It was the evening of April 4, 2024 on a concert stage in Gilbert, Arizona.

Colt Ford and his band were performing their signature blend of country, rap and hip-hop music. It was a sold-out crowd. Colt was feeling at the top of his game, and the concert was shaping up to be one of the band's best shows ever.

No one expected how this night would end.

Watch Colt Ford's story of survival

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (3:52) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

"Like it was really clicking. We had just made some changes in the set and it was feeling really good. The vibe was good, it all felt good," remembers Colt. "My stage manager said 'That's the best show we've done this year, man, you killed it,' It was incredible."

At the end of the show Colt thanked fans, turned and exited the stage.

No one expected what happened minutes later

"I woke up seven or eight days later, whatever, and I woke up in the hospital and was like 'What's going on?' I had no concept of anything," says Colt. "When I played the show that night I could do anything but when I woke up in the hospital I couldn't pick up a cup with ice in it and feed it to myself."

Minutes after exiting the stage, Colt suffered a massive heart attack. He was found slumped over in a chair backstage by one of his fellow band members. Emergency crews responded immediately and Colt was rushed to the hospital.

"When one of the top heart doctors in the world looks at you and goes 'You're 1% of 1%,' it can't get anymore dire than that," says Colt about his odds of surviving his heart attack.

Colt went into cardiac arrest twice. He was revived with electric shocks from a defibrillator to restart his heart in both instances. "He would simply not have survived in most parts of the world that don't have access to such a high level of cardiogenic shock care. Most people do not survive globally," says Dr. Kwan Lee, interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. Lee is part of the multidisciplinary team overseeing Colt's care at Mayo Clinic. Colt also underwent a 10-hour surgery and, for a time, was placed in a medically induced coma.

A silent killer

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. One of the most common types of cardiovascular disease is a heart attack. In the United States alone, it is estimated that every 40 seconds, someone has a heart attack.

Doctors often warn about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, and fatigue. However, roughly 21% of heart attacks in the U.S. occur with minimal or even no symptoms, according to the American Heart Association. These "silent" heart attacks are known as silent ischemia or silent myocardial infarction.

Colt says he had recently undergone a regular check-up at a different medical center and got a clean bill of health.

"This is the unfortunate nature of heart attacks. It is possible to have tests which don't show blockages, but the nature of blockages is that they can behave unpredictably and suddenly occur," says Dr. Lee. "Despite our best efforts, on a populational level, heart attacks can still occur in patients out of the blue."

Nearly nine months after his heart attack, test results at Mayo Clinic indicate Colt is making excellent progress. Exercise combined with a heart-healthy diet has helped him shed 60 pounds. "I'm about back to being in my college shape," says Colt, who played on the golf team for the University of Georgia before his singing career took off.

While his physical health improves, Colt admits the health scare has left him battling anxiety and panic attacks. "For me to say I'm having anxiety and panic attacks, that's even hard for me to say because I ain't scared of nothing," Colt says. "But I'm having to deal with that and share my feelings and all that kind of stuff. So, if you're feeling something, advocate for yourself. Don't just tough it out. Tell somebody."

Dr. Lee says it is not uncommon for patients to experience anxiety, panic attacks and even depression following a heart attack. He recommends patients maintain an open dialogue with their health care team and discuss any issues that arise.

"I'm back, baby!"

Colt has been open about sharing his experience with his nearly three million followers on social media. "I'm back, baby!" Colt shared recently on Instagram. "It's been quite a journey but you guys have inspired me, you kept loving me, kept praying for me, kept sending me messages and I'm working hard to get better."

Just a year shy of his heart attack, Colt has released a new song and is embarking on a new tour. He is hoping his music and story will serve as inspiration for others.

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ROCHESTER, Minn. — More than 90,000 people are on the waiting list for a kidney in the U.S. Unfortunately, less than a third of those waiting for a kidney transplant can expect to get one this year. This comes as rates of chronic kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure, continue to climb across the globe. But there is a way to help. Healthy people can donate one of their kidneys, giving someone a much-needed second chance.

"For people with kidney failure, receiving a kidney from a living donor is the best possible option. When healthy people donate a kidney, they give someone a second chance. This helps kidney recipients get transplanted faster and enjoy a healthier life," says Carrie Jadlowiec, M.D., Mayo Clinic transplant surgeon.

There were more than 6,400 living kidney donations in 2024. And while the number has increased in recent years, it is still less than it was five years ago. Ahead of World Kidney Day on March 13, Mayo Clinic experts are helping dispel some of the most common myths surrounding living kidney donation.

Myth: Living kidney donors need to be in perfect health.

False. While it is important for kidney donors to generally be in good health, there is no expectation that donors be in perfect health. For example, some potential donors with controlled high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes are eligible to be donors. All potential donors need to be at least 18 and undergo a rigorous medical and psychological evaluation to make sure they are a good candidate to donate. At Mayo Clinic, those evaluations can be completed in a single day.

Myth: Anyone over age 50 can't be a living donor.

False. Plenty of people over 50 are living donors.

"We accept donors starting at age 18. There is no upper age limit for someone to be a kidney donor. We do a comprehensive assessment on all potential donors, regardless of their age, to make sure they are an appropriate candidate," says Ty Diwan, M.D., Mayo Clinic transplant surgeon.

Myth: You must be related to someone to be a match.

False. Anyone can be a living kidney donor. You can consider donating a kidney to a relative, friend, acquaintance or anonymously to someone on the waiting list. Sometimes a potential donor who wants to give to a family member or a friend isn't an optimal match for that recipient. In those situations, paired donation is considered. Donors and recipients are matched with other donors and recipients, creating what is known as a kidney chain. People without a specific recipient in mind can also choose to donate to a stranger via nondirected donation.

Myth: Kidney donors can't live an active lifestyle after donation.

False. In most cases, kidney donors can return to normal activities four to six weeks after surgery. Most donors undergo a laparoscopic procedure that involves making a few small incisions instead of a larger one. In some cases, minimally robotic surgery is also an option. Both types of surgery reduce recovery time. Many donors return to their pre-donation hobbies such as running, biking and swimming. As with any surgery, there are risks, and it is important for potential donors to discuss those with their healthcare team.

