Patient Stories

Each year, thousands of patients come to the University of Chicago Medical Center and Comer Children's Hospital for care. Below are just a few of their stories of healing and hope. We're proud to share these successes with you.

• Cancer
• Gastroenterology & Hepatology
• Heart Disease
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatric Cancer
• Pediatric General Surgery
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• Pediatric Urology
• Personalized Health & Prevention
• Stem Cell Transplant
• Transplant Surgery
• Weight Loss Surgery

Cancer

Brain Tumor

Drug Made from Scorpion Venom Keeps Patient’s Brain Tumor in Check
A drug derived from scorpion venom appears to be helping a 49-year old Tinley Park woman beat the odds. Diagnosed in December 2005, with a deadly glioblastoma multiforme, Donna Van Ryn has lived almost three times the median survival of 15 months--and feels fine.

Breast Cancer

Former High School Principal Finds Correct Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer
In the world of breast cancer survival, Shirley Mertz has come a long way by battling for 17 years. University of Chicago oncologists tailored Mertz's treatment according to the biology of the tumor--an approach that reversed the course of her cancer. "I know that I would not be here today if it were not for the skill and expertise of Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade and the other specialists and nurses at the University of Chicago Medical Center," says Mertz.

Heidi's Story: Cancer Risk Clinic Eases Fears
A cancer prevention plan helped ease Heidi's fears about breast cancer risk.

Teressa's Experience at the Breast Center (Video)
In this video, Teressa McKinney shares her experiences as a Breast Center patient. Here she speaks about the patient-centered care and team approach that helped her through her bout with breast cancer.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Man Avoids Losing Esophagus to Cancer

When Tom Flint's Barrett's esophagus condition deteriorated into cancer, doctors at another hospital told him he had only one option--removal of the esophagus. Before considering such life-altering surgery, Tom turned to University of Chicago experts who used advanced minimally invasive techniques to treat the cancer and spare his esophagus.

Complex Surgery Helps Woman Beat Pancreatic Cancer
Diana Bohentin had a complex surgery--called the Whipple procedure--to treat her case of pancreatic cancer. Three years later, she's doing well and is enjoying life with family and friends.

Second Opinion Brings Michigan Woman to Expert Surgeon
After having gallbladder surgery, doctors in Michigan suspected that Georgann likely had pancreatic cancer. A second opinion at the University of Chicago Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology confirmed the diagnosis that led to a successful Whipple surgery. More than five years after the surgery, Georgann is keeping healthy with regular exercise.

Expert Care Help Couple Hit Landmark Anniversary
When Levita was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006, another Chicago hospital told her that she had less than a year to live and her cancer was beyond treatment. Rather than give up hope, Levita sought help from University of Chicago cancer experts who offered the treatment options and support she needed to continue her fight against the disease.

Good Health, Great Surgeons Give Pancreatic Cancer Patient a Second Chance
After having the Whipple procedure to treat pancreatic cancer, 81-year-old Norma Langellier is back to her active lifestyle that includes daily walks. Though many doctors may consider people like Norma to be too old for the Whipple procedure, our experienced surgeons have found that they can safely and effectively perform this life-saving surgery on reasonably healthy people, regardless of age.

Surgical Technique Helps Woman Avoid Colostomy
When Lena Knezevich was diagnosed with anal cancer, she knew she wanted to come to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment. Doctors were able to shrink and remove the mass from Lena's lower anal canal, leaving her sphincter muscles intact -- sparing the need for a colostomy.

Head & Neck Cancer

Combination Therapy Saves Chef's Tongue from Cancer
When famed Chicago chef Grant Achatz was diagnosed with tongue cancer, several doctors told him that his only treatment option was the removal of most of his tongue. Faced with a career-threatening decision, Achatz sought help from University of Chicago cancer specialists who developed a combination therapy plan that spared Achatz’s tongue from surgery and put the cancer in remission.

Kidney Cancer

Robotics Aid Surgeons in Operating Room
Using advanced robotic technology, surgeons removed a cancer-bearing kidney through tiny incisions.

Leukemia

Acute Leukemia: Damon's Story (Video)
In this video, Damon Sinars describes the patient-focused leukemia treatment he received at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Lung Cancer

Active as Ever--a Decade After Lung Cancer Surgery
Watch Jeanie Dallas exercise and you'd never suspect that she faced and conquered lung cancer more than 10 years ago. Her only reminder of cancer is a small scar from surgery and annual visits to the University of Chicago Medical Center to monitor her for cancer recurrence.

