624 patients and 3,568 family members of 11+ faith identities. Encounters included faith counseling, family support and intervention, crisis intervention, grief counseling, pastoral care and other complementary therapies, including meditation and progressive- relaxation groups.
In FY25, our therapists led 9,945 therapeutic recreation interactions with patients, including creative and leisure- based interventions through art, music and recreational therapy. Programming also featured practical community reintegration outings, including using public transit and air-travel training.
9,945 patient interactions
3,624 patients supported 3,568 family members supported Spiritual care is always available for inpatients, families and staff at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to meet the variety of spiritual needs that can arise after sustaining a traumatic injury, living with a chronic illness or serving as a frontline healthcare
Therapeutic recreation helps patients build on skills from other therapies, resume previous recreational interests or learn new ones. It also offers participants social outlets and opportunities to just relax and have fun. This type of therapeutic leisure programming nurtures body and spirit, and helps patients advance in their healing journeys.
Meet DeMarcus: Finding Healing, Hope & Creative Inspiration in Art Therapy
Ever since he was a child, DeMarcus has been fascinated by Chicago’s skyline. A self-taught artist, he channeled his love of architecture into creating detailed cityscape drawings. For years, he pursued art while supporting himself in various industrial jobs. He had just started a new job when his foot was crushed by a 5,000-pound piece of steel. After three surgeries and the amputation of his left leg below the knee, DeMarcus came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for inpatient rehabilitation. The road to recovery was paved with challenges. Phantom limb pain, headaches and physical exhaustion tested his limits. DeMarcus credits the compassion and expertise of his integrated care team for helping him cope. His physical therapists helped him build strength and learn to walk with a custom prosthetic leg. Chaplains from spiritual care offered words of encouragement and hope. A psychologist supported him
in processing his emotions, and art therapy provided him with a creative outlet to channel his feelings and heal in ways beyond words. After inpatient care, DeMarcus completed 12 months of outpatient rehabilitation. He continues to focus on rebuilding his strength, staying active and engaging in positive activities — like art.
Quality-of-life Programs 29
28 Quality-of-life Programs
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