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Each year, In the Loop, like many of the world’s great news organizations, looks back and shares some favorite stories of the year gone by. It’s an edifying exercise, and it gives us a story to publish around the holidays that doesn’t feel like work. (Especially when we use the same clever packaging every year.)
Since we’re not a particularly scientific lot, we simply pick our own favorites from the past year. Then we whittle our list down to a reasonable number that happens to line up with the year in question. So, without further ado, here are 17 of our favorite Mayo tales from 2017:
After 60 Years of Service, Sister Lauren Becomes Official
Not much surprises Sister Lauren Weinandt, who has witnessed many big changes at Mayo Clinic during her six decades of service. A recent change, however, caught her off guard.
'Do You Think That Could Happen – A Wedding in the Hospital?'
Amy Cierzan-Shaw was determined to see her daughter get married, despite a devastating cancer diagnosis months before the wedding. When her care team realized time was not on Amy's side, they brought the wedding to her.
Angel Gowns Turn Bridal Gowns Into Priceless Gifts for Infants and Their Families
Mayo nurses put their hearts into making beautiful dresses they hope no one will ever wear.
Makeover is Good Medicine for Young Cancer Patient
Clarissa Sanchez hadn't had much to smile about since being diagnosed with cancer. But a special makeover at Mayo Clinic's Proton Beam Therapy Program brought her smile back.
Pumpkin Pie and Doing Whatever It Takes for Patients
Care-givers often go to great lengths to comfort their patients. When a terminally ill woman said she'd like to enjoy one last piece of pumpkin pie with a good cup of coffee, her care team sprang into action.
Nurse Practitioner's Gift to Family of Dying Patient: Songs That Comfort and Heal
LaSonya Fleming is a nurse practitioner and a talented vocalist who believes music can heal. In one special case, she learned how powerful it can be.
Helping Pediatric Patients Round Third, Head for Home in Fight Against Cancer
Four-year-old Knox Olafson was recently given the opportunity to run the bases at Target Field, thanks to Brighter Tomorrows. His trek around the bases stole the hearts of those who got to witness it.
Andy Romaniuk Is a One-Man Walking Polka Party
More than 30 years ago, Andy Romaniuk took his doctor's advice and started walking. He hasn't stopped since, logging thousands of miles, and recently added polka music to the mix.
Series of 'Miracles' Brings Liberian Boy to Minnesota for Life-Changing Surgery
Sampson was an outcast in his village. Thanks to a series of miracles, he would get the care he needs.
Care Team Honors Dying Patient's Last Minutes of Life
When a military veteran nearing the end of his life requested an American flag be placed over him for comfort, staff went to work to fulfill his last wish.
Patient Afraid to Leave His Wife Alone Finds Answer in Tammy Rew
When a patient's wife with early-stage Alzheimer's disease became confused during the patient's medical appointment, Tammy Rew stepped in to help.
Bear Hunt Reunites Young Cancer Patient and His Furry Friend
Social media recently used its powers for good, with a little help from Mayo staff, when it helped reunite a young cancer patient with his lost teddy bear.
No. 1 Fan Scores Meet-and-Greet With Luke Bryan, Courtesy of Fan Club of Her Own
When Jennie Geurts came in for a recent appointment, her care team surprised her with something unexpected. Call it the Luke Bryan Treatment.
On Her Own Journey Lucy Bernas Helps Others Heal
When surgery to treat sinus cancer left Lucy Bernas unable to eat or speak, she came to Mayo Clinic for healing. Along the way, she's proven to be a healer herself.
'Joyce the Barista' Pours Her Last (Official) Cup of Love
After more than 10 years of serving up much more than just coffee, one of Mayo Clinic's most beloved baristas called it a career.
A Dance to Celebrate Beating the Odds
Sometimes a patient's story is so moving that it's impossible not to be affected. Jonathan Morris, M.D., explains why a moment he witnessed at a fundraising event is one he'll never forget.
Surgeon Operates on Stuffed Dog to Ease Young Patient's Fears
A Mayo Clinic care team recently performed a simulated surgery on a young patient's stuffed dog to help ease the patient's fears about his own post-operative care.
