Our favorite patient stories of 2018
2018 was a year to remember for all of us. Before 2019 arrives, here are a few of our favorite patient stories from the past year. These stories demonstrate some of the life-changing work that we do across several specialties here at UK HealthCare.
Joyce Sears survived a massive blood clot in her brain. This is her story.
When Joyce Sears got a bad headache that just wouldn’t go away, she thought it might be a sinus infection. Three days later, she was rushed to the emergency room in Somerset, Ky., where a CT scan revealed that she had a massive blood clot in her brain. She was quickly transferred to UK HealthCare for advanced stroke care, and doctors jumped into action to save her life. Read Joyce's story.
Heart transplant at UK brings new life to longtime chauffeur
Lexington native Joseph Madison never liked sitting still, but his hectic lifestyle came to a sudden halt when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. When he was transferred to the UK HealthCare, Joseph only weighed 97 pounds and would need a heart transplant. On Thanksgiving evening, he received the news he was waiting for. Read Joseph's story.
Markey patient meets the bone marrow donor who saved her life
After being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, Sarah Lister waited months at the UK Markey Cancer Center for a matching bone marrow donor. Just when she had almost given up hope, a match was found. Because her donor gave her the gift of life, she knew she had to thank him the only way she knew how: by throwing a big party. Read Sarah's story.
KCH team helps young boy be a kid again after a rare diagnosis
For Craig and Hannah Chaney of McKinney, Ky., their son, Kase, is a miracle. He was born ahead of his due date and started to have seemingly inexplicable health issues at 2 weeks old – he would turn blue in the face and stop breathing. After several visits to the ER, a chance encounter with a doctor who had entered their room by mistake finally led to a diagnosis. Read Kase's story.
New aortic valve gives this Navy veteran chance to go on Honor Flight
In Howard Hitsman's 84 years, he has met presidents, served on the USS Northampton and the USS Intrepid and been awarded a slew of medals. Earlier this year, he was invited to go with 68 other war veterans to Washington D.C. as part of an Honor Flight, but he was diagnosed with both atrial fibrillation and aortic stenosis. These diagnoses would have prevented him from travelling, but he came to the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute to receive world-class care. Read Howard's story.
