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- Memorial Experience Letters
Real People. Real Stories. The Memorial Experience.
Memorial's remarkable healthcare team is dedicated to delivering extraordinary patient- and family-centered care. This lifts us up above other healthcare providers. This is The Memorial Experience.
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Eibar
Memorial Guides Jockey on Ride of His Life
A terrifying fall during a horse race left jockey Eibar Coa alive, but unable to move – a complete quadriplegic. Neurosurgeons at Memorial Regional Hospital performed complex spine surgery, and then the future was up to Eibar and the team at the Rehabilitation Institute of South Florida at Memorial Regional Hospital South.
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Mark
Heart of Gold — Knees of Steele
Three decades of firefighting wrecked Chief Mark Steele's knees. From his years of experience working with hospitals across South Florida, Memorial Regional Hospital South was the only choice for surgery and rehabilitation to get back on his feet.
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Billy
Rehabilitation Institute Helps Civic Leader Get Back on His Feet
A rare side effect of a stomach illness left civic leader Billy Joel paralyzed. When he and his family searched for a rehabilitation center, they chose Memorial Regional Hospital South to help him get back on his feet.
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Andrew
Emergency Quadruple Bypass Saves 48-Year-Old
Andrew Silverman was surprised to learn he needed an emergency quadruple bypass at age 48. For this lifesaving surgery, he placed his trust in Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital.
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Aimee
Breast Cancer Patient Empowered to Make Choices at Memorial
Aimee's instincts led her to seek answers at Memorial Breast Cancer Center where she requested a mammogram with an ultrasound. "I knew in my heart, something was wrong," says Aimee. "Thankfully, my Memorial doctors listened."
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Alex
Shot at Point-Blank Range, ‘Miracle Man’ Thanks Memorial
Alex doesn't remember anything about his trip to Memorial Regional Hospital's Trauma Center that night in March 2007. But he knows that when he got there, he was essentially dead on arrival.
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Katie
From Patient to Caregiver, Katie's Giving Back from the Heart
Born with a congenital heart defect, Katie underwent her first open heart surgery as a toddler. In her 20s, another heart defect led to a second surgery — and a career at the Cardiac Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital at Memorial.
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Anniel
Family Credits Memorial's Advanced Wound Care Treatment with Saving Mother
Diagnosed with end-stage peripheral vascular disease, 84-year-old Anniel also found herself dealing with blistered feet that would not heal. The family turned to Memorial Hospital Pembroke Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine and found the support and relief they needed.
Read Anniel's Story -
Valerie
Relief for Immobilizing Back Pain at Memorial Neuroscience Center
While caring for an elderly woman, Valerie herself suffered a fall. Initially, she was not concerned, but the pain increased and gradually became excruciating. When anti-inflammatory pills and pain medication brought no relief, Valerie had spine surgery at Memorial Neuroscience Center. Now she's pain-free.
Read Valerie's Story -
Adrian
Hyperbaric Medicine Offers Hope for Wound Care Patients
After surgeons at Memorial Regional Hospital reattached one of Adrian's fingers severed in an accident, he faced a challenging recovery. Memorial Hospital Pembroke Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine provided the advanced treatment he needed.
Read Adrian's Story -
Tobin
Memorial Delivers Lifesaving Care After Traumatic Collapse
After collapsing at the dinner table, Tobin was unresponsive and on life support when he arrived at the Memorial Regional Hospital Emergency Department. Doctors cooled his body to preserve his brain cells while treating him. And that's just the beginning of Tobin's story.
Read Tobin's Story -
Michele & Sandy
Mother and Daughter Share Breast Cancer Survival Stories
Shortly after her 32nd birthday, Michele discovered a lump on her breast. Nine years later, so did her mother, Sandy. Today, they share a story of strength and survival – thanks to Memorial.
Read Michele and Sandy's Story -
John
Cyclist Swiftly Back to Biking After Spine Surgery
An avid cyclist and photographer, John was used to intense physical activity and the associated aches and pains. But as the pain in his legs became severe and unrelenting, he sought relief at Memorial Neuroscience Center.
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Ted
Cardiac Patient Bypasses His Fears, Thanks to His Memorial Doctor
Anxious and frightened over the possibility of open heart surgery, Ted was relieved to have his fears put to ease after meeting his Memorial surgeon.
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Peggy
Minimally Invasive Hip Arthroscopy Ends Peggy's Chronic Pain
Nagging hip pain forced Peggy to quit her job. Now, thanks to the staff at Memorial Hospital West, she's feeling better than she has in years – and she's off pain medications.
Read Peggy's Story -
David
David Finds Relief for Crippling Hip Pain
Crippling hip pain almost made David quit his job as a chef. Following a hip arthroscopy procedure at Memorial Hospital West, David is pain-free and back in the kitchen.
