GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - So, did you know what you wanted to do with your life when you were 8-years-old?
Most don't.
But one West Michigan girl has become absolutely certain of what she wants to be, thanks to the type of care that was given during her grandmother's final days.
Brooklyn Hammer, 8, came to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids several times, from summer 2017 to February 2018 to visit her grandmother who was trying to recover from a brain aneurysm.
Brooklyn was enthralled watching all the physical therapists do their jobs, hoping to help Brooklyn's grandmother recover to a level where she could enjoy some quality of life.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn's grandmother passed away in February.
"Right after her grandmother passed away, Brooklyn said, 'Mom, I'm going to raise some money in honor of grandma and donate it to Mary Free Bed,'" said Sarah Hammer, Brooklyn's mother.
Brooklyn started doing extra chores around the house and emptied her piggy bank. After a few weeks, she had collected $438.65.
"I saw the good things that were happening around [Mary Free Bed], and I just wanted to do this because I thought it would be nice to buy new equipment for the people in need," said Brooklyn. "I want to be a physical therapist."
On Monday, June 18, Brooklyn and her mother were invited back to Mary Free Bed for a special tour of the physical therapy rooms. Brooklyn was able to ask several question of the physical therapists during her special tour.
She also was able to meet and ask several questions of Mary Free Bed CEO, Kent Riddle.
"When I saw how the people here cared for my grandmother, I knew this was what I wanted to do," said Brooklyn.
Brooklyn has also made her college choice at 8 years old. She plans to study physical therapy at the University of Michigan.
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