Myth: Donating a kidney shortens your lifespan.

False. Multiple studies have shown that donating a kidney does not shorten one's lifespan. In fact, kidney donors tend to live longer than the general population.

"Kidney donors undergo rigorous screening prior to donation, and those accepted as donors are often healthier than the general population at baseline. These individuals often continue to live healthy lifestyles post-donation, which can lead to a longer lifespan," says Shennen Mao, M.D., Mayo Clinic transplant surgeon.

Mayo Clinic has several transplant physicians who can talk about living kidney donation, including:

• Ty Diwan, M.D., a transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester
• Carrie Jadlowiec, M.D., a transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Arizona
• Shennen Mao, M.D., a transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Florida

###

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

Media contact:

• Heather Carlson Kehren, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

Additional resources:

• Mayo Clinic Minute: What to expect as a living kidney donor

The post Experts bust 5 myths about living kidney donation appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

At just 19, Angela Bristow's life took an unimaginable turn. A college student with her future ahead of her, she was thrust into a world of MRIs, surgeries and grueling treatments when diagnosed with ependymoma, a cancer that typically affects the brain and spine. In her case, however, the tumor was located near her coccyx — an exceptionally rare location for this type of cancer.

"I'll never forget how difficult the recovery was after that first surgery to remove the tumor," Angela recalls. "I ended up with an infection while still recovering at home with my parents. I tried to go back to college afterward, but being away from my support system made everything so much harder."

Looking back on those early days, she shares, "Doctors didn't know what we were dealing with. I wasn't angry — I just kept going because that's all I could do."

Life regained some normalcy after her initial recovery. She met Chris — her future husband — and started planning a future. But less than a year into their marriage, the cancer returned, this time requiring surgery and 30 days of radiation. Two years later, the disease spread to her pelvic lymph nodes.

This marked a turning point. Angela sought a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, where her care team removed 13 lymph nodes, sparing her from further therapies. "Mayo became my anchor," she says. "For the first time, I felt like I wasn't fighting this alone."

Over the next two decades, Angela’s life became a cycle of surgeries, treatments and recoveries, as tumors returned every two years. Yet, she found strength in her "dream team" at Mayo Clinic, including her palliative care team, who are dedicated to easing suffering by managing symptoms associated with serious illness. Beyond medical care, they provide compassionate support to patients and their loved ones during life's most trying moments.

"I have the distinct privilege of supporting Angela as she navigates the challenges of living with cancer," Dr. Liz Sokolowski, Angela’s palliative care physician, says. "From our first meeting, I was deeply moved by her resilience and strength, and how she continues to maintain hope and her sense of humor. Patients like Angela are true heroes. They teach us daily about courage, and they remind us why we do this work."

Advances in treatment provided new hope. What began with surgeries and radiation evolved into cryoablation, thermal ablation and, more recently, oral chemotherapy. Even when the cancer metastasized to her lungs a decade ago, Angela faced each recurrence with determination, balancing the fear of the unknown with acceptance. "Cancer doesn't own me," she affirms. "It's part of my story but not the whole story. I'm still learning, still growing and still fighting. There's a reason I'm here."

Angela's journey is one of resilience, self-advocacy and profound partnership — with her care team and her family. Chris has been her unwavering support, whether staying overnight in hospital chairs or managing wound care. Their daughter, now a teenager, has grown up witnessing her mother's courage. "She was just 3 months old when she stayed in my hospital room. She's my light, and Chris is my rock."

Now, at 48, Angela speaks with heartfelt wisdom.

"I wish I could tell my 19-year-old self it will be OK. Cancer doesn't define life; it's just a part of it," Angela says. For those walking a similar path, she offers this advice: "Advocate for yourself, build a trusted care team, and don’t let cancer take more than it has to. You are stronger than you think."

Tips for navigating long-term cancer care

Managing cancer can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and mindset, balance and strength are possible. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment or in remission, here are Angela's practical tips:

1. Stay proactive with checkups.
   Maintain regular checkups with your healthcare team, even in remission. Work with your healthcare professional to set a personalized schedule for follow-ups and tests. Many hospitals offer apps or portals to help manage appointments and stay on top of your care.
2. Explore integrative therapies.
   Cancer care extends beyond medical treatment. Services like acupuncture, meditation or aromatherapy can help manage side effects and improve well-being. Ask your care team about available options.
3. Build a support network.
   A strong support system can make all the difference. Lean on family, friends or support groups to stay connected. If in-person groups feel daunting, consider online options or platforms like CaringBridge for sharing updates and receiving support.
4. Consider clinical trials.
   Clinical trials can offer access to innovative treatments and contribute to advancing cancer care. For patients with rare cancers like ependymoma, organizations like Collaborative Ependymoma Research Network (CERN) provide valuable resources and information about ongoing trials. Speak with your oncologist to explore research organizations that may help guide your treatment options.
5. Tap into health resources.
   Cancer education centers often provide free workshops, nutrition guidance and creative outlets like art therapy. These resources can keep you informed and engaged in your care.
6. Care for your emotional health.
   Therapy offers a safe space to process emotions and build coping strategies. If traditional therapy isn't for you, mindfulness practices like deep breathing or meditation can reduce stress. Activities like a walk in the park, a lunch outing or a favorite hobby also can lift your spirits.
7. Personalize your journey.
   Cancer is deeply personal, affecting everyone differently. Begin with one or two strategies that feel right for you, and gradually explore more as you're ready. Small, intentional steps can help you build a meaningful and well-supported life.

Angela's story is a reminder that while cancer may shape your path, it doesn't define your destination.

"No matter what, there is always more life to live, more love to give and more reasons to keep fighting," Angela says.

The post Living beyond diagnosis: Angela’s 30-year journey with ependymoma cancer appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

There is new hope in the fight against glioblastoma, the deadliest and most aggressive form of primary brain cancer.

Currently there is no cure, but results of a new study conducted at Mayo Clinic show patients experienced improved overall survival while maintaining quality of life after undergoing a novel approach to treatment.