Minimally Invasive Surgery a 'Lucky' Option for Woman's Early-Stage Lung Cancer
In an ironic way, Barbara Arvia is grateful for the bunion on her foot. Preparation for foot surgery led to a surprising diagnosis of lung cancer--and to state-of-the-art treatment with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Barbara's surgery was performed through three small incisions, which resulted in a shorter recovery and a faster return to her busy lifestyle.

Man with Lung Cancer Rides to Clear Recovery
Surgery for carcinoid tumor of the lung hasn't prevented John Williams from taking 15-mile bike rides along Lake Michigan's shoreline.

Lymphoma

Doctors Unlock Cancer Patient's Medical Mystery
Jim Cunningham had a rare, severe allergic reaction during treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma. University of Chicago physicians discovered the source of the problem and customized Jim's treatment plan to get him on the road to recovery.

Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Accurate Diagnosis Gives Patient Life Back
Pittsburgh resident Shirley Harr traveled to Chicago for an additional expert opinion after she was diagnosed with liver cancer. A thorough review of her case by University of Chicago physicians uncovered welcome news -- she did not have cancer, but rather a benign, nonmalignant growth.

Woman Seeks Second Opinion for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatment
For years, Theresa Daddono experienced chronic pain caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Learn how Dr. Marco Patti used a minimally invasive surgical procedure to relieve her symptoms.

Medical Center Surgeon Provides Relief for Iowa Teen with Rare Swallowing Disorder
For nearly one and a half years, Nick Metcalf struggled with a swallowing disorder called achalasia. After having laparoscopic myotomy and a partial fundoplication surgery at the Medical Center, Metcalf is back enjoying life as a normal, healthy teenager.

Heart Disease

Heart Failure

Ventricular Reconstruction & Quadruple Bypass Surgery: Julia's Story (Video)
A ventricular reconstruction procedure plus bypass surgery helped Julia get her life back on track after she survived a heart attack. The surgery helped to restore the conical shape of her heart so that it could pump blood more efficiently, giving Julia renewed energy.

Heart Valve Disease

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery: William's Story (Video)
Because William previously had two open-heart surgeries, his doctors were worried he would not survive another operation he need for a badly functioning mitral valve. William's doctors referred him to the University of Chicago Medical Center for minimally invasive heart valve surgery, an approach that resulted in a faster recovery and a lower risk for complications.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Two Beautiful Daughters Come From Difficult Twin Pregnancy
It was clear from the start that Marjorie Bansfield's twin pregnancy would be difficult. She was 45 and her twins shared the same amniotic sac -- a rare "mono-mono" pregnancy that carries a very high risk for complications. "

Transabdominal Cerclage for Incompetent Cervix

Procedure Helps Family Find Happiness After History of Loss

On the path to parenthood, Michele Arick suffered multiple losses: five miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, and the loss of a son, Matthew, during the 21^st week of pregnancy. She also struggled with infertility issues. After being diagnosed with cervical insufficiency -- and nearly losing another child after a failed transvaginal cerclage (TVC) treatment -- Arick traveled from Iowa to Chicago to have a transabdominal cerclage (TAC) treatment performed by Arthur Haney, MD. After having the TAC at the University of Chicago Medical Center, Arick had two healthy baby girls.

Hope--and Two Daughters--After Successful Treatment
Maryann Gates now has two beautiful, healthy daughters. But a few years ago, she was mourning the loss of twins 19 1/2 weeks into her pregnancy. Gates experienced the pregnancy loss due to an incompetent cervix. After having a transbdominal cerclage procedure performed at the Medical Center, Gates carried two pregnancies to term. Today, this Bolingbrook, Ill., resident enjoys being a mom to Katrina and Isabella.

Memphis Family Recovers from Tragedy to Welcome Baby Girl into the World

Five years after delivering a baby girl, Mandy Polatty was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix at 19 weeks into her second pregnancy. Yet just a week after having a transvaginal cerclage treatment for her condition, Mandy delivered a stillborn boy. Mandy and her husband researched their options online and found Arthur Haney, MD, a well-known expert in transabdominal cerclage, a treatment for incompetent cervix that has a higher success rate than transvaginal cerclage. After having a prepregnancy transabdominal cerclage treatment at the University of Chicago Medical Center, Mandy delivered a healthy girl.

Pediatric Cancer

Brain Tumors

Precision Teamwork for Metastasized Brain Tumor Provides a New Lease on Life
At age five, Arusha Pratt was diagnosed with a malignant pineoblastoma--a type of brain tumor. Teamwork and an aggressive treatment plan saved her life. Ten years later, she's thriving.

