Patient Stories

Child Life staff make sure the holidays are special for Mayo's youngest patients through visits from Santa, a balloon brigade and gifts galore. But they couldn't do it alone. Find out how Mayo staff, community members, and former patients and their families come together to make holiday magic.

By In the Loop • December 28, 2023

Christina Wika, D.O., learned she had leukemia a week and a half before her wedding. Treatment plans took over wedding plans, until her care team[...]

By Hoyt Finnamore • December 8, 2023

From a giant pumpkin to costumes for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, Mayo Clinic's Child Life Program brought Halloween to the hospital for[...]

By In the Loop • November 1, 2023

When local doctors told him he had cancer but could not find the source, Gary McCracken traveled to Mayo Clinic searching for answers. Three years[...]

By In the Loop • October 27, 2023

For almost eight years, pain ruled Jennifer Mokos' life, robbing her even of the ability to eat and walk. The Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center helped her get back to living the life she loved. 

By In the Loop • October 10, 2023

Before Amie Christiansen passed away from cancer, she told her daughter there was one thing she wished she'd been able to do: Ring a bell signifying the end of her treatment. Amie's care team found a way to honor that wish.

By In the Loop • September 26, 2023

At just 3 years old, Cadence Rohrbaugh was diagnosed with epilepsy. Her seizures, up to 12 a day, threatened to limit her future. But thanks to her Mayo Clinic care team, Cadence went on to graduate from high school with honors and has started college. She celebrated with a special guest at her grad party.

By In the Loop • August 28, 2023

When she started noticing abnormalities in her son's speech development, Allison Schley sprang into action. She shares how Ben is now confident and thriving, thanks[...]

By In the Loop • August 25, 2023

Decades of incorrect diagnoses and debilitating symptoms led Karie Lother to Mayo Clinic, first as a patient and eventually as a remote staff member. She shares how Mayo Clinic restored her hope and her health.

By Axel Gumbel • July 21, 2023

After receiving a lifesaving liver transplant, Juan Sanchez was inspired to come to work at Mayo Clinic. Now he's pursuing opportunities he never imagined. Read[...]

By In the Loop • July 17, 2023