Watch: Breakthrough in the fight against glioblastoma

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (2:45) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

Richard Casper was one of the study participants. The Arizona man enrolled in the clinical trial at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix after his diagnosis of glioblastoma in 2019. Richard was given only months to live, but his family says thanks to his strength, perseverance, and innovative medical care, he survived nearly double the amount of time.

"To be almost two and a half, three years in after being told you only have a few months, it's quite remarkable," says Susan Casper, Richard's daughter.

Richard succumbed to the disease in 2023. During the treatment, his family says he had little to no side effects. In the months before his passing, Richard stated, "I feel great. If someone didn't tell me I have the glioblastoma, I wouldn't even know it."

The clinical trial was led by Dr. Sujay Vora, a radiation oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. The small, single-arm study incorporated the use of advanced imaging technology combined with cutting-edge radiation therapy in patients over the age of 65 with newly diagnosed World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 malignant glioblastoma.

"The patients lived longer than we expected. This patient population is expected to live six to nine months. Our average survival was 13.1 months. There were some patients that were out closer to two years. The results exceeded our expectations. We are very pleased," says Dr. Vora.

The study is published in The Lancet Oncology.

Why is glioblastoma so deadly?

Glioblastoma is among the most challenging cancers to treat. The disease is aggressive and invades healthy brain tissue with hairlike tentacles. "That is why doing a complete surgery is very difficult, as compared to say breast cancer, where a lumpectomy can be performed to remove not only the tumor, but a healthy rim of tissue around it," explains Dr. Vora.

Surgery for glioblastoma presents a different set of obstacles. "When it comes to glioblastoma, it is challenging to do that level of surgery. You try to surgically remove whatever you can safely without leaving the patient worse off after surgery."

Another factor that makes glioblastoma so lethal is that it can be fast- growing and unresponsive to treatment.

"These cancer cells are quite challenging to overcome," says Dr. Vora. "There are some patients we see after their surgery, and by the time we are ready to start their treatment, they've already had a recurrence of the disease."

An estimated 14,500 people will be diagnosed with glioblastoma in the U.S this year. "In the best of circumstances the average survival rates are in the 14-15 month range. But for patients 65 and older, the group that was the focus of our study, patients do even worse. The prognosis for this population is between six and nine months," says Dr. Vora.

Symptoms of glioblastoma

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or decline in brain function
• Memory loss
• Personality changes
• Vision changes
• Speech difficulties
• Trouble with balance
• Muscle weakness
• Seizures

Attacking glioblastoma with a triad

For the clinical trial, Dr. Vora and his team mapped out a plan that would allow them to be more intentional and precise with treating the location of the glioblastoma.

The imaging incorporated the use of ¹⁸F-DOPA PET and contrast-enhanced MRI. "¹⁸F-DOPA PET is an amino acid tracer that can cross the blood brain barrier, and it can accumulate within the glioblastoma cells itself," says Dr. Vora.

Researchers combined these images to determine the location of the most metabolically active "hot spots" of the cancer in the brain.

Taking aim with proton beam therapy

Study investigators used one of the most advanced forms of radiation treatment, called proton beam therapy.

"With standard radiation, the beams go through the brain tissue, so there's an entrance dose and the exit dose. But with proton beam therapy, we dial up how deeply we want the radiation to go," explains Dr. Vora. "It drops off its energy in the tumor, and then there's basically no radiation after that. It allows us to be more preferential into the delivery of radiation and protect more of the healthy surrounding tissue."

During proton beam therapy, a patient lies on a table while the machine rotates around the patient's head targeting the tumor with an invisible beam. The patient is awake for the procedure. It is painless with many patients reporting fewer to no side effects.

Unlike traditional radiation for glioblastoma, which is typically delivered over the course of three to six weeks, treatment with proton beam therapy for the study was conducted in one to two weeks.

"I am hopeful that this is the first step of many where we can continue to move the needle and allow patients to live longer and live well," says Dr. Vora. "The goal is to improve the outcomes for our patients allowing them to spend more time with their families."

Nadya's story

2022 was a tough year for Nadya El-Afandi. She was on the verge of celebrating a long but successful battle with breast cancer.

"Out of the blue, I had a seizure. I went to the hospital, they did an MRI. After additional tests they told me the news: 'You have a glioblastoma,'" recalls Nadya. She asked her doctor if she should continue her breast cancer treatment. "He said, 'No'-meaning the glioblastoma would kill me before the breast cancer."

Nadya was not about to give up.

Nadya is a wife and mother of four children. She lives just outside of Rochester, Minnesota. "My children said to me, 'Mom, you're a unicorn. Of course you'll live.' My mother has had a number of medical conditions and we never expected her to live this long. And she's still alive and with us," says Nadya. "My children have also said, 'You've got grandma's blood in you. You will live.'"

Nadya is receiving care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. That's where she learned about a new clinical trial called SAGA, or stereotactic ablative radiation treatment for glioblastoma. The phase 2 clinical trial is building upon Dr. Vora's research and studying a larger group of patients. The study is being led by Dr. William Breen, radiation oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

It has been 15 months since Nadya began treatment for glioblastoma. So far, there is no sign the glioblastoma has returned. "Nadya has already exceeded the time that's expected time to have a tumor recurrence, and she continues to do well," says Dr. Breen. "Nadya is beyond some measures of what the average, overall survival time would be."

While Nadya's progress in encouraging, Dr. Breen says it is important to note that it is too early to draw any conclusions about safety or efficacy of this approach to treatment until the study is completed.

Meanwhile, Nadya is focused on living her life to the fullest. Fifteen months after undergoing treatment, Nadya embarked on an adventure to Hawaii, where she spent time taking helicopter tours, snorkeling and hiking.

Related articles

• Breakthrough in treatment approach showing promise in the fight against glioblastoma, the deadliest and most aggressive type of brain cancer
• (VIDEO) Focus on hope: Brescia’s Story
• All-Star pitcher Liam Hendriks shares how he closed out cancer at Mayo Clinic in Arizona
• Cancer is tough. Evelyn Owens is tougher
• https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2021/12/21/glioblastoma-in-older-adults-improving-survival-and-quality-of-life/
• https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2024/05/15/technology-clinical-trials-offer-hope-after-glioma-diagnosis/

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Joshua Abelson, a 63-year-old aviation sales and supply chain professional, has faced numerous health challenges with remarkable resilience. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Joshua now resides in Jacksonville, Florida, where he continues to inspire others with his story.