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Jeanne
Breast Cancer Patient Is ‘Paying It Forward’ at Memorial
Jeanne was 37 years old and feeling healthy when she discovered a lump during a breast self-exam. After a mammogram, the words of her physician were shocking – Jeanne had stage III breast cancer. While searching South Florida for the region's top oncologist, a friend referred her to Memorial Healthcare System.
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Ann
Family Finds World-Class Blood Cancer Care Close to Home
Ann was shocked when routine blood work revealed multiple myeloma. Fortunately, she found Memorial Cancer Institute, South Florida's only outpatient bone marrow transplant program.
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Frank
Breakthrough Robotic Procedure for Colon Surgery
An otherwise healthy 31-year-old's acute diverticulitlis was landing him in the hospital for days at a time. At the Robotic Institute of South Florida, he found the solution that helped restore his quality of life.
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Robert
Patient Finds Healing in Very Capable Robotic Hands at Memorial
Overcome by abdominal pain, Robert was taken by ambulance to Memorial Regional Hospital. Diagnostic tests revealed not only acute appendicitis, but kidney cancer. Robert found help in the healing robotic hands at the Robotic Institute of South Florida at Memorial Hospital Pembroke.
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Kim
Extraordinary Care for Young Breast Cancer Survivor
"With the Memorial team on my side, there was not a doubt in my mind I would have a full recovery," says Kim, a breast cancer survivor from Hollywood. Learn how Memorial's leading-edge care and wide-ranging support services enable patients like her to thrive.
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Anselm
Prostate Cancer Patient Benefits from RapidArc™ Technology
Following a biopsy, Anselm learned he had prostate cancer. Fortunately Memorial Cancer Institute's new RapidArc™ provided quick, precise treatments with few side effects.
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Lillian
Memorial Cancer Patient's Faithful Journey
Diagnosed with stage III uterine cancer, Lillian, 82, needed surgery and aggressive treatment to survive. Her search for the top treatment facility in the country led to Memorial Cancer Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital – right in Lillian's hometown of Hollywood.
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Jennifer
A Young Teacher's ‘Miraculous’ Recovery at Memorial
Rushed by ambulance to Memorial Regional Hospital, 27-year-old Jennifer had suffered a broken neck, internal injuries and bleeding and swelling in her brain. Her condition was life-threatening.
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Martha
Patient and Physician Partner Against a Cruel Cancer
Diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer, 72-year-old Martha was stunned by the news. And just as shocked to hear Dr. Raja Mudad at Memorial Cancer Institute say he believed they could overcome it together. He was right.
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Michael
Professional Wrestler Wins the Match of His Life at Memorial
At 6 feet tall and 600 pounds, Michael is a big name in ultracompetitive professional wrestling. And "Maximum Capacity," as he is known to his fans, is also no stranger to injury and pain.
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Judith
Breast Cancer Survivor Joins Memorial in Promoting Patient- and Family-Centered Care
Diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, Judith brought the same focus and determination to dealing with cancer that she brings to her career as a lawyer. Referred by her physician to the Memorial Breast Cancer Centers, Judith prepared for what was ahead.
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Bryant
Personalized Physical Therapy Puts Bryant Back on the Court
Bryant could hear the whistles blowing as he walked by the gymnasium, but a congenital foot condition kept him from joining his classmates on the basketball court. Today, thanks to surgery and a highly individualized rehabilitation program, young Bryant is back in action.
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Trish
Young Cancer Survivor Praises Memorial Breast Cancer Centers
When Trish was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at the age of 37, she sought a second opinion from Alejandra Perez, MD.
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Diego
Young Cancer Patient Finds Hope and Healing at Memorial
Diagnosed with a rare form of germ cell cancer, Diego didn't know where to turn for help. After searching the Internet and contacting several area cancer centers, the 27-year-old man found the hope and treatment he needed at Memorial Cancer Institute.
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Louise
Memorial's Comprehensive Blood Disorder Treatment Keeps Patient Close to Home
Louise is an 86-year-old Hollywood woman with a serious bone marrow disease. Because of Memorial Cancer Institute's array of medical services, she has access to "wonderful care" close to her home and family.
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Samir
College Student Learns to Walk Again After Near-Fatal Crash
A young college student living in Orlando, 25-year-old Samir enjoyed partying and hanging out with his friends. At a party for a friend leaving for military duty, Samir made a tragic mistake that nearly cost him his life.
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Dawn & Dylan
Son's Trip to the ER Saves His Mother's Life
Dawn took her 5-year-old son straight to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital for an apparent attack of appendicitis. But after carrying Dylan into the ER, she suddenly fainted. By the time her husband, Shawn, arrived, he found Memorial Regional Hospital's adult ER team working hard to save Dawn's life.
