Angela’s Story: A Grand Rapids Nurse’s Major Trauma Journey

Angela is a registered nurse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two years ago, her life changed in an instant when she was involved in a high‑speed motor vehicle crash on an icy West Michigan road. In this story, she shares her experience recovering from major trauma at local Grand Rapids hospitals and offers practical advice for others going through a similar journey.

Early in her recovery, when she could barely move, she was given an inspirational book.

“At the time I was unable to really move or do anything, but I could see and I could read.”

That book, along with what she learned about the brain’s ability to heal, became a lifeline.

The Book That Became Her “Bible”

Angela read the same book over and over.

“I read it again and again. It gave me the right frame of mind and the power to keep going.”

At the same time, she began reading about neuroplasticity—how the brain can reorganize and heal after injury. Immersing herself in positive, hopeful stories helped her believe that recovery was possible.

How Reading Helped Her Heal

Books became a powerful tool in her rehabilitation:

  • They strengthened her belief that she could heal
  • They helped her stay mentally focused and hopeful
  • They gave her something meaningful to do when she couldn’t move much

For people in Grand Rapids going through trauma recovery, Angela recommends using the Grand Rapids Public Library or Kent District Library for access to inspirational and health‑related books, audiobooks, and e‑resources—especially helpful if mobility is limited.

A Week in Intensive Care in Grand Rapids

Angela spent a week in intensive care at a major Grand Rapids hospital after the crash. It was uncertain whether she would survive.

When her condition stabilized, she was transferred to a regular ward at a local facility affiliated with one of the major health systems in Grand Rapids, such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

“When I improved and was well enough, I was moved to the ward, where I referred to the staff as my lovely white angels, who came to my rescue.”

As a nurse who had worked in Grand Rapids, she suddenly found herself on the other side of the bedrails—being cared for by colleagues and fellow healthcare professionals in her own community.

Nursed Back to Health by Her Colleagues

Angela received daily physical therapy through her hospital’s rehab team, similar to services offered at:

  • Corewell Health Rehabilitation Services – Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Inpatient Rehabilitation
  • Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

“I had physio every day and that’s what really helped me. There were many tears; I have never cried so much in my life.”

Despite the pain and emotional strain, she kept reminding herself that every exercise was a step toward getting her life back.

“I knew that everything I was doing was going to make me better every day, so I just kept at it. You’ve just got to keep at it.”

How Being a Nurse in Grand Rapids Helped Her Cope

Angela is a registered nurse (RN), and her professional experience gave her insight into the healing process.

“I knew what was expected of me, what the healing process might be, and not to expect immediate attention every time I rang the call bell. With so many patients to attend to, you just have to wait your turn. I understood that.”

Her understanding of the West Michigan healthcare system, from hospital workflows to rehab referrals, helped her:

  • Set realistic expectations
  • Communicate effectively with her care team
  • Navigate follow‑up appointments and services

From Bedbound to 20 Kilometers a Day

Two years later, Angela is walking and moving more than she ever imagined possible after her crash.

“Today, I’m walking about 20 kilometers with a mix of jogging, walking, and bike rides.”

A Slow, Step‑by‑Step Recovery

Her progress was gradual:

  1. Sitting up in bed
  2. Transferring to a chair with help from two nurses
  3. Using a walker to move from the chair to the bathroom as a daily goal
  4. Increasing her walking distance and standing time a little each day

She turned recovery into a series of small, achievable goals:

  • “Walk to the door”
  • “Stand for 30 seconds longer”
  • “Walk to the bathroom without stopping”

“I played it like a game, and I’d acknowledge my achievements, pat myself on the back every time. As I got better, I looked forward to my physio sessions because I was so determined to walk.”

Her advice to other trauma survivors in Grand Rapids:

  • Set tiny, realistic goals
  • Track your progress
  • Celebrate every win—even if it seems small

The Power of Positive Self‑Talk

Angela credits her mindset as a major part of her healing.

“You’ve got to keep that positive self-talk in your head. It can only come from you, and you’ve got to believe.”

She uses a fitness watch to track her steps and activity each day and ends most evenings with relaxation music.