Joshua's transplant journey began in 2009 when he first noticed symptoms that led to a diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD), specifically pulmonary fibrosis, after numerous X-rays and scans. This diagnosis marked the start of a long and arduous battle with his health.

After his initial diagnosis, Joshua says, "Nothing really changed, and I was living my normal life, traveling the world for business, playing golf regularly and taking my wife dancing."

In 2016, Joshua experienced a spontaneous pneumothorax in his left lung, which required a 10-day hospital stay to reinflate and stabilize his lung. The incident was a significant setback, but Joshua's determination never wavered. "After that, I resumed my normal activities again," he says.

Early 2020 brought another challenge when Joshua and several colleagues fell ill after a business trip to China. "I got sick, and while we weren't testing for COVID-19 yet, I believe I may have had it," he says. The illness further compromised his already fragile lungs. "After that, my lung function began decreasing, and I found I could not fly without supplemental oxygen," he says.

In mid-2021, Joshua suffered a gallbladder attack and was hospitalized again. During this time, he was diagnosed with COVID-19, which further deteriorated his lung function, leading him to regularly rely on portable oxygen.

Despite those setbacks, Joshua and his wife moved to Jacksonville in late November 2023 for work. However, during a holiday visit to Texas in December 2023, he contracted pneumonia and spent several days in a Texas hospital.

Upon arriving back to Jacksonville, he made the decision to seek care at Mayo Clinic in Florida. "Living in Jacksonville, we knew we had two potential choices," says Joshua. "After doing our research and praying about it, we chose Mayo. I had my initial consultations. Everyone agreed I was a candidate, and the evaluation process started." After a thorough evaluation, he was added to the lung transplant waitlist.

"We feel that a patient's quality of life will improve significantly after transplant," says Dr. Maher Baz, division chair of Lung Failure and Transplantation at Mayo Clinic in Florida. "Because they're no longer on oxygen, they can be out and about, they can walk farther, they can go vacations and improve their survival."

Joshua received his lung transplant in August 2024. The lungs he received underwent ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) technology in which donor lungs are flushed and ventilated while being monitored in isolation. This process allows transplant programs to reevaluate lungs that would otherwise have been discarded. In collaboration with United Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic in Florida introduced EVLP to its campus in 2019.

"We have something called ex vivo lung perfusion, or EVLP," says Dr. Baz. "It is a setup where we put the donated lungs on a breathing machine and we circulate fluid in them. We test them for about three to four hours to make sure that they are good lungs. And that has increased our yield for transplantation. The benefit to the patient is a shorter waiting time because now we are identifying organs at a higher rate by using EVLP."

Today, Joshua's health has improved, and he dedicates his time to promoting organ donation awareness and supporting others on similar transplant journeys. "I feel great, and I am incredibly blessed," says Joshua. "I am in an international Facebook support group for patients and caregivers, so I have heard many stories of people who have had, and continue to have, issues from their transplant, meds and underlying conditions. I have not had any setbacks at this point. I think it's important to stress the need for prehab and rehab. Mayo provided a great opportunity for me to do both, which got me in the best shape possible before my transplant and made my recovery easier."

His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of organ donation. Joshua's journey continues to inspire and offer hope to others facing similar health challenges. "I contacted Donate Life Florida and have now become a registered volunteer to promote organ donation awareness," he says.

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A 30-year-old Michigan man can smell, swallow, blink and smile for the first time in a decade thanks to a face transplant at Mayo Clinic.

In the last 20 years, just a little more than 50 face transplants have been performed worldwide. This is the second face transplant completed at Mayo Clinic.

For Derek Pfaff, the transformational surgery has been life-changing.

Watch: Derek Pfaff's story

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (6:32) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

On the shore of Lake Huron in a small town with just one traffic light, everybody knows everybody in Harbor Beach, Michigan. A decade ago, the face of Derek Pfaff was well-known in this tight-knit community.

"He was kind of that hometown hero," says Lisa Pfaff, Derek's mother.

The son of Jerry and Lisa Pfaff, Derek was a straight-A student and captain and star running back on the school's only state championship football team.

On the night of March 5, 2014, Derek, then 19, was home from college on spring break when he decided to take his own life.

"I looked across, and the gun cabinet was open … I just … my heart dropped," says Jerry Pfaff, Derek's father.

"He does not remember getting the gun. He does not remember going outside. He does not remember shooting himself," says Lisa. "We met with the doctors, and they told us that there was no way Derek was going to make it."

But Derek did survive. "It's a miracle he lived," Lisa says.

However, most of his face was gone.

"I should have died that night. I'm thankful to be alive," Derek says.

Thankful to be alive, but after 10 years and 58 reconstructive surgeries, what remains of Derek's face is unrecognizable. He has only one eye and is unable to blink. He struggles with speaking and breathing normally, and no longer has a sense of smell. He can't chew or swallow food, and uses a feeding tube to eat.

"After my last surgery, the doctor told my parents that there's nothing more he could do except refer us to a place to get a face transplant," Derek says.

Ultimately, that place would be Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

"The thought of this surgery is our ray of hope," Lisa says.

"Life-changing for him," Jerry says.

It's a second chance at life for Derek.

"The heart is a lifesaving operation. The kidney, for the most part, is a lifesaving operation. With facial transplantation, it's a life-giving operation. You can live without it, but you're missing out on life," says Dr. Samir Mardini, surgical director of Mayo Clinic's Reconstructive Transplant Program. "Face transplant is a rare surgery. There are only a few teams around the world that are doing them."

Derek's surgery is Mayo Clinic's second face transplant and its most complex and extensive procedure to date. A face transplant replaces all or part of the face with donor tissue. Dr. Mardini estimates 85% of Derek's face needed to be replaced.

