Author:

Marie Havenga

Marie Havenga is a veteran journalist of more than 30 years. The Grand Rapids native launched her journalism career at age 15, writing for WorkWeek, a weekly business magazine. She joined the Grand Haven Tribune staff as a columnist and reporter in 2003, after writing for the Grand Rapids Press for more than two decades. A boating and water enthusiast, she lives on the shores of Spring Lake. Havenga has published an environmental children's book and her writing has been featured in several national publications.

Posts from Marie Havenga

‘A positive thing to do’

Spectrum Health is seeking volunteers to make masks for non-clinical employees as well as other community partners.

COVID-19: ‘It takes all of us’

Work-at-home insurance coders join Spectrum Health's fight against the virus, deploying to the front line to sanitize hospital touch points.

‘It’s extraordinary’

West Michigan companies work together to innovate and create protective gear for health care heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘This is very comforting’

With COVID-19 concerns swirling, Spectrum Health Healthier Communities' no-contact supply delivery program helps families in need.

Patient Story

Through the looking glass

The Vanden Berg family found a way around COVID-19 restrictions to share their newborn son with his siblings—holding him up to a hospital window while his sisters waved and blew kisses from the lawn below.

Patient Story

Pomp, despite the circumstance

Lexanne Sherrell lost her twin sister in utero. Soon thereafter, the 1-pound-5-ounce preemie forged her own path to graduate from the NICU.

Patient Story

‘She’s tenacious’

Kaitlyn Seykora baffled medical professionals all her life. Just last month, a geneticist provided a diagnosis—one so rare, not much is known about it.

Patient Story

‘A beacon of hope’

Katriona VanDoorne has battled cystic fibrosis since birth. New medicine and genetic discoveries finally allow her to breathe easy and look toward better tomorrows.

Patient Story

You just have to do it: extreme weight-loss

When Matt Bailey's weight caused a boat to almost sink, he flooded his life with change. He's since lost 140 pounds and gained confidence.

15 ways to keep your glow

Not looking forward to winter? Neither is your skin. Check out these tips to ensure your body's largest organ stays in tip-top shape.

Patient Story

‘I’m telling everyone who will listen’

After a 99% blockage and double bypass, James Cook turns his health around by cutting dairy, oil and meat from his diet.

Patient Story

‘I feel alive’

Little Naomi Gomez battled leukemia. Then a stroke. Now she's back to living life.