Patient Stories
January 24, 2023
Mayo Clinic chaplain travels 500 miles to baptize special patient
Mayo Clinic chaplains don’t often perform baptisms. But when Zach Lovig was asked to perform Annley Wentz’s baptism, he felt the need to say yes. Lovig had provided spiritual care for Annley and her family for 543 days. Introducing her to her faith community at home was an honor he couldn’t refuse. One sunny day […]
January 13, 2023
Leaning on her team, patient comes out stronger after double-lung transplant
By In the Loop 
A year ago, Tiffany Eyrich had complications from COVID and lost a baby she never got to meet. She wasn’t sure she’d see another holiday season. But thanks to her Mayo Clinic care team, she again was able to embrace the most wonderful time of the year. After spending Christmas 2021 fighting for her life, […]
Tags: ECMO, Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, Tiffany Eyrich, transplant
January 3, 2023
Theresa Ingram broke bone after bone until Mayo physicians solved her mystery
By In the Loop
Formerly healthy, Theresa Ingram was unable to find answers to why she broke bone after bone. Then she connected with Irina Bancos, M.D., and Jamie Van Gompel, M.D., at Mayo Clinic, who identified the culprit. For years, Theresa Ingram mysteriously endured a slate of serious injuries. A slight bump sent her into the emergency room […]
Tags: Cushing disease, Dr. Irina Bancos, Dr. Jamie Van Gompel
November 14, 2022
Reflecting on a decision that ‘dictated the course of our lives’
By In the Loop
Ten years ago, Lori Hansen had a heart attack and later went into cardiac arrest. The team that saved her life that night — and in the weeks ahead — “dictated the course of our lives,” daughter, Jessica, says. The family is deeply grateful for the men and women who make sacrifices in their own […]
Tags: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Dr. Gurpreet Sandhu, Dr. Nicole Sandhu, ECMO
November 10, 2022
Every smile has a story: Cleft palate graduation ceremony honors littlest patients, parents
By In the Loop
Cleft palate treatment requires months of appointments and surgery. The team that helps care for patients with cleft palate found a way to infuse a little joy in the process, holding graduation ceremonies for little ones finishing their first phase of treatment. Sarah Franzen still chokes up when she talks about her 20-week ultrasound. That’s […]
Tags: Cleft lip and cleft palate, Dr. Chad Rasmussen, Dr. Uldis Bite
October 28, 2022
Caren Shank knows organ donation firsthand, works to ensure more families receive gift of life
By In the Loop
When Caren Shank’s husband Steve had a lung transplant, she was beside him every step of the way. Her experience with organ donation inspired her to work for LifeSource, connecting with Mayo Clinic staff to increase organ donation rates so more families have more time with the people they love. Caren Shank was there when […]
October 26, 2022
Mayo’s first bone marrow transplant recipient, donor join celebration of 10,000th transplant
By In the Loop
Nancy McLain and Bonnie Engesmoe were 10 years old when they became the first bone marrow donor and recipients at Mayo Clinic. Bonnie donated her bone marrow to her identical twin, which cured Nancy of aplastic anemia and allowed her to live a long and happy life. Nearly 60 years later, Nancy and Bonnie returned […]
Tags: Bone Marrow Transplant, Dr. Robert Kyle, Dr. William Hogan
October 18, 2022
Calm in eye of two storms: Couple’s hospital wedding during Ian, after devastating diagnosis
By In the Loop
Brian and Andrea Haney thought they would get married “someday.” Then Brian was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. During the storm of Brian’s diagnosis, and while Hurricane Ian descended on Florida, the couple decided someday was now. Mayo Clinic staff rallied to help mark their commitment. As Hurricane Ian raged outside, Andrea and Brian […]
Tags: Angela Majerus, Becky Spee, Dr. Ryan Chadha, LaWanda Banks, Liz Mattson, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Palliative Care, Patient Experience, Tammie Massey
September 29, 2022
Nurse practitioner helps young patient heal with the help of four-legged friends
By In the Loop
Shortly after Nathan Ruhland arrived at Mayo Clinic, Marty Unruh, DNP, showed his patient — a fellow dog lover — a picture of his dog dressed in scrubs, with a stethoscope around his neck. Dr. Ervin, the goldendoodle, would come to play an important role in young Nathan’s time at Mayo. When Marty Unruh, DNP, arrived […]
September 20, 2022
Say cheeseburger: Speech pathologist’s treat/reward for stroke patient puts a smile on his face
By In the Loop
After 27-year-old Taylor Suhr had a stroke, he needed to relearn how to do many things he’d taken for granted, including talking and eating. Speech pathologist Jordan Alvarez helped him regain those abilities, and when it was safe to do so, rewarded him with the cheeseburger he’d been craving. Taylor Suhr thought he was dying. […]