"In Derek's case, the donor tissue included part of the forehead, the upper and lower eyelids on the right side, the nose, the mouth, the upper and lower jaws — including the teeth — as well as all of the skin, muscles and nerves of the entire face and neck," says Dr. Mardini.

The most meticulous part of this complex surgery is reconnecting the many small nerves between Derek and the donor to ensure function, like eating, blinking and even smiling, is restored.

In extensive preparation for Derek's surgery, the face transplant team spent nearly nine months, including many weekends, rehearsing the procedure. Detailed scans of the face allowed the team to practice the surgery virtually. The latest technology in medical modeling and 3D printing also played a vital role in the planning and execution of the surgery.

"The restorative nature of the facial transplant makes it very complex," says Dr. Mardini.

In February 2024, a donor becomes available. Six surgeons and a multidisciplinary medical staff numbering more than 80 complete a surgical marathon lasting nearly two and a half days.

"We're trying to give Derek back functions he was missing for 10 years," says Dr. Mardini.

Still healing nearly a month after surgery — and 10 years to the day of his suicide attempt — Derek gets the first glimpse of his new face. In the months to follow, Derek has additional surgeries to refine his appearance, improve his tongue and eyelid function, and ensure the connection of nerves is working properly.

"This is not an aesthetic operation, although the side benefits of it are hugely beneficial for the aesthetics of the patient," says Dr. Mardini. "Derek is looking to be normal. He's looking to walk on the street and not have anyone notice anything on him."

As he approaches a new year in 2025, Derek is just another face in the crowd now — with a new smile.

"It makes my heart so full to see him smile and happy and just be a normal person again," Lisa says.

"It's been 10 years since you've seen a nose, lips and teeth on your son — just totally amazing, a miracle," Jerry says.

"It wasn't just Derek's face that was given. It was his other organs as well. So there were multiple recipients tied to that one donor, and that is the greatest gift that someone can make the courage and the decision to do," Lisa says.

Because of that donor's gift, Derek, now 30 years old, is ready to start the next chapter in his life.

"One day, meet someone, start a family," Derek says.

And he has found purpose as a public speaker for suicide prevention.

"Talk to someone. Tell them how you're feeling," Derek says.

"He's received so many letters that it's kind of like his calling now to continue to impact people and share," Lisa says.

"Hearing their stories and how I helped them, makes me feel pretty good," Derek says. "I lived for a reason. I want to help others anyway I can."

Related content:

• Mayo Clinic performs successful face transplant, restoring vital functions for Michigan man
• Transforming a life: Mayo Clinic announces its first face transplant
• Mayo’s first face transplant patient meets donor’s family

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At 20 years old, Brescia Dover was ready to take on the world.

She was on her way to achieving her dream of being a professional photographer.

Everything was going according to plan when her dream came to a halt. Brescia was diagnosed with cancer. With her plans for her future pushed aside, Brescia's focus was now on her health and hope.

It's an unexpected chapter facing an increasing number of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer.

Watch: Focus on hope: Brescia's Story

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (2:31) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

Brescia's dream

At 4 years old, it was clear Brescia Dover had a flare for creativity. She readily admits she was never one to miss an opportunity to play dress-up, draw pictures, or tell a story.

"Being creative has always been at the core of what I do," she says. Early on she developed a love for photography and videography. Brescia's dream was to pursue a career that allowed her to put her creative energy to work.

After high school Brescia's passion led her to college to study film and media production. She even traveled to Italy to study abroad. After her Italian adventure, Brescia returned to the U.S. to finish college. First, she went to her doctor for her annual checkup.

"I lived a really healthy, balanced lifestyle," says Brescia. "My doctor found swelling on the side of my neck. I hadn't noticed the swelling and didn't have any symptoms." Brescia was sent for an ultrasound followed by a surgical biopsy.

The diagnosis - cancer

The surgical biopsy revealed Brescia had Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare type of blood cancer. "Being diagnosed with cancer at 20 years old was so scary and I wouldn't wish that on any 20-year-old," says Brescia. "I think about the young version of me who just found out she had cancer, and I just wish I could give her a hug."

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Brescia says the news came as a shock because she felt healthy and had no family history of cancer. "It felt like there was something I could have done to prevent it, but I learned that there's nothing I could have done," says Brescia.

Being a young adult with cancer

"When I was going through college and diagnosed with cancer it was not what I was expecting," says Brescia. "Being a young adult with cancer was very hard and challenging. It is scary and can be very frightening."

At 20 years old, Brescia falls into a group of patients referred to as adolescents and young adults with cancer. AYA patients are between the ages of 15 and 39. Experts says AYA patients face a distinct set of challenges.

"One of the reasons this age group is so important is based on their life stage; the things they uniquely face, like body image, disruption in school and work, financial challenges, feeling isolation," says Dr. Allison Rosenthal, with the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Doctor and cancer survivor

Dr. Rosenthal knows firsthand the challenges AYA patients face. She was diagnosed with leukemia during medical school. "I had leukemia in medical school. There were a lot of missed opportunities in my care to recognize the issues that I might face as a 24-year-old woman," explains Dr. Rosenthal.

Putting her experience into action, Dr. Rosenthal championed Mayo Clinic's Adolescent and Young Adults with Cancer program. The program is tailored to meet the unique needs of AYA patients to include medical care, fertility concerns, social and relationship issues, school and work concerns, and the personal and emotional impact of cancer in this age group.

Brescia underwent about four months of chemotherapy treatment under the care of Dr. Rosenthal. "She did a beautiful job of explaining to me what the process was going to look like and what my treatment plan was going to look like. Because I'm so young, she walked me through the whole process," says Brescia.

Cancer-free and focused on the future

After her cancer treatments, Brescia returned to college and got her degree. She the started her own marketing agency providing social media management, videography, photography, and brand development with her personal creative touch. She also celebrated her five-year anniversary of being cancer-free.

"I also have a podcast called the Checkered Jaguar where I get to have incredible conversations with people, share their stories and connect people who may be going through similar challenges that I went through," says Brescia. "We're all in this journey together and just being open and vulnerable with my journey, as challenging as it may be, I feel like it connects me to people all around the world."

