A HealthBeat Special Series

Humans of Spectrum Health

Who are the people behind the lab coats, scrubs and name badges? This series shows the human side of the caregivers who are proud to call Spectrum Health their work home.

Health Beat Special Series
Patient Story

‘No day is a given’

A 34-year-old doctor and mom of two is battling colon cancer with a powerful social network, humor and plenty of snuggles.

Patient Story

A bolder voice

Amid a second bout of breast cancer, Kathy Shoemaker's faith has become stronger than ever.

Patient Story

Back in the race

Ted Droski suffered the loss of a leg in a sudden car crash. He has since become a shining example of how the human spirit can emerge from adversity stronger than ever.

Patient Story

Coming full circle, from patient to physician

Doctors diagnosed Abigail Wenzlick with cancer as a toddler. Some 28 years later, she finds herself working as a medical resident alongside the physician who saved her.

Patient Story

A patient’s gratitude

Marley Del Carmen nearly died of pneumonia around Christmastime 2017. A year later, he returned to thank the doctor he credits with saving his life.

Patient Story

‘I really see God’s hand’

A soccer player defies the odds of cardiac arrest thanks to a teammate’s quick action.

‘It has been everything for me’

Internship program continues to help Michigan veterans move from military roles to the civilian workforce.

Patient Story

‘We were lucky’

How a medical resident with a knack for forming relationships helped a "tough guy" welder battle pulmonary embolism.

Patient Story

Forging a new path

Shonta Frody's storied road led her to an adoptive family, a battle with leukemia, the development of a clothing line—and a true friendship with a resident doctor.

The search for a specialist

A special job placement program helps a 20-year-old find an exciting new place in pediatric patient care.

Patient Story

Saved by his stem cells

At age 17, Joshua Do had never heard of Ewing sarcoma—or the promising treatment known as autologous stem cell transplant.