“Harp sounds are so relaxing.”

Writing as Mental Health Therapy

Angela kept a diary throughout her recovery and still writes daily.

“Keeping a diary was good for my mental health. It kept my mind going, and I still do it every day.”

Journaling is a simple tool that people in Grand Rapids can use at home to:

  • Process emotions after trauma
  • Track physical and emotional progress
  • Reflect on challenges and successes

Facing Stroke and Major Neck Injuries

Her injuries were extensive. She underwent surgery with multiple pins and fusions in her cervical spine (C1–C4). A blood clot formed afterward, leading to a stroke.

“I had to learn from scratch—how to walk, eat, talk, and write. It all needed persistence and resilience.”

Her stroke was accident‑related, not lifestyle‑related, but it required the same intense rehabilitation offered at facilities like Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Rebuilding Her Life Through Rehab

Today, Angela maintains an active routine that supports her recovery:

  • Jogging and walking on local Grand Rapids trails (like the Kent Trails or Riverside Park paths)
  • Mat and floor exercises
  • Yoga and tai chi (often available through community centers or studios in Grand Rapids)
  • Resistance band work
  • Exercise ball and weight training
  • Stairs and balance disc exercises
  • Stick work for spine rotation

She also emphasizes healthy habits:

  • Nutritious food
  • Consistent, good‑quality sleep
  • Limiting negative self‑talk

“It’s your brain that controls your whole body, and if you say, ‘I can’t do this, it’s all too hard,’ then you might well believe it. You’ve just got to snap out of it and say, ‘I can do it, I want my life back.’”

She admits she may never be exactly the same as before her accident:

“With my balance, I’m about 98 percent okay. Towards the end of the day it’s 95 percent, but I can walk. I’ve got my mobility and I can walk. Just don’t ever give up.”

Wanting to Help Other Trauma Survivors in Grand Rapids

Angela now feels called to help others who are going through major trauma.

“I want to help people. I’ve got a personal blog and I’m happy to speak with anyone who has been through a major trauma.”

She hopes to write a book detailing:

  • Her accident and hospital stay in Grand Rapids
  • The different rehabilitation stages
  • The physical, emotional, and mental strategies that helped her recover

Local Grand Rapids residents who have survived serious injuries can also find support through:

  • Kent County Health Department resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs
  • Hospital‑based support groups at Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health–affiliated clinics

What She Wishes She Had During Recovery

One thing Angela wishes had been more available in her rehab experience was massage therapy.

“I wish there had been a masseur on hand, even a volunteer, who’d visit the ward and work on your muscles and keep the circulation going.”

Her mother visited and massaged her muscles, which made a big difference.

In Grand Rapids, patients and families can ask their care team about:

  • Inpatient or outpatient medical massage
  • Occupational therapy and physical therapy services
  • Community‑based wellness programs that include stretching, yoga, or gentle strengthening

Recovery Challenges in Rural West Michigan

Angela lives in a more remote, rural area outside Grand Rapids, which made recovery and returning to work harder.

“Living in a remote area does have its challenges with recovery, but there are things you can do.”

She discovered local community groups that offered strength training and exercise classes, similar to what smaller towns in Kent County and surrounding West Michigan counties provide through:

  • Local YMCAs
  • Senior centers
  • Church‑based health ministries
  • Small community gyms

She even created a small home gym:

  • Boxing bag
  • Rowing machine
  • Exercise bike
  • Simple weights and equipment donated by friends

“Anyone living in a remote area can make up their own little gym, using bricks and things like that.”

One of Angela’s greatest worries after her accident was income.

“I thought I was going to lose my family home.”

In Michigan, many crash survivors work with auto insurance, health insurance, and sometimes no‑fault benefits to cover medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages. In Angela’s case, her coverage paid a large portion of her income and helped her keep up with her mortgage.

“That has been a blessing. I haven’t had to sell my house.”