If you are someone you know would like to learn more about the Mayo Clinic Adolescent and Young Adults with Cancer Program please click this link or email us at arzayacancerprg@mayo.edu. You can also reach us at 480-574-1341.

Related articles:

• Mayo Clinic Cancer Center launches program for adolescents and young adults
• Meeting the unique needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer
• Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Support Group
• All-Star pitcher Liam Hendriks shares how he closed out cancer at Mayo Clinic in Arizona
• Cancer is tough. Evelyn Owens is tougher
• (VIDEO) Harnessing the power of innovation and a patient’s will to survive
• Jessie’s Journey

The post (VIDEO) Focus on hope: Brescia’s Story appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

At 27 years old, Shraddha Kalgutkar was told she had less than a year to live. Determined to prove everyone wrong, she turned to Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Now Shraddha is living proof of the power of innovation combined with a patient's will to survive.

Watch: Harnessing the power of innovation and a patient's will to survive

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (4:03) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script

Shraddha's Story

It was November 2022, just a month shy of her 28th birthday.

Shraddha was wrapping up another day at the medical clinic where she worked as an occupational therapist. Shraddha's job was to help patients regain the ability to perform day-to-day activities following a health challenge like a surgery.

Suddenly that afternoon, Shraddha became the patient who needed help.

"My co-worker looked at me and said, 'Why is your hand all purple and blue?'" Shraddha says. She admits she had been feeling exceptionally tired as of late, but attributed it to a thyroid condition.

Her co-worker checked Shraddha's vital signs and found her blood oxygen level was dangerously low. "I remember her saying, 'If this is right, you wouldn't even be standing.'" A repeat test showed the same result. "The next thing I remember was we were on our way to the hospital," says Shraddha.

At the hospital doctors began looking for the cause of Shraddha's low blood oxygen level. A series of tests traced Shraddha's condition all the way back to the day she was born.

"When I was born, doctors said I had fatty liver, but they didn't know why so they called it 'undiagnosed,'" says Shraddha. "The doctors thought it wouldn't be a problem because the liver has a tendency to heal itself." It didn't. Shraddha grew up seemingly in perfect health, unaware that her liver disease was silently doing damage to her body.

A little girl with a big dream

Shraddha was born in Mumbai, India which is often called the "City of Dreams." At a young age, Shraddha had big dreams of her own. She wanted to pursue a career in the medical field that would allow her to help others.

Every year Shraddha went to the doctor for her routine physical. Each time she was given a clean bill of health. "I used to do blood tests, but everything always looked good," says Shraddha. Still, the question of what caused her congenital liver condition lingered in her mind.

"I didn't have a family history of any liver condition. I've never had alcohol in my life," says Shraddha. "There was always a question mark. I needed to find out why this happened to me."

At 23, Shraddha became the first person in her family to leave India and go to the U.S. to attend college. She studied occupational therapy and got her master's degree at the University of Southern California. After college, Shraddha found her dream job at a medical clinic in California.

'You have less than a year to live'

All was going well until Shraddha began to noticed she was unusually tired. "When my sister came to visit she noticed I got tired after walking short distances. I went to the doctor and they thought maybe it was my thyroid," recalls Shraddha.

Then came the day her hands turned purple and her blood oxygen level mysteriously dropped. "My co-worker is a nurse so she got the oximeter and checked and it was 78%," says Shraddha. "And I was like, No, that's not possible because I wouldn't be alive." Shraddha's co-worker checked again, looked at the reading and said, "That's it, you have to go to the hospital."

A series of tests at the hospital revealed shocking results. Shraddha's liver condition had silently led to a more serious condition called hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome

Hepatopulmonary syndrome is caused when liver disease shunts blood away from the lungs preventing the body from getting the appropriate amount of oxygen. Doctors told Shraddha the only way she would survive is with a liver transplant. However, she says she was told her condition was so severe and the risk so high, that she would likely not survive a transplant.

She was denied the transplant and given less than a year to live.

"I told the doctors 'that just can't be. I can't have just one year with nothing to bring to this world. I have not served my purpose,'" recalls Shraddha.

Refusing to give up, Shraddha turned to Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

"More than 40% of her blood was being shunted away from her lungs. Because of that she had extremely low oxygen levels in her blood," explains Bashar Aqel, M.D., director of the Transplant Center at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. "Shraddha's case was one of the most severe cases of liver disease and hepatopulmonary syndrome."

Saving Shraddha

The liver transplant was Shraddha's only hope for survival. "Without a transplant, this disease was progressive and fatal. We don't like to use this word, but it is a very progressive disease," says Dr. Aqel. "There was no other cure than a liver transplant."

Dr. Aqel and his multidisciplinary team of experts at Mayo Clinic went to work on a strategy to save Shraddha. The team came up with a plan using a combination of some of the latest cutting-edge technologies in medicine.

"Liver in a box"

Transplanting any organ is a race agains the clock. Every second the donor organ is outside the body it begins to break down. Surgeons only have a limited time window to transplant the organ. Due to the complexity of Shraddha's case, Dr. Aqel's team knew they would need extra time. They decided to use one of the latest medical breakthroughs in transplant often referred to as "liver in a box."

Traditionally donor organs are kept cold until transplanted. "Liver in a box" uses a warm organ preservation method. The organ is placed in a container that pumps oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood through the liver simulating conditions in the human body. The innovative perfusion system gives surgeons more time to perform the transplant.

"Having the donor "liver in a box" allowed the donor liver to stay healthy while we performed this complex surgery," says Dr. Aqel.

Currently, this warm perfusion technology is primarily being used for heart, lungs and liver transplants.

Saving lives with mobile ECMO

The next challenge was how to keep Shraddha's blood oxygen levels stable after her transplant. Dr. Aqel's team turned to a device called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO. The device often is used when the lungs aren't working properly. ECMO helps with the appropriate gas exchange that must occur to keep the body's blood oxygen level safe.

"It helps in getting oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood through the machine," explains Ayan Sen, M.D., medical director of Mayo Clinic's Intensive Care Unit in Arizona. "It helped us while her lungs recovered after her transplant."

