UM Health-Sparrow Clinton therapists earn BEE Award for helping patient with rare brain tumor
ST. JOHNS, MI – Several University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton Rehabilitation physical and occupational therapists were recently recognized with the health system’s BEE Award for providing leading-edge and compassionate care to a patient with a rare brain tumor.
Dane Van Ells, a young Michigan State Police trooper, was diagnosed in 2022 with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) featuring a rare mutation. Due to the tumor's aggressive nature and its location on his brain stem, doctors were unable to remove it. Van Ells immediately began radiation and chemotherapy treatments at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor. However, the treatments took a significant toll on his body, and the tumor made it difficult for him to walk and talk. That’s when he turned to UM Health-Sparrow for help.
“The rehab team provided us with love and were there for us when things got tough. They showed Dane how to work on himself, helped him gain his strength back and reminded him that even baby steps were steps in the right direction,” said Baylee Van Ells, Dane’s wife.
She credited occupational therapists Chet LaFave and Jenna Epkey, along with physical therapists Tricia Simon and Josh Schnell, for helping Dane relearn how to walk, become independent at home, take vacations with his family and build the physical strength needed to interact with his daughter.
“I am honored that I was selected for this award but even more honored that I was able to know Dane and witness the positive impact that was made with his quality of life and to know that I helped make a difference,” said Schnell.
Dane defied the odds and thrived during his final years. Sadly, he passed away from the disease in April 2024. To honor his memory, his family made a generous financial donation to the rehab clinic for new equipment, hoping others will benefit from Dane’s experience.
“I hope that like Dane, they will gain strength and confidence while going through PT and OT. That they too can begin to feel more independent and that they are able to recognize with the tools they are provided, they can be strong again,” Baylee said.
The BEE Award recognizes excellence among the clinical support team members who deliver quality, compassionate care. BEE is an acronym for Be Exceptional Every day.
For more information about the leading-edge rehabilitation services provided at UM Health-Sparrow, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/Rehab.
###
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 team members, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.
Photo Caption:
(From left) University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton Rehabilitation therapists Chet LaFave, Jenna Epkey, Tricia Simon and Josh Schnell proudly celebrate receiving the BEE Award for providing outstanding care.
