Lucy’s Story: The BIG Day…Lucy Gets a PET Scan

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

When we last left off with Lucy she was receiving regularly scheduled chemo treatments. The next step for her is a PET scan. This is a very anxious time for Lucy and her family as the PET scan will tell her doctors if the chemo treatments are working/defeating her cancer. The video is a little dark because the room where she receives a radioactive injection (more on this in the video) is meant to relax Lucy as is the actual PET scan room…

Share your Aurora story – you can even upload photos and video!

Learn more about the Aurora Cancer Care program.

Jim Hubert – Aurora VAD and Heart Transplant Patient

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

Meet Jim Hubert. He never had a serious health problem in his life…until his heart attack. Jim went to two area hospitals before it was determined he needed to see the cardiac “A-Team,” as he puts it, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. There, they stabilized him and determined he would eventually need a heart transplant. In the meantime, however, they were able to buy him time by implanting a ventricular assist device (VAD) – another Aurora St. Luke’s specialty.

Below is a playlist of videos featuring Jim and wife Debbie talking about their experience.

UPDATE: Not long after these videos were recorded, Jim received a successful heart transplant and is currently recovering and doing very well. Learn more about Aurora Health Care’s Transplant Services Program.

To register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, visit YesIWillWisconsin.com.

‘Meeting Her Donor Family?’ (Part 6): Danielle Sommer

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

Danielle Sommer, 22, received a new heart and what she and her mother, Julie, call a “priceless gift.” She hopes that one day, she will be able to thank her donor’s family for allowing her to “make it to her next birthday.”

Learn more about Aurora Health Care’s Transplant Services Program.

To register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, visit YesIWillWisconsin.com.

‘Aurora St. Luke’s Transplant Program’ (Part 5): Danielle Sommer

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

Imagine years ago you worked at a hospital in the heart transplant department, then just recently, your own daughter needed a heart transplant and you came back to the place you once worked. Ironic? Crazy? It happened to Julie Sommer, Danielle’s mom.

Watch the video for more…

Learn more about Aurora Health Care’s Transplant Services Program.

To register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, visit YesIWillWisconsin.com.

‘Coping Parents’ (Part 4): Danielle Sommer

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

As their daughter Danielle was preparing to receive a total artificial heart in hopes for a heart transplant down the line, Julie and Dan Sommer had so much support from family and friends, their church, their employers, and the list goes on, but they had to trust in each other as well. Julie recalls how they made it through together.

Learn more about Aurora Health Care’s Transplant Services Program.

To register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, visit YesIWillWisconsin.com.

‘Dealing With Heart Problems’ (Part 3): Danielle Sommer

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

We asked Aurora heart transplant patient, Danielle, if having so many heart problems since she’s been born ever made her feel sorry for herself. Her answer is uplifting and inspiring. See the video for her explanation.

Learn more about Aurora Health Care’s Transplant Services Program.

To register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, visit YesIWillWisconsin.com.

‘Total Artificial Heart’ (Part 2): Danielle Sommer

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

At 22, Danielle Sommer, a Marfan Syndrome sufferer, had already been fitted with a pacemaker and received an aortic stent graft. But when she contracted endocarditis, a bacterial infection that attacks the heart, it’s valves and even implants (like her stent graft). Danielle was in trouble, as she says when they went to fix her heart “it was literally falling apart in their hands.”

Repairing her heart was not an option, but a total artificial heart (TAH) was and she was implanted with a CardioWest TAH which then acted as a bridge to her eventual heart transplant three weeks later.

Watch this video for more details on her amazing care at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI.

Learn more about Aurora Health Care’s Transplant Services Program.

To register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, visit YesIWillWisconsin.com.

‘Priceless Gift’ (Part 1): Meet Danielle Sommer

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

Danielle, 22, suffers from a genetic connective tissue disorder called Marfan syndrome and it has caused a lot of problems with her young heart. This is a young woman who had her advanced directives prepared by the time she was just 19!

It’s easy to take our own good health for granted and that’s why Danielle’s story is so amazing and the perfect fit for “INSPIRE.” Watch part one of the video series below and we think you’ll agree, this is one amazing young lady!

Share your Aurora story – you can even upload photos and video!

Learn more about the Aurora Cancer Care program.

Lucy’s Story: Anticipating the Upcoming PET Scan

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

We continue our video diary of Lucy as she is getting ready to receive another round of chemo after an iron infusion a few days earlier. She is excited and nervous as later in the week she will have a PET scan which will determine how her cancer has responded to all of her treatment at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI.

Share your Aurora story – you can even upload photos and video!

Learn more about the Aurora Cancer Care program.

Lucy’s Story: Kudos to Kopp’s for Being an Understanding Employer

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Peter.Balistrieri

If you’ve ever had custard or one of the giant burgers at Kopp’s, you know why people love the place so much, but now there’s another reason to love them – they know how to treat their employees, like Lucy. Other employers should be inspired to emulate Kopps’ approach with Lucy as an employee who’s been diagnosed with cancer and in need of flexibility to receive treatments. Kudos to you Mr. Kopp and your managers!

Share your Aurora story – you can even upload photos and video!

Learn more about the Aurora Cancer Care program.