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All Patient Stories

  • Jayden Aldona Gonzalez

    Jayden Aldona Gonzalez

    When a brain tumor unexpectedly appeared in 20-month-old Jayden Gonzalez, Mayo Clinic doctors responded quickly to remove the tumor and restore his health. Read Jayden's story.

  • Cynthia Amendt

    Cynthia Amendt

    Artist and teacher Cynthia Amendt sees her teaching — and her health — reach new levels through participation in a clinical trial. Read Cynthia's story.

  • Robert Anderson

    Robert Anderson

    A rare cancer cost Bob Anderson his hip and leg. Willpower and rehabilitation specialists at Mayo Clinic helped him keep his active lifestyle. Read Robert's story.

  • Jorge Bacardi

    Jorge Bacardi

    Double-lung transplant patient Jorge Bacardi honors his donor and touches the lives of countless transplant patients by helping to establish Gabriel House of Care. Read Jorge's story.

  • Laurie Beach

    Laurie Beach

    A rare brain tumor couldn't stop Laurie Beach from enjoying the life she dreamed of. Read Laurie's story.

  • Ann Beasley

    Ann Beasley

    Ann Beasley was only too willing to donate one of her kidneys to her husband, but their blood types were incompatible. A procedure at Mayo Clinic called ABO incompatible kidney transplants made her gift possible. Read Ann's story.

  • Taylor Beauseau

    Taylor Beauseau

    Most parents don't like to see their child up in arms, but for Taylor Beauseau's parents, that's a beautiful thing. Read Taylor's story.

  • Sara Bennett

    Sara Bennett

    Mayo Clinic's team of oncologists, surgeons and radiologists' collaborative effort at treating multiple lung cancer occurrences a success. Read Sara's story.

  • Shelby Birch

    Shelby Birch

    Shelby Birch's whole family gave up mashed potatoes to help her with a diet that controls her seizures. Read Shelby's story.

  • Harper Blommers

    Harper Blommers

    Harper Blommers could not touch her head because of an injury suffered at birth. After surgery at Mayo, she is now happily dancing like her sister.
    Read Harper's' story.

  • Carol Bolton

    Carol Bolton

    Carol Bolton encourages persistence and courage to live with rare and confounding disease. Read Carol's story.

  • Melissa Bruesehoff

    Melissa Bruesehoff

    Surgery to treat epilepsy has allowed Melissa Bruesehoff to enjoy many things that once seemed out of reach — including motherhood. Read Melissa's story.

  • Dale Carlson

    Dale Carlson

    Dale Carlson survived leukemia thanks to a simple action by a complete stranger. Read Dale's story.

  • Devi Chettiar

    Devi Chettiar

    Inspired by the care she received at Mayo for a rare cancer, Devi Chettair of the Twin Cities changed her college major to become a physician assistant. Read Devi's story.

  • Ning Chien

    Ning Chien

    "The sky seems bluer and the air smells fresher," says Ning Chien, after being accurately diagnosed by Mayo doctors with treatable autoimmune pancreatitis, rather than suspected cancer. Read Ning's story.

  • Ryan Chubbuck

    Ryan Chubbuck

    Ryan Chubbuck was born with an extremely narrow airway, a life-threatening condition. An innovative airway reconstruction procedure has left Ryan, and his parents, breathing easy. Read Ryan's story.

  • Wendy Cook

    Wendy Cook

    When doctors discovered a large tumor wrapped around Wendy Cook's sciatic nerve and extending into her pelvis, she turned to Mayo Clinic for help. Read Wendy's story.

  • Emily Crawford

    Emily Crawford

    Thorough evaluation at Mayo Clinic solved the mystery of why Emily Crawford was having seizures, and successful removal of a brain tumor stopped them from occurring. Read Emily's story.

  • Marshall Curtis

    Marshall Curtis

    Marshall Curtis needed a liver transplant. Obesity complicated his case. At Mayo Clinic, a relatively new procedure combining transplant and bariatric surgery gave him a second chance. Read Marshall's story.

  • Marilyn Dobski

    Marilyn Dobski

    Marilyn Dobski is happy to be able to spend time with her grandchildren following successful cancer treatment at Mayo Clinic. Read Marilyn's story.

  • James Donnelly

    James Donnelly

    Coordinated approach to care brings results for business school professor. Read Jim's story.

  • Cynthia Farmer

    Cynthia Farmer

    After a successful stem cell transplant for a rare disorder, Cynthia Farmer has her life back. Read Cynthia's story.

  • David Farrell

    David Farrell

    A tongue tumor threatened to cut short this volunteer firefighter's life, but surgery and radiation treatment at Mayo Clinic saved his life. Read David's story.

