Mother of five grateful for care after life-threatening pregnancy condition
After a rare and life-threatening diagnosis of placenta accreta during her fifth pregnancy, Taryn Apodaca underwent a carefully planned C-section and hysterectomy to safely deliver her son.
Taryn is deeply grateful for the experience that reaffirmed her love for motherhood.
Wisconsin father gives daughter second chance at life
After a surprise medical diagnosis of their adopted infant daughter, Ellie, Sean Eiles became a living liver donor to save her life, less than a year into parenthood.
A UW Health transplant team at American Family Children’s Hospital performed the successful dual surgeries, allowing Ellie to recover and thrive.
Child’s rare condition diagnosed after 14 years
After 14 years of searching for answers to her son Treyson’s developmental delays, Danelle McGuire finally received a diagnosis through advanced genetic testing at the UW Undiagnosed Disease Program.
Treyson was found to have an extremely rare neurodevelopmental disorder, bringing both relief and clearer direction for his care.
Precision medicine gives Illinois man more time to do the things he loves
After retiring from a decades-long career, John Chase was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, later found to be linked to a rare ALK gene mutation.
Thanks to targeted therapy and care from UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center Rockford, Chase has been able to manage the disease, continue acting in local theater and make lasting memories.
Heart transplant allows Wisconsin father to get back on the basketball court
After being diagnosed with acute heart failure in his late 30s, Patrick Leigh spent eight years preparing for the heart transplant he knew he eventually needed.
Thanks to the UW Health Transplant Center, Patrick received a new heart, made a fast recovery and returned to work and playing basketball just months later.
Experimental cell therapy treats first Sjögren’s disease patient
Julianne McGowan, who suffers from severe dry mouth due to Sjögren’s disease, became the first person in the world to recieve a novel stem cell therapy developed by UW-Madison researchers aiming to restore salivary gland function.
Led by Dr. Sara McCoy, this groundbreaking clinical trial offers hope for lasting relief.
Multidisciplinary approach, surgery gives grandfather gift of time with granddaughter
Motivated by a desire to be more involved in his granddaughter’s life, Jim Breitzman lost over 170 pounds with the help of the UW Health osteoarthritis program, making him eligible for long-awaited knee replacement surgery.
Milwaukee mother thankful for a second chance at life after lung transplant
After contracting COVID-19 for the third time, Wanda Welch’s health rapidly declined, ultimately requiring her to be airlifted to Madison for a double-lung transplant.
Welch has made a strong recovery and now advocates for organ donation while resuming her active life.
Trombone helps synchronize patient and surgeon during brain procedure
When musician Brian Rust’s hand tremors threatened his ability to play the trombone, he underwent deep brain stimulation surgery at UW Health.
The surgery was a success, allowing Rust to return to music and inspiring others to explore advanced treatment options.
Novel procedure has kept Beaver Dam woman stroke free for 15 years
After years of debilitating strokes caused by Moyamoya disease, 5-year-old Danielle Storhoff became the first patient to undergo a groundbreaking brain surgery developed by UW Health doctors.
The procedure stopped her strokes while also sparking cognitive and physical recovery, paving the way for an active life.