Diagnosing Teen's Brain Tumor with Precise Technology
Sixteen-year-old Matthew Ukachukwu was diagnosed with a rare, but highly treatable brain tumor. With advanced diagnostic technology and an innovative approach, our doctors are delivering specialized treatment--while sparing Matthew the undesirable consequences that treatment elsewhere may have cost him.

Familial Cancer Clinic

Familial Cancer Clinic Helps Families Make the Most Important Decision
Marc Myers survived a bout with acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a child. But years later, Marc's growth slowed, and he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. However, the decision to treat his deficiency was complicated by a family history of colon cancer. If Marc inherited the cancer mutation, he could not have growth hormone treatment. Dr. Kenan Onel recommended a full assessment at the Familial Cancer Clinic to determine the best options for Marc.

Hepatoblastoma

Novel Technique Used to Remove Tumor in Infant's Liver
Just months after her birth, infant Chloe Lobins had surgery to remove part of her liver due to hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer. Little Chloe is believed to be the smallest infant ever to undergo a massive liver resection for a primary liver cancer.

Leukemia

Stem Cell Transplant Gives Leukemia Patient a Second Chance at Life
Zayla Mitsdarffer’s mother refers to the day of her daughter’s blood stem cell transplant as her “re-birthday.” On July 20, 2007, following two years of intensive, but conventional treatment for an aggressive type of leukemia, six-year-old Zayla underwent a transplant with donated stem cells from one of her sisters.

Neuroblastoma

Clinical Trial Helps Girl with Neuroblastoma
A clinical trial enhanced neuroblastoma care for 3-year-old Madison. More than a year after Madison's diagnosis and initial treatment, she is back in school. "We really feel that clinical trials represent state-of-the art therapy for children with cancer," says neuroblastoma expert Susan Cohn, MD, who helped design the clinical trial.

Optic Glioma

Team Approach, Early Intervention Save Girl's Sight
In 2002, Jenna Jongsma was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that can affect vision, growth and development. In Jenna's case, the condition also led to the development of an optic glioma, a tumor that threatened her sight. Comer Children’s Hospital specialists in oncology and neurology worked together with Jenna’s community physicians to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Sarcoma

Courageous Young Man Wins Long Battle Over Two Sarcomas
At five years old, Kyle Harvey was treated for rhabdomyosarcoma. Ten years later, he fought osteosarcoma. Kyle's positive attitude kept him going throughout his long battle with cancer. Today, he's attending college in Alabama. "Kyle is a remarkable person," says orthopaedic surgeon, Rex Haydon, MD, PhD, a member of Kyle's treatment team.

Pediatric General Surgery

Complex Surgery Gives Baby a Chance at Life

A routine ultrasound during a prenatal check-up revealed a large bulky mass on the neck of Shenella Parker's unborn child. Parker was referred to the University of Chicago Maternal-Fetal Center where a multidisciplinary team of obstetricians, pediatric surgeons and others performed a complex surgery to remove the tumor and ensure that the baby could breathe. Some parts of the procedure were performed while the baby was partly in utero -- still receiving blood and oxygen through her mother's umbilical cord.

Minimally Invasive Approach Used to Remove Liver Cyst from Tiny Infant
A large growth called a choledochal cyst threatened baby Anushka's liver and bile duct function. Donald Liu, MD, PhD, used an advanced minimally invasive technique to remove the cyst and reconstruct her bile duct -- all done through very small incisions.

Intestinal Malrotation is Often Misdiagnosed
Two-month-old Jaylen seemed to vomit after every feeding. An ultrasound test showed that the boy had intestinal malrotation, a condition where the bowels do not form and twist properly, which can cut off blood flow to the intestine and can lead to intestinal blockages. Pediatric surgeon Donald Liu, MD, PhD, used a minimally invasive procedure to correct the problem, and Jaylen was able to go home quickly.

Ligament Surgery Restores Ability to Eat
Two young women experienced excruciating pain whenever they ate, but were misdiagnosed or assumed to have an eating disorder. A team of University of Chicago physicians uncovered the true cause of their problem -- median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), a structural disorder of the blood vessels that supply the digestive tract. Delicate surgery done through a few tiny incisions restored their ability to eat and left them with barely visible scars.

Baby's Abdominal Defect Successfully Treated with Surgery

Four months into Abigail Galecki's pregnancy, University of Chicago doctors diagnosed her unborn child with gastroschisis--a serious abdominal defect in which the organs flow freely throughout the body from a hole in the abdominal wall. Immediately after the baby's birth, our experts in pediatric general surgery went to work repairing the complex condition.