  • Jane Fausel

    Jane Fausel

    Jane Fausel invested in her health by choosing Mayo Clinic to treat her lung cancer, and she's glad she did. Read Jane's story.

  • Lindsey Fleener

    Lindsey Fleener

    Lindsey Fleener had hyperhidrosis — causing her hands to sweat profusely and preventing her from enjoying simple activities others may take for granted. Read Lindsey's story.

  • JoAnn Forster

    JoAnn Forster

    By the time JoAnn Forster realized she'd had a heart attack, the damage was done. Then medical technology helped her bridge the gap to a new heart. Read JoAnn's story.

  • Sharon Francis

    Sharon Francis

    Sharon Francis was working on a new design collection when the pain started. "I thought it was just a bad headache," she says. "Then I fainted in the elevator." Read Sharon's story.

  • Bruce Fuerbringer

    Bruce Fuerbringer

    Bruce Fuerbringer has fought fires for more than 30 years. With Mayo Clinic's help, he's fighting a different battle against melanoma. Read Bruce's story.

  • John Fulton

    John Fulton

    Decades after beating bone cancer at Mayo Clinic, John Fulton returned, this time to defeat islet cell cancer. John says that, once more, Mayo helped him "beat the system." Read John's story.

  • Christina George

    Christina George

    Epilepsy surgery was a scary thing, but it was the miracle Christina needed to go forth and grow. Read Christina's story.

  • Karen Gibson

    Karen Gibson

    Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to remove a renal cell tumor prompted this Jacksonville mom to participate in a study to help unravel the mystery surrounding her disease. Read Karen's story.

  • Tanya Ginther

    Tanya Ginther

    When Tanya Ginther's heart suddenly failed, Mayo MedAir transported her to Mayo Clinic, where the young mother made a miraculous recovery. Read Tanya's story.

  • John Greller

    John Greller

    John Greller was a swimming hero at the National Kidney Foundation Transplant Games. He gave his medals to his real heroes — his wife, his (donor) son, and the Mayo transplant team. Read John's story.

  • Heidi H

    Heidi H

    Heidi wanted to reward herself for getting through a hard time in her life. Her choice: cosmetic surgery. Read Heidi's story.

  • Amy Haberman

    Amy Haberman

    Amy Haberman says Mayo Clinic gave her support, tenacity and hope — to fight her tumor and to run marathons again. Read Amy's story.

  • Tom Halverstadt

    Tom Halverstadt

    Tom Halverstadt survived a devastating brainstem stroke because of several lucky factors, including bystanders who summoned emergency help and a treatment team that had the expertise he desperately needed. Read Tom's story.

  • Paul Hamernik

    Paul Hamernik

    For stock car racer Paul Hamernik, the "green light" came in the form of laser surgery to address an enlarged prostate. Read Paul's story.

  • Wendy Hamilton

    Wendy Hamilton

    After a successful stem cell transplant for stage 4 peripheral T-cell lymphoma, Wendy Hamilton turns her gratitude into action. Read Wendy's story.

  • Monica Hansen

    Monica Hansen

    A minimally invasive surgical option for rectal cancer at Mayo Clinic made Monica Hansen's future more promising — for herself and her family. Read Monica's story.

  • Chad Hanson

    Chad Hanson

    Therapy and a positive attitude have helped Chad Hanson gain a level of independence unimaginable after breaking his neck in an accident. Read Chad's story.

  • Tiffany Hanson

    Tiffany Hanson

    Epilepsy surgery ended Tiffany Hanson's seizures and started a new, active life. Read Tiffany's story.

  • Jacob Harpel

    Jacob Harpel

    When their son developed a rare type of brain tumor that caused seizures and dizzy spells, Koreen and Paul Harpel turned to Mayo Clinic for help. Read Jacob's story.

  • Margie Hartmann and Jessica McNeil

    Margie Hartmann and Jessica McNeil

    Talk about a strong mother-daughter bond — Margie Hartmann and her daughter, Jessica McNeil, had Gamma Knife surgery on the same day. Read Margie and Jessica's story.

  • Alvin Haworth

    Alvin Haworth

    When a heart condition threatened to slow down Alvin Haworth, he found his answer at Mayo Clinic. Read Alvin's story.

  • Jackson Hoeger

    Jackson Hoeger

    After fighting cancer for four years, Jackson Hoeger and his family finally feel like they've graduated from the school of hard knocks. Read Jackson's story.

  • Jodie Hook

    Jodie Hook

    Mayo's pain management program taught Jodie Hook to find hope and joy each day, and to live with chronic pain. Read Jodie's story. Read Jodie's story.

