Remarkable patients. Incredible stories.

Siblings Mary Jo and Joe Pankratz are incredibly grateful for the extra time they got to spend with their father, Jack. They also participate in a new UW Health program designed to catch pancreatic cancer in certain people before it becomes deadly. 

To minimize her risk later in life, Melissa Stucky wanted a double mastectomy after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After seeking a second opinion from UW Health Northern Illinois, she could not be happier with the medical and cosmetic results.

Seeking a second opinion paid off for Melissa 

In her late 30s, Kara Bercher was diagnosed with a rare cancer that affects smooth muscle tissue. She chooses not to live in fear, embracing the little joys in life, with plenty of support from her UW Health cancer care team. 

Kara Bercher standing over a mountain bike on a desert road

Imagine completing medical school with a rare liver disease and  undergoing three liver transplants in two years. Thanks to UW Health’s liver transplant team, this really happened for Nathan Baggett.

Nathan and Ann Bagget kissing their baby, Lucy, in front of a tree

Nathan finishes medical school, thanks to liver transplant

Dr. Aji Djamali, a former UW Health transplant physician who often thought of donating one of his own kidneys finally found the perfect recipient: His own patient, John Jartz. The close bond between John and Dr. Aji Djamali will always be unbreakable.

Dr. Arjang “Aji” Djamali and John Jartz

Transplant doctor 'walks the walk' with living kidney donation

The word “gratitude” doesn’t begin to capture what Jeff Livingston feels to be alive. Thanks to UW Health’s Transplant Center, Jeff has survived a life-threatening infection, an artificial heart surgery, and separate heart and kidney transplants. 

Jeff and Jennifer Livingston smiling and holding each other in a snowy setting

Jeff Livingston gains a new life with his wife by his side

Diagnosed with end-stage heart failure, Dorothy Perpich had one last chance to live. It came in the form of a battery-powered pump implanted by UW Health’s heart failure team. 

Dorothy Perpich standing at a scenic overlook with mountains in the background

Thanks to blood-pump devices, Dorothy overcomes setbacks — and relishes every day 

Diagnosed with a defective aortic valve in her heart, Holly Herlitzke is breathing a lot easier these days, thanks to surgery performed at UW Health known as the Ross procedure. 

Holly Herlitzke underwent a Ross Procedure surgery at UW Health to replace her aortic valve.

At the age of 38, Joe had a heart attack. He had emergency treatment at UW Health. That treatment and the support he received through our cardiac rehabilitation program gave him a new lease on life.

Joe Servick had a heart attack at age 38 and has since found success with the UW Health cardiac rehabilitation team

Through treatment and beyond, UW Health is here for you

For more than two decades, Nathan Petesch has put on a staggering amount of mileage — not only on his cars but his body.

A man in sunglasses standing on a track at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Hip preservation surgery has Coach Petesch running better than ever

In his 69 years, Tom Nickel has fought more than his share of health battles.

Nearly six decades after first receiving care at UW, Susan's journey came full circle when she returned for a knee replacement procedure.

Knee replacement surgery brings Susan full circle

After suffering a highly traumatic head injury, Michael Smithback came home from the hospital just 19 days after his wife, Nicole, thought she might never see him alive again. The Smithbacks are eternally grateful to UW Health’s neurosurgery team for saving Michael. 

Nicole, Evelyn and Michael Smithback family portrait

Recovery from head injury leaves Michael grateful

Strokes can happen to young people too. An undiagnosed hole in Emily Miller’s heart allowed a blood clot to travel to her brain and cause a stroke that was successfully treated at UW Health.  

Emily Miller, right, with stroke neurologist Dr. Erik Tarula.

Jim’s Schmalling’s wife Michelle called 911 as soon as her husband exhibited stroke symptoms while they were out walking. Her prompt 911 call and UW Health’s stroke team helped save Jim’s life, allowing them to celebrate their 50th anniversary together.

Jim and Michelle Schmaling standing outside on a fall day

Seeing stroke symptoms, spouse’s 911 call saved Jim’s life

Weight loss (Bariatric) surgery patient stories

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Hear directly from our patients and their families through these inspiring stories of healing. No matter the reason for coming to UW Health, our patients and their family members express incredible gratitude for their care.

Patient stories

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