Her insurance also helped with:

  • Medical expenses
  • Medications
  • Gym membership
  • Transportation to rehab and specialist appointments when she couldn’t drive

For Grand Rapids residents, support may come from:

  • Auto insurance (including Michigan no‑fault benefits)
  • Private health insurance or employer benefits
  • State programs and disability services
  • Hospital social workers and case managers who help coordinate care and financial resources

If you or a loved one in Grand Rapids has experienced major trauma, asking to speak with a hospital social worker or case manager at Spectrum, Trinity, Metro Health, or Mercy Health can be an important step.

Family Support Through Major Trauma

Angela’s family played a critical role in her recovery.

“My family and friends have supported me all the way. My four sisters, my two children have been wonderful. I don’t know what I would do without them. And there’s my partner, Craig, who has been fantastic.”

Her partner, a farmer, struggled to travel long distances to visit during her hospital stay, and sometimes she went weeks without seeing him. Her parents and other relatives stepped in so he could keep the farm going.

“I felt like I was a seven‑year‑old child again. Having my parents there and other family members meant that Craig didn’t have to worry too much about me.”

For families in Grand Rapids, support might include:

  • Visiting as often as possible, especially during long winters when isolation can worsen mood
  • Coordinating rides and schedules
  • Using video calls when travel is difficult
  • Seeking counseling or support groups for both patients and caregivers

“Is My Brain OK?” – Follow‑Up Testing

After the trauma and stroke, Angela was very worried about her brain function.

“That was the first thing I asked, ‘Did my brain get affected?’”

She had:

  • Eye exams with an ophthalmologist
  • A three‑hour neuropsychological assessment to evaluate memory, attention, and thinking

Thankfully, her brain function remained intact, though she did lose some hearing on one side.

“The stroke took out my right‑side hearing which a hearing aid will never fix. So I am functioning on one ear at the moment.”

In Grand Rapids, similar evaluations are available through:

  • Neuropsychology services at major hospital systems
  • ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists and audiologists
  • Rehabilitation programs like Mary Free Bed

“Grateful to Be Alive” Day

Every year on the anniversary of her accident—March 5—Angela celebrates what she calls her “grateful to be alive” day.

“When March 5 comes around I base my whole day on gratefulness. I look at things in a totally different way now.”

Now that she is driving again around West Michigan, her confidence has grown:

“Because I can now drive, my confidence has gone up from being almost like a baby back to an independent woman.”

She looks back at old photos of herself in a halo brace and feeding tubes with a crooked smile. Today, her smile is straight, and although her mouth sometimes feels a bit “fuzzy,” she focuses on what truly matters:

“That’s nothing to worry about. I am just so glad to be alive.”

Trauma Recovery in Grand Rapids: Seasonal and Local Considerations

Living in Grand Rapids, MI, comes with unique challenges and supports for trauma survivors:

  • Winters are long, cold, and icy, increasing the risk of motor vehicle crashes and falls
  • Snow and ice can make it harder to get to appointments or stay active outdoors
  • Local health systems—Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health—offer comprehensive trauma care, rehab, and follow‑up services
  • Organizations like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health provide community health resources, education, and referrals

Angela’s story shows that even in tough weather and with limited rural access, it is possible to:

  • Build a home exercise routine
  • Use community resources when available
  • Stay connected with healthcare providers in Grand Rapids
  • Maintain hope through every season

Key Takeaways from Angela’s Grand Rapids Trauma Journey

  • Rehab takes time and consistency
    As Angela improved, she looked forward to physical therapy because she was determined to walk again.

  • Healthy lifestyle habits matter
    Good nutrition and quality sleep support brain and body healing.

  • Rural living adds challenges, but solutions exist
    She created a home gym and used community groups for strength training when formal rehab was far away.

  • Regaining independence is powerful
    Being able to drive again in West Michigan transformed her from feeling like a dependent patient back into an independent woman.

  • Never give up on yourself
    Positive self-talk, small daily goals, and strong support from family, friends, and local healthcare teams in Grand Rapids helped her rebuild her life.

If you or a loved one in the Grand Rapids area has experienced major trauma, Angela’s story is a reminder: you can keep going, step by step. With the right care, community support, and determination, recovery—though not always perfect—is possible.