  • Hasan Hosein

    Hasan Hosein

    When Noor Hosein learned that a kidney disorder threatened his son's life, he traveled from Trinidad to Mayo Clinic for a lifesaving transplant. Read Hasan's story.

  • Cindy Howden

    Cindy Howden

    From the moment she woke up after her terrible accident, she was certain of one thing: She could recover. "I'm not very good at not being very good," she says. Read Cindy's story.

  • Carla Huelsmann

    Carla Huelsmann

    Carla Huelsmann felt seizures were taking over her life. Surgery at Mayo Clinic gave it back to her. Read Carla's story.

  • Jeffrey Hughes

    Jeffrey Hughes

    Jeffrey Hughes is one of the first patients in the U.S. to undergo deep brain stimulation for his chronic headaches — and he is happy he had the courage to make that choice. Read Jeffrey's story.

  • Bill Hunt

    Bill Hunt

    Bill Hunt found a way to shake anxiety and uncontrollable shaking with help from Mayo's Integrative Medicine program. Read Bill's story.

  • Barbara Jackson

    Barbara Jackson

    A one in a million case: Mayo team helps Phoenix grandmother battle inflammatory breast cancer. Read Barbara's story.

  • Jasper Johnikin

    Jasper Johnikin

    Innovative technology and surgical expertise helped Mayo Clinic physicians save kidney cancer patient Jasper Johnikin's kidney — and his life. Read Jasper's story.

  • Maxine Kaehler

    Maxine Kaehler

    Maxine Kaehler is enjoying life's little details again after sight-saving cornea transplant surgery. Read Maxine's story.

  • Corynn Kelly

    Corynn Kelly

    A difficult birth left Corynn Kelly with a broken collarbone and damage to her brachial plexus nerves. A Mayo Clinic team repaired the damage. Read Corynn's story.

  • Sam and Laura Kirstein

    Sam and Laura Kirstein

    Sam and Laura Kirstein biked across the country to show that people with inflammatory bowel disease can still lead an active life. "If you persevere, there is light at the end of the tunnel." Read Sam and Laura's story.

  • Tara Kline

    Tara Kline

    At Mayo Clinic, a transplant patient finds caregivers who truly care. Read Tara's story.

  • Theresa Kressin

    Theresa Kressin

    Theresa's battle with an eating disorder has been a long and difficult journey. But, thanks to her mom and Mayo's eating disorders program, it has a happy ending. Read Theresa's story.

  • Ardell Lien

    Ardell Lien

    Ardell Lien sailed around the world powered by a heart and kidney transplanted at Mayo Clinic. Read Ardell's story.

  • Wachira Loth

    Wachira Loth

    After years of living with hepatitis B, Wachira Loth was afraid to look in the mirror. A liver transplant at Mayo Clinic changed that. Read Wachira's story.

  • Joe Lueken

    Joe Lueken

    What goes around ... Joe Lueken got control of his tremors thanks to a new technique and a student he had helped with a scholarship. Read Joe's story.

  • Wain McFarlane

    Wain McFarlane

    They're playing our song: A musician joins forces with his Mayo team to battle cancer and promote organ donation. Read Wain's story.

  • Craig McMillan

    Craig McMillan

    Craig McMillan was shocked to learn he had breast cancer. But based on his family history, he says, "I shouldn't have been surprised." Read Craig's story.

  • James Miller

    James Miller

    Early detection and the right medication help Jim Miller live a normal life. That's the outlook for most patients who have myasthenia gravis, say Mayo neurologists. Read James' story.

  • Jordan Mills

    Jordan Mills

    Jordan Mills was diagnosed with a crippling and lethal brain tumor at age 22. Mayo Clinic care — and a great support system — restored his happy, healthy life. Read Jordan's story.

  • Randall Minion

    Randall Minion

    Diagnosed with prostate cancer at a relatively young age, Dr. Randall Minion chose robotic surgery as the best way to maintain his full, active lifestyle. Read Randall's story. Read Randall's story.

  • Barbara Moy

    Barbara Moy

    Barbara Moy finally feels like a normal person after surgery for excessive sweating. Read Barbara's story.

  • Sean Murphy

    Sean Murphy

    Sean Murphy enduring debilitating chronic headaches due to Chiari type I malformation; Mayo Clinic surgeons provided relief. Read Sean's story.

  • Kelsey O'Leary

    Kelsey O'Leary

    Early detection and dedication to her bracing therapy brought a rare outcome to Kelsey O'Leary's scoliosis – permanent improvement. Read Kelsey's story.

  • Dan Olson

    Dan Olson

    Every day, with every step: Transplant patient Dan Olson honors his heart donor with his life. Read Dan's story.

  • Bill Pearse

    Bill Pearse

    Kidney cancer threatened Bill Pearse's life; a gift from his son gave it back. Read Bill's story.