The Mayo team also used one of the newest advancements in ECMO where the device is mobile.

"The best part of the mobile ECMO was that we do it in a way where she could actually walk around with the machine so that we could continue with her physical therapy, which is so important for the healing process after such a complex surgery," says Dr. Sen.

Shraddha was in the ICU for nearly two months. With mobile ECMO she walked nearly every day.

Dr. Sen says mobile ECMO has proved to be a game-changer in critical cases like Shraddha's.

"It is technology that has really expanded from what surgeons do when they do heart surgeries and transplants where now we can do this to save lives at any place that is not a complex environment, like the ICU or the operating rooms," explains Dr. Sen.

Mobile ECMO has become a lifesaving medical breakthrough for many patients.

"It has enabled us to raise the bar when it comes to saving people, who, until now, could not have been saved in the absence of this heart-lung machine," says Dr. Sen.

A team of highly specialized experts escorted Shraddha on her daily walks, meticulously monitoring her vital signs. Each step required Shraddha to muster every bit of strength she had.

"From the first day, I thought even if it pains me, if it hurts, even if it feels impossible, I still need to put that step forward to do something better today than yesterday," recalls Shraddha.

'Mayo's mission is now my purpose'

Almost two years after her harrowing experience, Shraddha is healthy and back at work. She continues her daily walks, only now, at the beach, in solitude, reflecting on how her own experience can make her a better healthcare professional.

"Mayo Clinic doesn't like to say no. They set out to achieve the unachievable," says Shraddha. "My goal is to treat patients as they do, making them a priority."

Shraddha says words of thanks alone are not enough to convey her gratitude.

"Dr. Aqel and his team achieved something for me that everyone else thought was impossible," says Shraddha. "It was a gift. I will keep the mission of Mayo Clinic in mind when I am serving my patients. My purpose now is to put forward their purpose and help someone else."

Related articles:

• Heart Transplant Innovation: New ‘heart in a box’ technology provides gift of life to Arizona man, as couple prepares to celebrate 50-year anniversary
• Breaking barriers: Helping Native Americans in need get the gift of life
• Organ Transplant Innovation: Helping more people get the gift of life

The post (VIDEO) Harnessing the power of innovation and a patient’s will to survive appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Sharon Conoley had been feeling anxious since she received a diagnosis of a large kidney stone in a solitary kidney. But once she made the decision to drive the 400 miles to seek care at Mayo Clinic in Florida, her worries gave way to a sense of peace and comfort.

Sharon Conoley and her husband have always been an active couple. Their shared love of running brought them together in college. And over the years, they’ve kept pace with each other in running and in life.

When they traded running for long-distance hiking, they began enjoying many hikes on the Appalachian Trail together — until, one day, Sharon started experiencing pain in her lower back.

She made an appointment with her chiropractor to investigate the discomfort. An X-ray revealed an unexpected culprit: a large kidney stone.

"Sharon, this is one for the textbooks," her chiropractor told her.

A follow-up visit with her primary care physician and an ultrasound confirmed the presence of the stone.

A close friend who is a nephrologist advised Sharon to see a kidney stone specialist.

Sharon initially sought care in her home state of North Carolina in January 2024. The stone specialist she consulted with seemed surprised by the size and location of the stone, especially given that Sharon had only one kidney.

It soon became clear that the size and location of Sharon's kidney stone would prove to pose more complications than she wanted.

Concerns about risky procedure

The local doctor indicated the best approach for Sharon's case was a percutaneous nephrolithotomy — a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones through a small incision in the side of the body. The specialist explained the procedure and the risks involved, which included a high risk of bleeding during the surgery and up to 10 days following the procedure. Sharon would also face the possibility of a blood transfusion and the risk of losing her only kidney.

Sharon came away from the visit with many concerns. She had always focused on healthy lifestyle choices — including a vegetarian diet and daily exercise — and did not understand why this was happening. All lab results indicated that she had excellent kidney function, but the stone was large and posed a danger.

Sharon shared her concerns with a neighbor, who recommended that she seek a second opinion at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic employs the most competent, patient-centered staff members of any institution I have visited. Sharon Conoley

He said, "I have a niece who works at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She’s the most wonderful patient advocate and the kindest person you will ever meet."

Within 48 hours, that niece — Sara Lee, a communications manager — connected Sharon with staff at Mayo Clinic in Florida to begin the process of becoming a new patient.

Traveling for a second opinion

Mayo Clinic's Nephrology Department contacted Sharon, listened to her concerns, and helped her begin her treatment journey. She says she felt at peace in her earliest interactions with Mayo staff and decided to make an appointment and travel 400 miles to Jacksonville to see firsthand what Mayo Clinic was all about. 

Every facet of her visit impressed her, from the cleanliness of the facilities and grounds to the caring and accommodating nature of every person she met.

"Mayo Clinic employs the most competent, patient-centered staff members of any institution I have visited," says Sharon, who managed senior living communities for 30 years.

She specifically recalls an interaction with a Mayo Clinic's Food Services director she met during her initial visit to the on-site café. Sharon was impressed by his credentials and experience in food service management. She also appreciated that he took the time to discuss the menu and answer her questions about a renal diet, even offering a brochure with nutritional specifics.

After her in-person visit, Sharon met virtually with Raymond Pak, M.D., chair of the Department of Urology, to discuss the steps required for removing the kidney stone.

They were determined to provide comfort and minimize the risk of neck issues occurring during the procedure. They were unbelievable.Sharon Conoley

Despite feeling like she would be in good hands at Mayo Clinic, Sharon backed out of the procedure many times.

"With excellent kidney function, why should I subject my kidney to surgery to remove this large stone and risk losing the only kidney that I have?" she would ask herself.

Yet Sharon knew that the stakes were high if the kidney stone moved and resulted in a blockage. She could risk losing the kidney and subsequently require a kidney transplant. She trusted the Mayo team and knew that there was only one choice.

Reflecting on empathetic, personalized care

In May, Sharon had surgery to remove the kidney stone.

She remembers how the medical team demonstrated care and compassion toward her from the moment she arrived.

