Hanger Clinic Integrated Care Center

09/03/2026

At eighteen, a car accident sandwiched Andrew between two trucks and ended his wrestling career. The recovery led to prescribed painkillers in 2005—drugs he was assured were safe. Instead, he spent over a decade battling addiction.

Then, an overdose in 2020 cost him both his legs above the knee. He spent five months in the hospital, three more in rehab, and had a crushing weight of shame that nearly broke him.

Everything shifted when he met Matt Brewer—another amputee with a very similar story. Seeing Matt thrive made Andrew believe he could too. With support from prosthetist Wendy, he began rebuilding his life.

“Matt was running circles around me and I thought, ‘if he could do that why can’t I?’”

Earlier this summer, Andrew traveled all the way from Rhode Island to the Integrated Care Center to work with clinician Tom O’Doherty.

They spent several days working on specialized sockets with a quick turnaround so that Andrew could stay and join us for BAKA Bootcamp (his fourth time attending)!

More than just physical recovery, Andrew found the strength to share his story—transforming his shame into purpose.

Thank you for letting us witness your journey, Andrew. You’ve made incredible strides and we can’t wait to see what you do next!

09/03/2026

🚶‍♂️ Walk with Confidence!

Join us at the ICC for an Amputee Walking School featuring guest speakers Todd Shaffauser (Paralympic gold medalist) and Curtis Wainman (PT specialist). Patients will learn how to master their prosthetic and move with strength and confidence, while physical therapists will gain invaluable skills and techniques to help their patients achieve their goals.

📅 Wednesday, September 9 | 5:30-8:30 PM
📍 Hanger Clinic Integrated Care Center, Schaumburg, IL

✅ FREE for amputees & families
✅ $45 CEUs for Physical Therapists (3 credits)
✅ Dinner included
✅ Expert instruction

👉 Register today: hangerclinic.com/patients/amputee-walking-school/

Amputee Walking School by Hanger Clinic This course offers a unique opportunity for collaboration between amputees and therapists. Amputees of all ages

08/21/2026

Despite being born with congenital limb loss, Carol has always focused on what's possible. 💪

"I always think of it as what I can do instead of what I can't. You might do it differently, but you still can."

With a positive outlook and a personality that lights up every room, Carol has embraced every chapter of life with confidence and determination. From raising an amazing family to building a life and career in Belgium, she continues to inspire everyone around her.

Her family lovingly refers to her prosthetic as her "lucky arm," a nod to Nemo's "lucky fin" in the movie, that perfectly reflects how they see her: not for her differences, but simply as Mom. 🐠

Seeking the latest advancements in upper limb prosthetic care, Carol traveled from Belgium to our Integrated Care Center in the Chicago suburbs, where she spent four days working with her care team, including ICC upper limb specialist Tim Russo, certified orthotic fitter King Ng, and clinician James Hiller.

In just two days, Tim and his team successfully fit Carol with a brand-new prosthetic, helping her continue doing the things she loves with confidence.

Over the years, Carol has learned that with the right mindset and the right support, anything is possible.
"You just have to believe that you can do it."

What are you capable of?

We were so happy to host you and learn more about your story, Carol!

08/14/2026

Meet Carrie 🏔️

Twenty-four years ago, a tragic accident changed Carrie’s life forever. As a dedicated night shift neonatal ICU nurse, she was on her way to church one winter morning when she was struck by a school bus. After three months in the hospital, nine surgeries, and an amputation, Carrie faced an uncertain future.

For 16 years, Carrie worked with her prosthetic provider, and when she was referred to Hanger Clinic and Ryan, something special happened. “I trust and love this company,” Carrie says. “I am so thankful for this facility, for Ryan and the people he works with.”

Today, Carrie is living proof of what’s possible with the right support. She’s an active member of her church community, she volunteers with her local Filipino-American organization, and last September, with the support of Ryan and the Hanger team, she climbed Apparition Hill Medjugorje—scaling 100 steps.
Thank you, Carrie, for showing us your resilience and strength!

07/23/2026

First, we work hard. Then, we play hard 🧗‍♀️

Clinician Tom O'Doherty provides care for many patients in the Chicago Adaptive Sports Community and loves any opportunity to make use of the ICC's rock climbing wall! One of his goals is to make sure that his patients can always partake in the hobbies they love or to challenge themselves to try something new.

A big part of that process? Having fun!

07/16/2026

From the soccer pitch to the comeback of a lifetime. 💪⚽

After a cardiac arrest changed everything for Ahmed, what followed was a journey of resilience, acceptance, and unstoppable determination.

During a soccer game, Ahmed suddenly collapsed and it took over 40 minutes to resuscitate him. After an intense open-heart surgery, and continuous cutoff of blood flow to his legs, they made the tough decision to amputate both of his legs below the knee earlier this year.

With an incredible support system by his side—family, friends, and the soccer community—Ahmed discovered that the real victory isn’t just returning to the game. It’s redefining what’s possible.

Receiving his first prosthetics in April of this year, Ahmed is already walking like a pro and making quick work at getting back on the field!

When asked what advice he would give to other new amputees, he said “The sooner you accept it, the better you are mentally. It’s become a part of me now.”
Congrats on all you have accomplished so far, Ahmed!

07/09/2026

We love to see the smile on our patient’s faces when we can deliver exactly what they need! 🧡

After surviving a shooting in 2024 and losing her left leg below the knee, Kalisha Pettus has spent the last few years beating the odds. 💪🏾

Prior to the shooting, Kalisha did CrossFit five times a week and worked in the hospitality industry. She was also attending school for nutrition.

Kalisha sees ICC clinician Tom O’Doherty and is working hard to get back to the things she loves. She even participated in our recent running clinic!

Now, she is focused on founding a nonprofit organization supporting survivors of violence and individuals living with disabilities through wellness, fitness, healing, and community support. Her goal is to help others see that life after trauma or limb loss can still be full of purpose, strength, and opportunity.

She is also a Certified CrossFit Trainer and is passionate about adaptive fitness!

Recently, Tom and the fabrication team here at the Integrated Care Center were able to deliver Kalisha’s dream socket, something that brings a little bit of sparkle!

We can’t wait to see what you do next, Kalisha!

06/23/2026

We are still reflecting on the amazing time we had at BAKA Bootcamp earlier this month! Checkout what our clinicians had to say about hosting at the ICC.

06/04/2026

Let's kick off the summer with some fun in the sun! 🌞

Join us on Saturday, June 20, at 10 AM for a Hanger Clinic Empowerability day in Oakbrook. Enjoy this outdoor event designed for children who use prosthetics, orthotics, or other mobility devices.

Families are welcome and the event is free to attend!

05/29/2026

A certified prosthetist with over 25 years of experience, clinician Tom O'Doherty is an integral part of the Integrated Care Center team.

With extensive work in the UK and the US, Tom has worked at Kings College Hospital London, Walter Reed Army Medical Center for MCOP prosthetics, and was a partner at the former Scheck and Siress before joining the Hanger Clinic team in 2020.

Tom brings a lot of rock-climbing experience to the ICC and assists with local adaptive sports groups in Chicago.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys soccer, rock climbing, and hiking with his kids.