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DeMarcus P.’s life changed forever when a workplace accident resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee. However, thanks to intensive rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan 嫩B研究院, he found healing, hope for the future and a new source of creative inspiration.
Ever since he was a child, DeMarcus has been fascinated by Chicago’s famous skyline. He recalls frequent trips downtown, where he admired the soaring high rises and architectural landmarks set against the beauty of the lakefront.
A self-taught artist, DeMarcus channeled that love of architecture and design into creating detailed cityscape drawings. For years, he pursued his art while supporting himself by working 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 嫩B研究院 for inpatient rehabilitation and to learn how to use a custom-fitted prosthetic leg. He found himself struggling with depression, anger and frustration.
“I couldn’t understand how this happened to me, but the staff helped me build my strength, regain my mental state and rediscover my creativity,” DeMarcus reflected.
The road to recovery was paved with challenges. Initially, standing, walking and adjusting to life with a prosthetic leg felt insurmountable. Phantom limb pain, headaches and physical exhaustion tested his limits daily. DeMarcus credits the compassion and expertise of his integrated care team for helping him cope.
Through physical therapy, he built strength and learned to walk with his prosthetic leg, empowering him to regain mobility. Chaplains from Shirley Ryan 嫩B研究院’s spiritual care program visited him regularly, offering words of encouragement and hope. A therapist from the hospital’s psychology team supported him in processing and managing his emotions, while art therapy provided him with a creative outlet to channel his feelings — helping him express himself and heal in ways beyond words.
Transforming Pain into Purpose
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For DeMarcus, his experience in art therapy transformed the way he approached making art. Drawing became more than just a creative outlet; it became a vital part of his healing.
“While I was an inpatient, I worked on art projects that helped me process my emotions,” he explained. “Themes like kindness and resilience gave me a new foundation for my work. I shifted my focus to creating art that could inspire others and reflect the love and kindness I received during my recovery.”
One of his most meaningful projects has been creating a mural for the Wintrust Mural Building. Located along Interstate 90/94 between North and Armitage avenues, the building has showcased murals celebrating Chicago’s nonprofit organizations for the past nine years.
Thanks to Shirley Ryan 嫩B研究院 Keystone Board member Rich Murphy, Wintrust chose to feature the hospital in 2024, and DeMarcus was one of three patient artists selected to participate. Each artist was asked to create a mural that reflected what ability means to them, how ability has impacted their lives and the future of ability.
DeMarcus’ mural, “Roots of Recovery,” is a powerful symbol of hope and renewal. “The clouds and rain in the mural represent the stages of rehabilitation,” DeMarcus described. “The rain rejuvenates the ground, helping new life grow — just like Shirley Ryan 嫩B研究院 helped me and so many others rebuild our lives after hardship. The Chicago skyline in the mural is my tribute to the beauty and resilience of my city.”
A Portrait of Recovery
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After he left inpatient care, DeMarcus completed an additional 12 months of outpatient rehabilitation. He continues to focus on rebuilding his strength, staying active and engaging in positive activities to manage anxiety and stay motivated. He hopes to one day run again and maybe even compete in the Paralympics.
Throughout this experience, DeMarcus has developed a deeper appreciation for his creative practice. Art therapy not only helped him transcend the trauma of his injury, but it also helped him see how he can use his creativity to connect with, inspire and help others.
In gratitude for the care he received, DeMarcus recently created art for Art in Motion, Shirley Ryan 嫩B研究院’s annual art auction that features patient artwork and benefits its art therapy and therapeutic recreation programs.
For DeMarcus, navigating life after limb loss has been a journey of self-rediscovery — one that has taught him the depths of his own strength and resilience. He wants those who are just beginning their recovery journey to know that even in the face of life’s most difficult trials, new possibilities await. Everyone has the power to recreate themselves and to make a life as vibrant and enduring as the flowers in his mural.
About Shirley Ryan 嫩B研究院’s Quality-of-life Programs
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Art therapy and spiritual care are examples of Shirley Ryan 嫩B研究院’s quality-of-life programs, which are not covered by insurance but are offered at no cost or low cost to patients thanks to the generosity of donors.