On her pre-op day, she met Leigh Midkiff, a physician assistant, who provided the reassurance Sharon needed to proceed with the procedure.

"I could hear in her voice how important this surgery was to both her and my surgeon," Sharon says. "She acknowledged that I had only one kidney and the importance of completing the surgery with absolute precision. She put me completely at peace with everything."

On the day of surgery, the Interventional Radiology team took extra time to personalize Sharon's care.

"I shared with the team that, after many years of running, I developed mild degenerative disc changes in my neck," she says. "When I mentioned this, the team immediately began creating a cervical device out of foam for my neck. They placed the device, then made modifications, placed it again, and modified it again. This process continued, adding at least 10–15 minutes to my time in Interventional Radiology. The team could have said, 'We need to get this show on the road,' but they were determined to provide comfort and minimize the risk of neck issues occurring during the procedure. They were unbelievable."

She was met with the same extraordinary level of care when she proceeded to the operating room.

Sensing Sharon's apprehension about anesthesia, the anesthesiologist asked her what he could do to make her less fearful.

"He offered at least four different approaches to anesthesia. He said, 'There are many ways we can do this, so let me know what you're most comfortable with,'" Sharon says. "He introduced and demonstrated each approach to anesthesia. This personalized care added 5–10 minutes of accommodation. I will never forget the kindness and empathy of this person. It meant so much to me."

You can hire employees and teach them a new job, but you cannot teach them to care. Mayo Clinic has accomplished all these things in such an amazing way.Sharon Conoley

Finally, in recovery, she had the most meaningful surprise of all.

Weeks before the procedure, Sharon had lunch with her former employees and mentioned her upcoming surgery — including her fears and anxieties.

One of Sharon's former colleagues offered to reach out to a friend, Susan McMillen, who is a nurse at Mayo to see if she might be able to check on Sharon during her hospitalization.

"I said that would be nice, but I wasn’t sure what, if anything, would come of that conversation," Sharon says.

She soon learned differently.

"This nurse had changed her schedule so that she could care for me," Sharon says. "It was the sweetest thing. She was so kind and patient. Each time she left my room, she would reassure me that she was nearby."

Those simple gestures moved Sharon to tears.

McMillen was touched to hear Sharon had such positive things to say about her care at Mayo. She says her approach to nursing is to treat her patients how she would like herself or her loved ones to be treated if they were in the hospital bed.

"It is meaningful to hear such kind words from any patient, but when it comes from someone entrusted to my care via a friend's recommendation, that is even more special," McMillen says. "Sometimes in nursing, a thank you doesn't come along often, but it is gratifying when it does."

Returning to the trails

Five days after her surgery, Sharon returned to Mayo Clinic for the removal of her nephrostomy tube, a thin, flexible tube that drains urine from the kidney through an opening in the lower back.

Afterward, she began her journey home.

Now, nearly three months later, Sharon says she is feeling wonderful. She is back into gardening. She has started hiking again on the Appalachian Trail and plans to start trail running soon. Next year, she and her husband plan to tackle a few trails in the Greek Islands.

Sharon says she is grateful to Mayo Clinic and "a team of prayer warriors" for making it possible for her to continue having these adventures.

"It gives me such confidence knowing that a medical institution is out there setting the bar so high and consistently delivering exceptional care," Sharon says. "I have never experienced a place that can prioritize the patient's needs, as well as Mayo Clinic. My sentiment remains: You can hire employees and teach them a new job, but you cannot teach them to care. Mayo Clinic has accomplished all these things in such an amazing way."

The post Patient drives 400 miles for second opinion, kidney stone surgery at Mayo Clinic in Florida  appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Blink and you'll miss Cheryl Robinson going in and out of rooms and preparing each for patients. Her speed is matched by her dedication as a volunteer and the compassion shown toward those seeking care on the Hematology/Oncology floor in Florida.

A former commercial insurance professional, Cheryl’s journey took a heartfelt turn when she became a caregiver to her husband, Jim Robinson. Their love story, rooted in shared struggles and triumphs, inspired Cheryl’s commitment to volunteerism at Mayo Clinic, where Jim once received his care.

"I just remember walking into the clinic the first time and thinking, 'Wow, when I retire, I want to volunteer at Mayo and wear that smock,'" says Cheryl.

Cheryl and Jim’s bond was fortified through adversity. Jim, who bravely navigated the challenges of global aphasia and leukemia, found solace and expression in drawing. His artwork became a symbol of hope for Cheryl, who supported him unwaveringly. The couple’s daily routine, punctuated by Jim’s 7 a.m. drawing sessions, was a testament to their resilience.

Volunteering at Mayo Clinic

The loss of Jim in the fall of 2023 left a void in Cheryl’s life, but it also planted the seeds of a new purpose. After retiring in January 2024, she followed her dream and became a Mayo Clinic volunteer.

"Going to work was an outlet for me, and being a caretaker gave me a feeling of being appreciated,” says Cheryl. "I knew I needed those things in my life, so to find that volunteering at Mayo Clinic has been fulfilling."

Cheryl’s presence on Mangurian 3, where she volunteers four hours weekly, is more than just a helping hand; it’s a legacy in the making. Her tasks are straightforward yet vital: prepping rooms, stocking supplies and cleaning. These actions are reminiscent of the care she saw while taking Jim to appointments.

"Over the years, I would see Cheryl with her husband while he went through treatment for leukemia, then follow-ups when he went into remission," says Sikander Ailawadhi, M.D., Hematology/Oncology. "I've seen Cheryl transform from her husband's caretaker to really providing care and service to our patients and staff. It's a remarkable and selfless gift."

Staff recognize her dedication, and she finds joy in the difference she makes, honoring Jim’s memory and serving others. As she moves through Mayo Clinic, memories of Jim, especially her interactions with his former care team members, stir deep emotions and strengthen her resolve to serve.

About Mayo Clinic volunteers

Mayo Clinic Volunteer Services is a group of talented, giving and compassionate people who offer comfort and support to Mayo Clinic's patients and visitors.

Apply to become a Mayo Clinic volunteer.

The post Cheryl Robinson volunteering on the same floor where her husband received cancer care appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.