Patient Stories

Share your story

Do you have a story you'd like to share about your experience as a patient at Spectrum Health?

Patient Story

‘We can tackle this together’

When breast cancer ambushed Stacie Garcia-Moon, she rallied the troops. Her circle of support carried her through tough times.

Patient Story

Back on track after a mastectomy

After recovering from a double mastectomy and plantar fasciitis, River Bank Run road warrior Becky Vander Zwaag is eager to race.

Patient Story

‘More courage than anybody’

After an innovative surgery to expand his jaw, Nate Briskey says he wouldn't change a thing.

Patient Story

‘We celebrate every milestone’

For a Michigan couple eager to help their son, genetics research is lighting the path ahead.

Patient Story

‘That’s a good story’

When Mike Mast noticed swelling and irritation in his eye, he had no idea it would lead to neurosurgery—which would save his vision.

Patient Story

‘My best running self’

Sidelined by a stress fracture, River Bank Run road warrior Laura Traxler embraces help from sports medicine specialists.

Patient Story

A candle in the darkness

More than 40 years after a battle with breast cancer, Marie DeBose shares a powerful message of hope and survival.

Patient Story

‘So glad I am still around’

When long-lasting effects of COVID-19 made it impossible to breathe, this 69-year-old gardener found hope in lung transplantation.

Patient Story

‘A gift from God’

Rick Freehafer coped with essential tremor most of his life. Then he learned about a procedure—and a team—that could set things right.

Patient Story

‘Restored hope’

Grace deBest, 16, celebrates the completion of a two-year battle with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Patient Story

‘Miss Personality’

As she faced leukemia, 8-year-old Queen Hardy made friends, told jokes, danced and inspired her medical team.

Patient Story

Giving ALS patients hope

A man with ALS welcomes the chance to take part in a clinical trial that aims to speed up the development of new treatments.