Patient Stories
Yeroon Melaku's daughter, Beki, gained hearing at age 9 thanks to the Mayo care team that gave her a chance with a cochlear implant. Today, the nursing station technician expresses her gratitude for the life-changing operation.
Christa Romero had battled Crohn's disease for nearly a decade before her surgery to remove her colon. Throughout her time as a patient, she's grown close with her surgeon and Mayo care team — so close, in fact, the team threw her a surprise birthday party last month while she was recovering.
On Father's Day in 2023, Elizabeth Murphy's father had a heart attack. After initially receiving treatment at another facility, he was transferred to Mayo Clinic — to Murphy's unit. The experience helped her see her colleagues and her patients through new eyes.
When an ultrasound technician informed Kalyn and Derek Heimerl that their baby had spina bifida, they were shocked. Six weeks later, they traveled to Rochester for a prenatal spinal closure procedure. Today, Landon is an adventurous and happy-go-lucky toddler who brings joy to everyone he meets.
After a tragic car accident took their son Cameron's life, Sarah and Arlin Fisher donated his organs to save others — a decision they knew Cameron would have wanted. Still grieving, the Fishers found comfort in meeting Cameron's organ recipients, connecting with Mayo's transplant team, and operating their nonprofit, Crosses for Cameron.
Inspired by her career in nursing and passion for helping others, Ally Weaver registered to be a kidney donor in July 2023. Today, her kidney lives inside a man in New Mexico, who says he is eternally grateful for her selflessness.
Madi and Sydney Rippy each received a heart transplant at just 3 years of age. In the years since, the sisters have spent countless hours with their care teams at Mayo Clinic. "To them, their providers are family," says their mom, Linsey. In gratitude for the care they've received and in support of other families, the Rippys have spearheaded a toy drive for Mayo Clinic Children's Center for the past 13 years.
John Maxcy believes it's an honor to be an organ donor. He should know. He's given the gift of life twice.
Dave McClain sustained life-threatening injuries after falling from a 14-foot ladder in October 2023. Thanks to his care at Mayo Clinic, he is nearly back from his injuries and has returned to work as a network engineer.
When Kirk Mathers was diagnosed with cancer, he was terrified. But he was also determined to make his experience mean something. He did just that by creating custom T-shirts – and by getting a series of tattoos that continue to spark conversations.