The Mayo Clinic experience and patient stories Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced. See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients. Robert Kass finds voice again after long COVID-19 battle, tracheal resectionRobert Kass is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie. The 69-year-old is an avid rock climber, SCUBA diver and four-decade veteran softball player who once spent weeks sailing across the Pacific Ocean in a two-man vessel. Kass invested in his health through diet and exercise, and says he never had a serious illness in his life. Then, in January 2021, he contracted COVID-19. "I came home from work with a 102-degree fever," says Kass. "Within days, I… Request an appointment ResearchCosts & insurance May 26, 2023 Share on: FacebookTwitter Thoracic SurgeryDepartmenthomeSectionsRequest an appointmentOverviewTests & proceduresConditions treatedDoctorsExpertise & rankingsLocations, travel & lodgingClinical trialsResearchPatient storiesCosts & insuranceNews from Mayo ClinicReferrals SectionsRequest an appointmentOverviewTests & proceduresConditions treatedDoctorsExpertise & rankingsLocations, travel & lodgingClinical trialsResearchPatient storiesCosts & insuranceNews from Mayo ClinicReferrals ORG-20380885 Medical Departments & Centers Thoracic Surgery