  • Mauricio Perez-Olegaray

    Mauricio Perez-Olegaray

    Diagnosed with cirrhosis in Mexico, Mauricio Perez-Olegaray came to Mayo Clinic and stayed for a lifesaving liver transplant. Read Mauricio's story.

  • Raley Mae Radomske

    Raley Mae Radomske

    Raley Mae Radomske was all set to begin a new chapter in her life when the unthinkable happened. Raley, a national rodeo champion, started experiencing seizures. An MRI revealed a brain tumor. Read Raley Mae's story.

  • Brittany Rathbun

    Brittany Rathbun

    When a dedicated softball pitcher needed help getting a handle on her game, Mayo Clinic surgeons stepped up to the plate. Read Brittany's story.

  • Kyra Ray

    A congenital heart defect hasn't kept Kyra Ray from living an active, full life as an adult. Read Kyra's story.

  • Danielle Roeder

    Danielle Roeder

    A Mayo Clinic doctor, genetic testing, and a common drug give a young girl wings to fly. Read Danielle's story.

  • John Saviano

    John Saviano

    Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery put Miami scuba diver back in the water. Read John's story.

  • Carter Schlink

    Carter Schlink

    For Carter Schlink cranium remolding — and the colorful helmet that makes it possible — are a great fit. Read Carter's story.

  • Ella Schultz

    Ella Schultz

    Ella's medical condition requires the attention of numerous specialists at Mayo. But with their help, she is overcoming every challenge and thriving. Read Ella's story.

  • Bruce Schwartau

    Bruce Schwartau

    A liver transplant for primary sclerosing cholangitis brought new strength to Bruce Schwartau. "It's a joy to be able to play a full 18 holes of golf. I know what it's like to be weak, so I value my strength." Read Bruce's story.

  • Tom Sherrard

    Tom Sherrard

    Radiation therapy and surgery put a stop to aggressive anaplastic thyroid cancer. Read Tom's story.

  • Monique Sisneros

    Monique Sisneros

    When Monique Sisneros was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27, she was determined to win—for herself and for her family. Read Monique's story.

  • Dan Smith

    Dan Smith

    When Dan Smith experienced numbness in his hand, arm and cheek, he came to Mayo Clinic where doctors diagnosed a cavernous malformation. Read Dan's story.

  • Ruth Smith

    Ruth Smith lives more than 200 miles north of Rochester, Minn., but she knew where she wanted to go when she was diagnosed with kidney cancer — Mayo Clinic. Read Ruth's story.

  • Danny Snodgrass

    Danny Snodgrass

    Transoral laser microsurgery was the right choice for throat cancer patient Danny Snodgrass. Read Danny's story.

  • Earlene Taylor

    Earlene Taylor

    Adventures call and Earlene Taylor still answers, thanks to Mayo doctors who helped her beat lung cancer again. Read Earlene's story.

  • Cecilia Van Gorp

    Cecilia Van Gorp

    When Cecilia Van Gorp began losing movement and strength in her limbs, doctors thought she had Lou Gehrig's disease. A trip to Mayo Clinic revealed multifocal motor neuropathy. Read Cecilia's story.

  • Denny Waite

    Denny Waite

    With a business to run and an active lifestyle to maintain, Denny Waite turned to Mayo Clinic to find an experienced surgical team to perform his heart surgery and hasten his recovery. Read Denny's story.

  • Andy Walch

    Andy Walch

    Surgery and an investigational drug give brain tumor patient much more than anyone expected. Read Andy's story.

  • Mia Welch

    Mia Welch

    A diagnosis of congestive heart failure pulled Mia Welch off stage. After a heart transplant at Mayo Clinic, she's looking forward to dancing again. Read Mia's story.

  • Rachel Willenberg

    Rachel Willenberg

    Rachel Willenberg rides a rollercoaster of symptoms that finally leads to treatment, and the family she's always wanted. Read Rachel's story.

  • Jody Wobbe

    Jody Wobbe

    Two jobs, four kids and myasthenia gravis — this young mother does a remarkable job of managing a busy life and a serious neuromuscular disease. Read Jody's story.

  • Mike Wuest

    Mike Wuest

    Mike Wuest turned to the Web to learn about a bothersome facial tic, which led him to the answer at Mayo Clinic. Read Mike's story.

  • Doug Yaus

    Doug Yaus

    Doug Yaus says you have to be involved in your care — and never give up hope — even when your options seem to have come to an end. Read Doug's story.

  • Mary Anne Yep

    Mary Anne Yep

    The Executive Health team gave Mary Anne Yep the tools to make the right choices for her health. Read Mary Anne's story.

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