Patient Stories
A Purposeful Life
Jeanette Ernst has made it through half a dozen procedures and close brushes with death. But, it’s her 1992 battle with colon cancer that still haunts her today. Read more on page 17.
She's Got Spirit (Yes, She Does)
Their eyes say it all. Tiffany Kuehl’s are tear-filled, flooded with concern for her daughter. Crystal Kuehl’s are steely, reflecting determination and a tenacious spirit. Crystal, 21, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2013 at age 20. She spent the past summer fighting for her life. Read part 1 and part 2.
A+ for Attitude
Due to a strong family history of heart disease, Christine Kircher exercised six times a week, ate healthy foods, rarely drank alcoholic beverages and had a yearly Heart2Heart screening at Mercy Medical Center. She waged a strategic battle against what she thought was her nemesis - heart disease. Instead, just after her 50th birthday, Chris received the shocking news that she was fighting pancreatic cancer. Read more.
A Shining Star
Frank Benesh was larger than life. He had a deep laugh and resonating voice, but most of all, he had an enormous heart that reverberated with compassion for others – particularly for those with cancer and their families. Read more.
A Friend for Life
Nancy and Tom Lackner knew Deb Sedlacek, RN, was a Mercy parish nurse at their church, First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. But they didn’t really understand what she did – until they needed her. Read more.
