Wisconsin Medicine Impact Stories
Life-changing stories have been coming out of UW Health and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health since the very beginning. Whether it’s providing a new lease on life to a patient, supporting a gifted medical student, or offering the hope of an innovative treatment to a family struggling with an illness, such stories impact us all. Here are just some of those inspiring stories.
Meet Sezar, our first pediatric heart transplant recipient
After years of preparation and planning, the pediatric heart transplant program at the UW Health Transplant Center launched in March 2023. Sezar became the first pediatric patient to receive a heart transplant at American Family Children’s Hospital on August 22, 2023.
You gave Scarlett hope
At just 2 ½ years old, Scarlett was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Even with the most aggressive treatment, it was likely the cancer would return, and it did. But a clinical trial only offered at UW Health Kids | Carbone Cancer Center at American Family Children’s Hospital is giving Scarlett hope.
You helped Ky breathe again
Three weeks shy of her 16th birthday, Ky landed in the emergency department with a severe lung infection from influenza A. While most teens recover, Ky would need new lungs. It was the beginning of a long road to recovery powered by a team of medical specialists at American Family Children’s Hospital and Ky’s determination to breathe on her own again.
Child Life provides comfort and care for Aiden and his family
Aiden Topper’s teddy bear and backpack are a special part of his medical care plan for severe pulmonary hypertension. Through play and fun, the specially-trained Child Life specialists and facility dog, Cola, made the transition to a new way of life a bit easier for both the active 3 ½ year old and his mom.
You ease the financial burden on families
Having a child in the hospital can have a huge financial impact on families, especially those who travel a distance for care. Gifts to the Patient and Family Fund are used by our social workers to provide extra support when needed.