Battling his weight has been a lifelong challenge for Brian Sleurs, 54, of Delmar. At his heaviest and at 5’11”, he weighed 350 pounds. In January 2017, following a potentially life-threatening leg injury, he decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery at Albany Med. Thanks to his surgeon, Dr. T. Paul Singh, and the support of his dieticians, nutritionists and nurses at the Bariatric and Nutrition Clinic at Albany Med, he has lost more than 130 pounds. Sleurs, who considers the surgery “a gift,” remains active, hiking with his family on the weekends and serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Delmar Volunteer Fire Department. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
JP Honsinger, of Clifton Park, was 10 when in September 2011, he was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC), an extremely rare and debilitating genetic disorder. Also known as childhood Alzheimer’s, there is no known cure for the disease. After prescribing an FDA-approved experimental drug, his doctors at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med have been able to slow the disease’s progression and allow JP’s family to cherish having more time to spend with him.
In 2012, time was running out for Sandy Lonczak, of Ballston Lake. Her kidneys, weakened by an infection decades ago, had finally deteriorated to the point where she needed to have dialysis. Thanks to a generous act by a friend at her church who was a kidney match, Sandy received a new kidney at Albany Med in April 2014. Today, she enjoys an active lifestyle, spending time with her family, traveling with friends and gardening. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
In January 2016, Judy Vonie, of Scotia, was working out when she noticed a lump in the back of her thigh. After consulting with her primary care doctor, she was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, a type of cancer found in the body's connective tissues. Thanks to her orthopedic oncologist Matthew DiCaprio, M.D., and the expert, compassionate care she received at Albany Med, Judy is back to gardening, relaxing in her backyard and spending time with her family. She is the 2019 Sarcoma Strong Run/Walk 5k honoree. To register for the 2019 Run/Walk 5k, visit http://www.sarcomastrong.com/
Light Up the Night is an annual summer event celebrating the thousands of lives saved each year at Albany Med’s Department of Emergency Medicine. As the region’s only Level 1 trauma center, Albany Med’s Emergency Department cares for nearly 85,000 patients annually—a daily average of more than 225 patients from the 25 counties we serve. Proceeds from the event are used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment and support research opportunities for emergency department physicians and staff. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
When Beth Hoben, of Spencerport, NY, decided to have her gallbladder removed at Albany Med in March 2019, her friends couldn’t believe she would travel nearly 240 miles from Rochester for routine surgery. Unsatisfied with her hometown options, Hoben heeded the advice of her sister, Rona Hammer, an operating room nurse at Albany Med, and scheduled her surgery with Albany Med surgeon Dr. Ankesh Nigam. Hoben, also a registered nurse, and her husband, John, a health information technology expert, said they were impressed with Dr. Nigam’s confident approach and Albany Med’s excellent customer service and well-run surgical waiting room. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
In the early morning hours of Jan. 3, 2009, Bernie Phillips, then 48, of Schenectady, went into sudden cardiac arrest. His wife immediately started CPR and called 9-1-1. After several agonizing minutes, first responders finally restored a pulse. At Albany Med, emergency medicine doctors successfully used therapeutic cooling to lower his body temperature to minimize any potential brain damage. Today, Bernie remains grateful for the life-saving care he received at Albany Med, continues to see his cardiologist at Albany Med regularly and remains active by working out and cycling.
When Mark Burek, of Castleton, was diagnosed with early Parkinson’s disease in 2007, he courageously faced the situation the only way he knew how -- by attacking the disease head-on and helping researchers find a cure. Through his advocacy group, Hope Soars, Burek continues to inspire others diagnosed with the disease, increase awareness and raise money to benefit the Parkinson’s Research Fund at Albany Med. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
John Carver, 72, of Albany, faced life-altering circumstances in June 2018 when a car accident resulted in the amputation of his right leg. Through the expert, compassionate care he received from Albany Med's Department of Outpatient Physical Therapy and a state-of-the-art rehab tool unique to the region, Carver learned how to walk again following the accident. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
Furi Roy, 16, of Orwell, Vt., is passionate about motor cross. In fact, his whole family enjoys the sport. So when Furi was rushed via ambulance to The Massry Family Children’s Emergency Center at Albany Med, the region's only pediatric emergency department, following a motor cross accident in early August, his parents truly appreciated the expert, compassionate care he received. Just weeks later, Furi is already back racing on the track. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu/pedsED
Gordon “Gordy” Clark, 57, of White Creek, went to Southwest Vermont Medical after a week of feeling “crummy” and experiencing shortness of breath. Test results revealed he had a heart attack and was rushed via ambulance to Albany Med. There, he underwent a cardiac catheterization to remove a total blockage in his right coronary artery and spent three days in Albany Med’s cardiac care unit. He describes his heart attack as the "best thing that ever happened to me" and uses his second chance to help others enjoy life as well.
