Patient Stories

A cancer survivor. A heart attack victim. Pediatric patients. Be inspired by medical stories from ordinary people who’ve had extraordinary challenges. Hear about the health problems and transformations of and by our patients.

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A Dementia Caregiver’s Story: Supporting Two Family Members in Cognitive Decline

Holly Cooper Ford | 11/26/2018 | Patient Stories

After many years of caring for her aunt and mother, both diagnosed with dementia, Geneva Alexanderson realizes the importance of making self care a priority. More »

Life After A Pediatric Brain Tumor: Addie Kingery’s Story

Erica Gregory | 11/20/2018 | Patient Stories, Videos

Addie Kingery was diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor in her senior year. She developed a unique relationship with her surgeon. Watch her story. More »

Gamma Knife Surgery: A Patient’s 11-Year Journey to Be Cancer-Free

Erica Gregory | 10/16/2018 | Patient Stories, Videos

Carolyn Blackwell-Stark came to UVA to be treated for melanoma. The cancer eventually spread to her brain. Watch her story about Gamma Knife surgery. More »

Why Breast Cancer Screening Is Essential: Chris Payne’s Story

Megan Rowe | 10/2/2018 | Patient Stories

At 61, Chris Payne was in good health and had no family history of breast cancer, but she discovered she had two stage 1 tumors. She's made it her mission to encourage screening. More »

Diverticulitis Surgery: A UVA Student’s Stomach Pain Turns Into an Emergency

Erica Gregory | 9/12/2018 | Patient Stories, Videos

Zach Harker was supposed to drive home to visit his mother for her birthday when he started having stomach pains. He ended up having emergency diverticulitis surgery. Watch his story. More »

A VHL Patient’s Story: Inside the Fall Vim & Vigor

Kelly Casey | 8/17/2018 | Patient Stories

Karen Ramsey passed away on April 30, but as she wished, we’re sharing her story to spread awareness of VHL, a rare genetic condition. Read about Karen and get health tips in our latest family health magazine. More »

Aiden’s Story: How the UVA NICU Team Cared for Our Family

Brandy Sweeney | 7/5/2018 | Patient Stories

UVA’s NICU team of expert doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, social workers and lactation consultants offer coordinated, compassionate care to our most vulnerable patients and scared parents. More »

Lainey’s Story: A Family’s Experience with Congenital Heart Defects and Down Syndrome

uvahealth | 4/12/2018 | Patient Stories

Lainey is a patient at Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiology Richmond, where she can receive UVA pediatric care close to home. Her mom, Ashley, contributed this post. More »

Liver Transplant Survivor: From Surgery to Marathon in 16 Months

Erica Gregory | 4/11/2018 | Patient Stories, Videos

After receiving a liver transplant, Steve Nugent had a goal to run a marathon. Not long after surgery, he started training. Watch the video to learn more. More »

Our Journey Through Lung Transplant: A Patient’s Story

uvahealth | 4/10/2018 | Patient Stories

Louisa County resident Pat Gutekenst battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and had a lung transplant at UVA in 2015. He and his wife, Stacey Gutekenst, contributed this post. More »

Healthy Balance

Patient Stories