Pediatric Neurosurgery

From Constant Seizures to Almost None
Surgeons at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital told Jessica Nelson one of the scariest things she will ever hear as a parent: they wanted to treat her daughter's epilepsy by cutting out or disconnecting half of her brain. Then something extraordinary happened: it worked.

Chiari Malformation: Baylie Owen's Experience (Video)
View a video about Comer Children's Hospital that features pediatric neurosurgery patient Baylie Owen, who has Chiari malformation, a condition where the cerebellum protrudes into the spinal canal. Baylie's mom, Tressie, and her neurosurgeon, David M. Frim, MD, PhD, chief of neurosurgery, also are featured in the video.

Neurosurgeon Offers Hope to Family with Chiari Malformation

Young Brandon Newcomb suffered from troublesome, painful headaches. His mother brought him to the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital for care, and soon learned that she and other members of her family were one of only 17 known families to carry Chiari malformation across three generations.

Energetic Chiari Patient Inspires Sculptor's Work
To an acquaintance, Riley Johnson appears to be a healthy, energetic, two-and-a-half-year-old boy. His nickname is Smiley Riley. But Riley's activity level is deceiving--sometimes making it difficult to believe that he has Chiari malformation and pseudotumor cerebri. He runs because it's easier than walking, Rachel Johnson explained. "He only runs. He doesn't walk because he can't control himself."

Pediatric Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Girl Beats Life-Threatening Odds in Craniofacial Transformation
Claire Kubacki was born with a rare craniofacial anomaly that caused her eyes to be asymmetrical and widely set apart. According to plastic and reconstructive surgeon Russell Reid, MD, PhD, the delicate surgery to reset her eye sockets was "fraught with potential life-threatening complications." Thankfully, Claire's surgery went well.

Pediatric Urology

Robotic-Assisted Surgery Repairs Complex Kidney Condition in Teen
When Justin Ham was diagnosed with a complex case of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and horseshoe kidney, his parents searched for a surgeon who was skilled in minimally invasive urologic surgery. Their search brought them to Mohan S. Gundeti, MD, director of pediatric urology. Dr. Gundeti successfully treated Justin's conditions using a robot-assisted approach, which resulted in a faster recovery and minimal scarring.

Robotic Surgery Helps Girl With Neurogenic Bladder
Soon after Aaliyah Dellar was born, her bladder stopped growing. She was diagnosed with neurogenic bladder, a condition that caused an uncomfortable feeling that she always had to urinate. Aaliyah needed surgery to treat the embarrassing condition that was interfering with her life. Rather than operate through a long, 6-inch incision, Mohan S. Gundeti, MD, treated the problem with robotic surgery, an advanced surgical method that left only tiny scars.

Five-Year-Old Boy Becomes First in World to Undergo Minimally Invasive Procedure
Graham Ahmad was born with Prune Belly Syndrome, a rare condition marked by urinary tract abnormalities, undescended testicles and other complications. Recurring urinary tract infections and scarring in his kidneys meant he needed surgery. But instead of performing the surgery via a long incision, Graham's surgeon did the surgery through small incisions, using a robotic approach.

Medical Center Physician Spares Children Post-Surgical Pain and Complications with Robotic Approach to Common Problem
Kyle Loess, age 5, was born with swelling in the urine-collecting structures of his kidneys, known as hydronephrosis, as well as vesicoureteral reflux and ureterocele, a bulbous dilation of the lower end of the ureter. Robotic surgery to correct his condition spared Kyle from more invasive, open surgery.

Robotic Surgery Marks Chicago Breakthrough for Pediatric Patients
On Jan. 7, 2008, ten-year-old Jaime Bazan returned to school and sports activities -- a monumental feat considering that only 11 days earlier, he became the first Chicago pediatric patient to undergo robot-assisted urologic surgery.

Personalized Health & Prevention

A 'Type A' Personality Drives Himself to Better Health
The Program for Personalized Health & Prevention helped Frank Feraco identify the changes he could make to achieve better health and fitness -- and to control his blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A detailed action plan and frequent communication with his PHP physician helps keep him on track.

Empowering Patients with Personalized Medicine
Learn more about our individualized, interdisciplinary approach to preventive care and how we can help you improve your health. For example, we helped Keith Perryea lower his risk for heart attack and stroke by learning to manage health problems that had not previously been detected.

Stem Cell Transplant

Innovations in Stem Cell Transplant Allow Parent to Become Donor
Cameron Dykstra was born without an immune system and was diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID), a condition commonly known as "bubble boy disease." His father’s donated blood stem cells -- purified using a novel technique -- were transplanted to Cameron where they took over the task of defending the infant’s body against harmful bacteria and viruses.