In December 2017, Tom Venezio, 66, of Burnt Hills, underwent a routine colonoscopy where his doctor found a large, complex polyp and a diseased section in his colon. After connecting with Albany Med surgeon Edward Lee, MD, Venezio underwent colon resection surgery. Today, he and his wife, Gail, are back to enjoying boating, reuniting with friends and family at the annual Waterford Tugboat Roundup and cruising area waterways with family in their mini-tugboat. “Everything about the Albany Med experience was impressive,” said Venezio. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
In summer 2017, Sammy Laurenzo, 8, of Schodack, experienced mysterious ailments that baffled his parents and doctors alike. Following a biopsy for a lump on his neck, the results were every parent's worst nightmare: leukemia. Through his treatments and the support of dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med, Sammy is back at school and has found a new passion: BMX racing. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
When Bror Karlsson, of Catskill, experienced life-threatening symptoms from a tick bite in July 2017, a dedicated team of specialists at Albany Med helped save his life. Following an extensive recovery, the 83-year-old retired professional photographer sought to share his appreciation in a very personal and symbolic way. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
Kelly Miles, of Albany, is a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 10. After managing her condition for several years, she had a series of episodes two years ago that resulted in surgery. She praised Dr. James Betzhold, Dr. Xinjun (Cindy) Zhu, Dr. Edward Lee and Susan Samson, NP, for their “expertise, diligence, professionalism and comprehensive patient-centered care.” Under their care, Kelly has been able to better manage her condition, travel more and “try new things.”
After enduring chronic neck and back pain for more than a decade, Susan Rice, of Schenectady, finally found relief after turning to Albany Med neurosurgeon Dr. Julie Pilitsis and Meghan Wilock, PA. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
When Carol Derfner, of Kinderhook, decided to address weight concerns later in life, the 73-year-old turned to Albany Med's Bariatric Surgery Program for help and support. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
Debbie Jakaitis, 61, of Slingerlands, underwent a left temporal craniotomy of her skull in March 2017 and credits neurosurgeons Tyler Kenning, M.D., F.A.A.N.S., and Vishad Sukul, M.D., at Albany Med with saving her life. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
Evelina Caruso, of Johnstown, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in March 2015 and receives infusion treatments every eight weeks at Albany Med. The 10-year-old continues to give back by creating "treasure boxes," care packages filled with toys and activities for pediatric patients going through treatments at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
In December 2016, Robin Christenson, of Albany, experienced a heart attack and complications from a bleeding ulcer. Albany Med's Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology and Gastroenterology departments worked together to coordinate her care. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
This past summer, nursing student Gina Sorrentino, 20, spent a day in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med shadowing Maureen Devine, R.N., who was her primary care nurse when she was born as a triplet in 1996 and was treated for 52 days in the NICU. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
Just days after Isabella Bruno was born in San Francisco, she underwent surgery for neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. When her family moved to Queensbury, her parents were relieved to know she could continue her cancer care close to home at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Med. Isabella, now 11, finds it important to give back to the Melodies Center and help other pediatric cancer patients.