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Joanie
Memorial Helps Put Young Stroke Patient Back in the Running
A young stroke patient in her 40s finds the determination and strength to get her life back at the Rehabilitation Institute of South Florida at Memorial Regional Hospital South.
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Nancy
After Devastating Diagnosis, Robotic Surgery Brings Quick Recovery
Nancy knew something was wrong, but uterine cancer took her by surprise. After a quick recovery, thanks to minimally invasive high-tech robotic surgery at Memorial, the 70-year-old dynamo is cancer-free and going strong.
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William
Back on Course After 'Safe, Quick, Effective' Robotic Urological Surgery at Memorial
William had always enjoyed good health. He was rarely ill and didn't even have a doctor. Then pain in his abdomen and back sent him looking for medical help.
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Monica
Registered Nurse and Clinical Resource Manager
Monica is a Guiding Light for Patients and Families
Monica uses her professional expertise and compassionate nature to help enhance patients' care and safety – even after they leave the hospital.
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Maria
Registered Nurse and Clinical Manager
Dedicated Advocate Cares for Cancer Patients
Maria understands how overwhelming cancer diagnosis and treatment can be for patients and families. As a clinical manager and certified oncology nurse, she's devoted to helping those in her care.
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Victoria
Open Heart Surgery Saves Vibrant 81-Year-Old
One night, 81-year-old Victoria awoke unable to breathe and Richard made an urgent 911 call for help. As the ambulance rushed through the streets of Hollywood, Victoria's heart stopped, and at Memorial Regional Hospital she was placed on life support.
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Louis
Again and Again, Louis Thanks Memorial for Lifesaving Care
Two years ago, a near-fatal fall fractured Louis' neck. At Memorial Hospital Pembroke, he began a circuitous and life-affirming healthcare journey. Now 84, he's a true believer in Memorial's remarkable brand of patient- and family-centered care.
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Phillip
Thanks to Memorial, Teen Paralyzed in Diving Accident is Walking Again
It was a fun day at the beach for a group of high school buddies – until a miscalculated dive left Phillip helplessly bobbing in the water. He arrived at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood paralyzed from the neck down.
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Joni
Stage IV Cancer Patient Came to Memorial for Second Opinion, Received Second Chance
At just 51 years old, Joni was told she had six months to live. Unwilling to give up, she turned to the highly skilled doctors at Memorial Cancer Institute for a second opinion.
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Tron
Tron's Heart Like 'New' After Innovative Cardiac Procedure
Once active and athletic, the high school social studies teacher found himself making frequent trips to emergency rooms. Finally, his search for help led to the Cardiac and Vascular Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.
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Danielle
Cardiac Procedure Corrects Young Mother's Dangerously Rapid Heartbeat
Just eight weeks after giving birth, Danielle experienced a life-threatening heart condition. By the time Danielle arrived at the Memorial Hospital Pembroke ER, her heart was hammering at a very dangerous 270 beats per minute – and she was blacking out.
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Jeffry
Triple Bypass at Memorial Restores Loving Grandfather's Health and Energy
Jeffry moved to South Florida to be close to his five grandchildren, but ongoing chest pain made him fear his time with them would be cut short.
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Mario
Customized Endoscopic Surgery Saves the Lungs of Lifetime Smoker
Mario started smoking cigarettes at the age of 12. He was just a kid – carefree and invincible – and he never gave lung cancer a thought.
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Maury
Broward Sheriff's Office Detective
Critically Injured BSO Deputy, Maury Hernandez’s Miraculous Recovery
When Detective Maury Hernandez made a traffic stop on a hot South Florida day, his worst nightmare became a chilling reality.
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Nekita
Memorial Caregiver
Nekita's Compassionate Care and Quick Action Help Save a Mother's Life
The emergency department at Memorial Hospital Miramar was already busy when a new patient entered. With just a glance, Nekita knew something was seriously wrong.
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Raphael
Advanced Bone Cancer Treatments get Grateful Grandfather Back to Family
When Raphael told his family he had multiple myeloma, the news was devastating. They turned to Memorial Cancer Institute at Memorial Hospital West – the only hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties offering lifesaving bone marrow transplant treatment.
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Ken
Ken is Walking Thanks to Memorial's Extraordinary Neuroscience Center Team
It never occurred to Ken that the numbness and tingling he felt in his toes might be caused by something serious. But when Ken's symptoms progressed, he made an appointment to see his physician.
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Cleveland
After Emergency Treatment, Cardiac Patient Embraces Healthy Living
Overweight and leading an unhealthy lifestyle, 48-year-old Cleveland faced the terrible trio: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