Transplant Surgery

Heart

Heart Transplant Reunion: A Time to Celebrate a Second Chance at Life
Two years after Larry Matthews had a heart transplant, he realized his dream of becoming a firefighter. Matthews, as well as many other transplant recipients, their families, transplant physicians and staff celebrated the gift of organ donation at the annual heart transplant reunion. Also in attendance were people awaiting transplant surgery.

Heart Transplant Recipient Gives Back to Those That Saved His Life
Following a massive heart attack, Michigan construction worker Larry Bybee received a heart transplant on his 50th birthday. In 2009, he served as grand marshal for the Medical Center's team at the downtown Chicago American Heart Association Heart Walk.

Heart & Kidney

Heart and Kidney Transplant: Kenneth's Story (Video)
After being turned down for transplant by six different hospitals, Kenneth Woodka looked to the University of Chicago Medical Center for help. Soon after he arrived, Kenneth had a successful heart-kidney transplant.

Heart-Kidney-Liver

Michael: Triple Transplant Recipient Is Going Strong Years After Surgery
Years after receiving a rare heart-kidney-liver transplant, Michael Gaynor is active and feels more energetic than he did at half his age. Here he shares his experiences and his commitment to helping people cope with life before and after transplant.

Kidney

Carmen's Pre-Transplant Experience
Carmen is a recipient of a deceased donor kidney. This is her account of what she went through while waiting for her transplant.

Mark: A Living Organ Recipient's Account of the Pre-Transplant Experience
Mark kept a journal from the time he learned he had kidney failure until the time his transplant surgery was scheduled. Mark's brother, Jeff, donated a kidney to him.

Kidney Donation

Jeff: A Living Donor's Experience
Jeff describes what he went through when donating a kidney to his brother, Mark.

Kidney & Liver

Virginia's Kidney and Liver Transplant Experience
Virginia suffered kidney and liver failure as a result of polycystic kidney disease. This genetic disease causes numerous cysts to grown in the kidney. Other organs, including the liver, can also be affected.

Kidney & Pancreas

Debbie's Post-Transplant Experience
Debbie has received two kidney transplants and three pancreas transplants. Here she shares her post-transplant experiences.

Sam's Transplant Surgery Experience
Sam, a kidney-pancreas recipient, shares his surgery and hospital experience.

Liver

A Medical First, 20 Years Later
In 1989, Alyssa Smith received a portion of her mother's liver in the world's first successful living-donor liver transplant. Catch up with Alyssa and her mother and donor, Teri Smith, as well as members of the surgical team that performed this groundbreaking procedure. Learn about how plans to perform this life-saving procedure were set in motion, and how this experience changed the Smith family, the Medical Center, and transplant science.

Family Travels More Thank 7,000 Miles for Father-to-Son Liver Transplant
Two-year-old Humaid Alsayegh needed a liver transplant to overcome cholestatic liver disease, a condition that blocked the flow of bile in his liver and stunted his growth. His father, Omran, was a good match for donation, but only after he shed 100 lbs. In a few short months, Omran reached his weight-loss goal and the family traveled to Chicago from the United Arab Emirates for the life-saving procedure.

Patricia's Post-Transplant Experience
Patricia waited 3 ½ years for a deceased donor liver after being diagnosed with advanced autoimmune hepatitis. Patricia shares some of what she went through during the post-transplant period.

Woman Donates Part of Her Liver to Co-Worker's Daughter
Catherine Ortiz donated part of her liver to Raquel Allen, the 11-month-old daughter of a co-worker. Baby Raquel's surgery went well, and she celebrated her first birthday at Comer Children's Hospital. The Medical Center's blog, Science Life, followed Raquel's journey before, during and after transplant in a three-part series that features video interviews with Ortiz, Raquel's parents, and Medical Center surgeons. Video included.

Couple Share a Liver and a Vein
When Theresa Gonsiorowski needed a new liver due to her primary sclerosing cholangitis, her husband, Ron Gonsiorowski, bravely volunteered. But it turned out that Theresa would also be sharing a bit of herself with Ron during the living-donor liver transplant--a portion of her portal vein.

Sung's Transplant Experience
Sung had very few options to treat the large, cancerous tumors growing in his liver. A liver transplant from a "marginal donor" saved his life. One full year after his transplant, Sung is feeling great.

William's Pre-Transplant Experience
William is a recipient of a deceased donor liver. Here, William describes what he went through while waiting for his transplant.

Weight Loss Surgery

Weight Loss Surgery: Julia's Story (Video)
After having the duodenal switch procedure, Julia Kilgore is feeling great and has a lot more energy.