Mary Free Bed at Sparrow helps new father witness birth of twins following accident 

LANSING, MI – Thanks to the quality, compassionate and leading-edge care received at Sparrow, a patient severely injured after falling 22 feet from a tree stand in November was recently able to witness the birth of his twin boys.

Mary Free Bed at Sparrow Nurse Jenna Hufnagel assisted Jeremy Lawson to the operating room so that he could be there to support his wife Emily during the momentous occasion. Hufnagel, who formed a close connection with Lawson and his family shortly after he arrived at the neuro intensive care unit at E.W. Sparrow Hospital, selflessly volunteered on her day off to ensure Lawson didn’t miss the big day.

“It was good to give he and his wife a sense of normalcy that day,” said Hufnagel. “Jeremy’s attitude is amazing, and I am honored to be a part of his journey.”

Lawson, who lives in Owosso, is battling back from the critical fall while he was hunting and the 48-year-old continues to face a long and intensive road to recovery. Despite numerous challenges, Lawson maintains an unwaveringly positive attitude and determination to overcome the odds.

“I am amazed at the number of caregivers who have invested in me and my family,” said Lawson. “They made the birth of my twin boys a special day that I will never forget. There have been so many people behind the scenes that have been invested in me and my family.”

The highly skilled team of therapists at Mary Free Bed at Sparrow have also been working around the clock to set Lawson up for success as he transitions into fatherhood, providing practical training sessions, including diaper changing tasks. The team has even facilitated bonding activities such as creating bead bracelets to practice playing with his children at home.

“The team is always striving to restore hope and freedom through meaningful activities that patients will need to accomplish safely within the home and community,” said Matt Epkey, MS, OTR,  Mary Free Bed at Sparrow’s director of inpatient rehabilitation.

Mary Free Bed at Sparrow extends its heartfelt congratulations to Jeremy and wishes him and his growing family a future filled with love and joy.

Mary Free Bed at Sparrow provides advanced neurological, orthopedic and stroke rehab care for patients in the Mid-Michigan region. To learn more, visit Sparrow.org/MaryFreeBed. 

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Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.