CLEVELAND – In 2003, Keith Medovich, in his forties, fought off a lung cancer diagnosis through rounds chemotherapy and radiation. And while the treatments were ultimately successful, in 2015, he began having trouble breathing. As it turned out, despite being cured of his cancer, Medovich was one of a rare group of people who suffer long-term … Read More
Patient Story Assets
Healthy diet, timely treatment spare grandfather from diabetic blindness
CLEVELAND – In 2000, Mark Campbell, while in his early thirties, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and occurs when the body doesn’t properly make use of the insulin it produces. Despite years of extensive cardio workouts and weight lifting, in addition to taking prescribed medications, the … Read More
Dad thankful for the gift of life this holiday season
CLEVELAND – More than 10,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving liver transplant. The liver is one of the only organs that can be donated from a living person, and now, a new technique is making it easier than ever before to give the gift of life. Nikko Velazquez, 29, watched helplessly as his girlfriend’s father, … Read More
Woman no longer type 1 diabetic after kidney-pancreas transplant
CLEVELAND – For Alana Burns, 44, type 1 diabetes was part of her daily routine. The Las Vegas resident was accustomed to frequent self-administered blood tests and a constant use of an insulin pump attached to her right side. However, in the fall of 2018, her condition worsened, and her physicians began discussing the need … Read More
Marathon runner back on course after fighting lung, ovarian cancer
CLEVELAND – Lifelong runner Joyce Chisar, 55, always dreamed of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. But to make the cut, she needed to rank among the fastest runners in her age group. In September 2018, the Willowick, Ohio, resident signed up for a marathon in Erie, Pennsylvania. “I was feeling really good last summer,” she said. … Read More
Toddler with Down syndrome overcomes lifetime of challenges
CLEVELAND – At just 3 years old, Grace Rosian, has faced a number of challenges. Grace was born two months early, with Down syndrome in October 2016. Within her first days of life, her parents learned she did not pass the newborn hearing screening test. Typically, infants with impaired hearing have surgery, within their first … Read More
Woman overcomes breast cancer, becomes a mom, thanks to fertility preservation treatment
CLEVELAND – Being a new mom is especially sweet for Brittney Rinella of Willowick, Ohio. Four years ago, breast cancer almost derailed her plans to start a family. “I was terrified; not only do I have to deal with this diagnosis at 26, but now I have to worry about possibly not having children, so … Read More
Teen is Back on the Field after an Infection Stops her Heart from Beating
CLEVELAND – A talented soccer and basketball player, 10-year-old Sophia Pecjak had been complaining of pains in her chest and a rapid heartbeat. Trips to her pediatrician and the emergency room revealed she had likely contracted a form of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection, such as influenza. Pecjak … Read More
First-ever drug for rare form of heart failure helps man thrive after cardiac arrest
CLEVELAND – Stephen Sroka, 76, knows how to captivate an audience. A public speaker and adjunct assistant professor, Sroka, devotes his time to teaching others about the ‘Power of One’ – how one person can make a difference. But, after suffering from sudden cardiac arrest during a speaking event, Sroka was on a medical transport flight … Read More
Man went to doctor for bug bite, received diagnosis for Leukemia instead
CLEVELAND – A nagging reaction to a suspected bug bite is what initially sent Mike Balla, 46, of Rocky River, Ohio to seek emergency care. Swollen, red and painful, the top of Balla’s foot kept getting worse, despite two rounds of antibiotics from previous visits to an urgent care facility and his family doctor. But what … Read More