As an infant, Avery Lyons, of Latham, was diagnosed with leukemia. Thanks to the expert, compassionate care Avery and her family received at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Med, the 5-year-old is now cancer-free, thriving and preparing to enter kindergarten this fall. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
When Shenna Watkins-Singh, of Rotterdam, experienced a ruptured placenta during her pregnancy at 26 weeks, her husband rushed her to Albany Med. Soon after, doctors delivered twin girls, with Mehtaab weighing 1 pound, 8 ounces and Rabaab just over 2 pounds. After spending 89 days in Albany Med's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, her daughters are doing well and recently celebrated their first birthdays. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
When Emily Berry’s triplets came into the world last year-- each weighing about 3 pounds -- they called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Albany Med home for seven weeks. During that time, Neil Devejian, M.D., the region’s only pediatric cardiologist, performed open heart surgery on one of the tiny babies to repair a “kink” in her aorta. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
Hannah Morier, of Albany, was about to start her senior year of college when she was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma – a type of cancer found in the body's connective tissues. Thanks to her orthopedic oncologist Matthew DiCaprio, M.D., and the expert, compassionate care she received at Albany Med, Hannah is now a healthy, active 23-year-old who is the 2017 Sarcoma Strong Run/Walk 5k honoree. To register for the 2017 Run/Walk 5k, visit http://www.zippyreg.com/online_reg/reg2017.php?e=927 or http://www.sarcomastrong.com/
Skyler Loiselle, 2, of Watervliet, was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of her heart, as well as other cardiac complications. At 3 months old, she underwent open-heart surgery performed by the region’s only pediatric cardiac surgeon Dr. Neil Devejian and spent four weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital. Her mother, Emily, described the nursing staff and the care she received at Albany Med as "amazing" and appreciated having such expert, compassionate care close to home.
Gordon “Gordy” Clark, 57, of White Creek, went to Southwest Vermont Medical after a week of feeling “crummy” and experiencing shortness of breath. Test results revealed he had a heart attack and was rushed via ambulance to Albany Med. There, he underwent a cardiac catheterization to remove a total blockage in his right coronary artery and spent three days in Albany Med’s cardiac care unit. He describes his heart attack as the "best thing that ever happened to me" and uses his second chance to help others enjoy life as well.
Logan Fogg, 1, of Scotia, was diagnosed at 4 months old with congenital glioblastoma, a malignant pediatric brain tumor so rare that there are fewer than 100 documented cases worldwide. Through the expert, compassionate care he has received at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med, Logan is beating the odds and his doctors are encouraged by his prognosis. Learn more at http://www.amc.edu
Thank you to our generous community! Light Up the Night, the premier gala of the summer, raised a record $319,956 for Albany Med’s Department of Emergency Medicine, with a portion of this year’s proceeds benefiting The Massry Family Children’s Emergency Center at Albany Med, the region’s only pediatric emergency department, which opens August 1. Nearly 500 guests attended the gala, held at Saratoga National Golf Club on July 13, and watched videos of two patients projected on a giant video screen.
After their then 3-year-old son, Ryan, broke his arm in May 2017, his concerned parents rushed him to a local hospital. With no pediatric orthopedic surgeon on staff and concerns about circulatory and nerve damage, doctors transferred him to Albany Med. Surgeons operated on his arm late that Saturday night; he was discharged the next day. Ryan’s mother, Melissa, found the staff and the care her son received “phenomenal.” She appreciates knowing The Massry Family Children's Emergency Center will now be there should her family need it in the future. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu/pedsED
When she was younger, Whitney Belvedere, 9, of Latham, experienced countless episodes throughout the day when her eyes would roll up in her head and she would have momentary memory lapses. Diagnosed with “absence seizures,” she was referred to Albany Med pediatric neurologist Dr. John Pugh. Under his expert care and treatment, Whitney and her family are living with the challenges that come with her condition while helping increase awareness and understanding about epilepsy on the local and national level.
When Avery DeCelle was born seven weeks prematurely at Albany Med, her mother, Nicole DeCelle, of Colonie, knew first-hand about the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital’s outstanding reputation. At the time of Avery’s birth, she worked at the Albany Med Foundation. So nearly five years later when her second daughter, Addison, was born six weeks prematurely, she and her husband, Nick, knew they could count on the dedicated team of doctors, nurses and staff in Albany Med’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to take good care of their baby.
Lucas Scherl, of Gansevoort, hoped to go for a short afternoon mountain bike ride with his cousin on the trails at Moreau Lake State Park on July 31, 2018. Instead, Lucas, then 15, was the first pediatric trauma patient at The Massry Family Children’s Emergency Center at Albany Med, the region’s only pediatric emergency department, following an accident that left him with a broken femur. In May, prior to a dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Med that recognized EMS providers, Lucas and his parents were reunited with the first responders who rescued him and the staff from the Massry Center who treated him. Learn more at https://www.amc.edu
