As many of you know, Marcus underwent baclofen pump implantation on February 23, 2026. After several days in the hospital, he was discharged to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab on February 28, 2026, where he remained until his discharge on April 8, 2026.

During his inpatient stay, Marcus participated in an intensive rehabilitation program, receiving therapy a minimum of six days per week. His baclofen pump dosage was gradually increased by approximately 10–15% every few days, which contributed to measurable improvements in overall spasticity.

His therapy program included Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy:

Speech Therapy:
Focus was placed on swallow function and neurological responsiveness. Marcus underwent swallow studies and was evaluated using the Disorders of Consciousness Scale and the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised. His scores remained in the average range during this period, as the clinical team worked to appropriately balance baclofen dosing. Notably, his swallow function progressed well, culminating in his ability to take a sip through a half straw.

Occupational and Physical Therapy (OT/PT):
Therapy primarily targeted reduction of spasticity, improvement in tone, and restoration of functional positioning.
    •    Occupational Therapy (OT) focused on positioning, including side-lying, prone positioning, and supported sitting.
    •    Physical Therapy (PT) emphasized joint mobility and functional alignment, including achieving 90-degree knee flexion to allow proper foot placement.

A significant milestone was Marcus’s ability, by discharge, to have his feet positioned in wheelchair leg rests—something that had not been possible for over a year due to spasticity and contracture following his brain injury.

Marcus also participated in supported sitting at the edge of the training table, working on head/neck control, trunk stability, and shoulder engagement. Over time, he demonstrated gradual strength and tolerance improvements.

He successfully progressed to a treadmill session, where he was assisted in walking for approximately 25 minutes. This marked a major functional milestone. Following sessions, Marcus often demonstrated appropriate fatigue and recovery.

Throughout therapy, Marcus showed strong resilience. While stretching and positioning occasionally elevated his vital signs, he consistently stabilized and completed each session.

Familiar Auditory Sensory Training (FAST):
SRAL has incorporated Familiar Auditory Sensory Training (FAST) into Marcus’s care. This therapy uses familiar voices and personal memories to stimulate neurological recovery.

We are again asking anyone who has a meaningful memory with Marcus (from at least one year prior to his injury) to record a short 2–5 minute video.

Please:
    •    Address him directly
    •    Use his name
    •    Speak as if you are talking to him in real time

Example:
“Hi Marcus, it’s __. I was thinking about the time we…”

These videos will be played during his therapy sessions. You can send them to the family, and we will ensure they are uploaded. Thank you in advance for your support.

Team Marcus is always looking at trying to find any and everything we can to make this situation beneficial to Marcus. As you know we’ve had our apartment for close to a year and as leases come up, you try to see what else could be found to help him. We did look into low income ARO apartments that are also downtown, but those were all full. Luckily, we were able to find an apartment in the same building only three floors up. It has been a huge change moving into this apartment. It has about an extra 300 ft.² and the lighting is incredible. As we were getting more equipment and supplies for Marcus space was becoming tight. This move helps alleviate some of that space and allows Marcus to be able to stretch and have what he needs.Now that Marcus has returned home, he will continue therapy three days per week at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. He will also resume treatment at Chicago Neuro-rehabilitation Center, focusing on improving brain-body connection, as well as reinitiating Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which he previously tolerated well prior to baclofen pump placement.

Mailing Address Update:

Marcus Kennedy
63 E. Lake St, #1307
Chicago, IL 60601

Thank you all for your continued prayers, calls, letters, and support. We truly appreciate the love surrounding Marcus.

2026 will be a year of continued progress.

God Bless,
Team Marcus