Patient Stories – No Matter the Odds
Odds are, most Hoosiers won't have to tap into our full depth of knowledge or find themselves seeking out one of our expert specialists. But in the unlikely event that "What If?" turns to "What now?," people can find peace of mind in knowing Indiana University Health is there. Explore the patient stories below to see the impact of our system, showcasing real patient experiences and our dedication to making Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.
Patient Stories
A boy's battle and a brother's bond
Will Flannery was the youngest of four boys. Some of his favorite activities included playing games, building legos, and solving puzzles with his 10-y...
![A boy's battle and a brother's bond]()
Patient Stories
February 18, 2024
Retired pastor recovers in second round of rehab
By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region
Haro...
Patient Stories
February 13, 2024
Woman reconnects with lifesavers after cardiac arrest
By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region
Afte...
Patient Stories
February 7, 2024
Heart transplant list 'a waiting game'
Jacob Kleber has been on the heart transplant list for a little more than a year and while he doe...
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Patient Stories
Student, 20, attends same college his IU Health oncologist attended
IU Health Simon Cancer Center
James Mattar, 20, was enjoying his college career when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org
James Mattar’s mom has a message: “If ...
Patient Stories
Daughter’s kidney gave him ten more years of hearing ‘Papaw’
IU Health University Hospital
It’s been 10 years since Ernie Smith received a life-saving organ from his daughter. Now, he’s reflecting on all the milestones during the past decade.
By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfend...
Patient Stories
Prostate cancer survivor: "He convinced me I could beat this — and he was right"
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
For Rick Davis, retirement was supposed to be about hobbies, hunting, and time with family. But in early 2024, a routine checkup turned into something life-changing: a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Dav...
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Full circle: A volunteer’s kindness brings comfort to a Muncie family — twice
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
When Ashley Reff gave birth to her first son, Cooper, a familiar face brought comfort during his short stay in the NICU just as it had during another difficult moment years earlier.
Reff’s story bega...
Patient Stories
Grace, grit and gratitude: Former nurse finds support in Infusion team
IU Health West Hospital
By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region
Retired nurse Sandra Lemmon found comfort, connection and compassionate care from the IU Health West Infusion team as she n...