EVANSTON, Ill. – October, 16, 2026 – When Jessica Ciupka noticed soreness near her armpit that felt like the aftermath of a workout, she knew something was not right. While she lifts weights regularly, she had not performed chest exercises and the discomfort did not make sense. Within days, Ciupka saw her primary care physician, who found a lump in Jessica’s left breast and additional lumps near her lymph nodes.

A diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy at Northwestern Medicine Diagnostic Imaging Evanston led to a diagnosis of stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer.  Ciupka, now 31, had no family history of breast cancer and genetic testing did not identify a breast cancer gene. The diagnosis interrupted her dreams for the future.

“Being 30 years old at the time when I found out, I had plans for my life. I had plans to buy a home with my boyfriend, to get married, to have children and that all had to be put on hold,” Ciupka said.

Why Breast Awareness Matters

Even though she was unsure what her symptom meant, Ciupka did everything right by not ignoring the soreness she felt. She sought care and continued asking questions until she received answers.

Breast health experts stress the importance of “breast awareness,” which means understanding how your breasts normally look and feel, then contacting a health care provider when something changes.

“We tell patients that everyone should know what’s normal for you. Then you can recognize when something is not normal. And that’s exactly what Jessica did. She found something that wasn’t normal for her and advocated for herself,” said Sonya Bhole, MD, a breast radiologist at Northwestern Medicine.

While breast cancer is most common in women over 50, Ciupka’s experience is also a reminder that breast cancer can affect younger women.

“It’s always hard when you see very young women with suspicious findings, but stories like Jessica’s are a good reminder for younger patients to not assume a concerning change can wait simply because they are not yet old enough for routine mammography,” Bhole said.

A Rise in Breast Cancer in Women Under 50

The American Cancer Society reported that breast cancer incidence rose 1.4% per year among women younger than 50 from 2012 to 2021, compared with 0.7% per year among women 50 and older.

“The steepest rise we’re seeing is in women under 50. We all want to know why, but it’s truly multi-factoral,” Bhole said. “We know there are many factors that go into breast cancer. Your family history, your reproductive history, your lifestyle, if you’re active, or alcohol use and smoking and physical activity.”

In addition to practicing breast awareness, doctors are urging women to get risk assessed for breast cancer by the age of 25.

What Is a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment?

A breast cancer risk assessment estimates a woman’s lifetime risk by considering information such as family history, breast density and reproductive history. The result can help patients and their health care providers decide when screening should begin and whether additional imaging may be appropriate.

“The American College of Radiology recommends all women get risk assessed by age 25. Now I want to clarify that doesn’t mean everyone needs a mammogram by 25 or everyone needs imaging by 25. Everyone needs to get risk assessed, which is a process you can go through online or with your healthcare provider,” Bhole said.

Bhole said the assessment, available online through Northwestern Medicine, is intended to personalize screening.

Jessica’s Plans for the Future

After her diagnosis, Ciupka’s treatment plan began with fertility preservation, including 12 days of injections and an egg retrieval procedure. She then underwent more than six months of chemotherapy at Northwestern Medicine Warrenvile Cancer Center, while also receiving immunotherapy as well.  

Ciupka was scheduled for surgery in early October. Heidi Memmel, MD, a breast surgeon, performed a bilateral mastectomy at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital.

“Jessica’s strength and positive attitude have been remarkable,” Dr. Memmel said. “She continued working throughout treatment, missing only her chemotherapy days, and has remained focused on living her life. Her resilience is truly inspiring.”

Ciupka chose to share her story in hopes that another person might recognize a change in their breasts and ask for help.

“Get checked, advocate for yourself and keep talking to your doctors because someone will listen,” Ciupka said. “At the same time, make sure you keep that positive outlook on your life.”

In addition to the online assessment, Northwestern Medicine offers breast cancer risk assessments and counseling through the Breast Risk Assessment and Prevention Program. Breast imaging and breast cancer screening services are available at more than 20 locations throughout Chicagoland, including downtown Chicago, the northern, western, northwest and southern suburbs.

For more information and to complete the online Breast Health Assessment, visit nm.org.

WINFIELD, Ill. — For many, a blood draw can be intimidating. For pediatric patients with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, including ADHD, Down syndrome, or previous medical trauma, it can be especially overwhelming.

At Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, phlebotomists and pediatric specialists work together to create a more supportive outpatient blood draw experience for neurodivergent children. Through individualized planning and evidence-based coping strategies, the team works to ease anxiety and make laboratory testing less stressful for patients and families.

For 7-year-old Frankie Edgar of Darien, that support made all the difference.

Frankie has a sensory processing and language disorder that can make it difficult for him to navigate new situations and communicate his needs. After years of watching his younger brother undergo treatment for serious health conditions, he had also developed a fear of hospitals and medical procedures.

When blood work was needed, his mother, Jessica Edgar, turned to the Child Life team at Central DuPage Hospital for support. Child Life specialists help children and families navigate a wide range of healthcare experiences, from routine lab visits to hospitalizations and complex medical treatments.

Recognizing the unique challenges blood draws can present for neurodivergent children, the Child Life team partnered with the hospital's phlebotomists to develop a blood draw support program. Through ongoing collaboration, the teams work together to make blood draws more comfortable and successful for young patients and their families.

Before the appointment, Child Life specialists spoke with Frankie's family to better understand his needs and develop a personalized plan for the visit.

During the appointment, Frankie was introduced to each step of the procedure before it happened. He was able to see and touch equipment, feel the tourniquet, examine components of the collection system and learn what sensations to expect. Throughout the experience, he was given choices and encouraged to participate in ways that felt comfortable to him.

“Before this visit, the idea of a blood draw felt overwhelming because Frankie needs time to process information and understand what is happening around him,” said Jessica. “Everyone took the time to meet him where he was, explain everything in a way he could understand. Watching him get through the blood draw calmly and confidently was incredible as a parent.”

Because blood draw support is tailored to each child's individual needs, the program is available by appointment only and begins with a screening call. During the call, specialists discuss available options and develop a coping plan for the patient.

“When a child comes in feeling anxious or uncertain, even a few minutes of preparation can completely change their experience,” said Naomi Serrano, a phlebotomist at Central DuPage Hospital. “Having these coping strategies and tools as part of their care plan helps us prepare for their unique needs and adapt our approach. It allows us to prepare them for what's ahead and creates a smoother experience for everyone involved, including the phlebotomy team.”

Jessica said the experience has already changed the way Frankie thinks about future healthcare visits.

“Now he understands what a blood draw is and what to expect,” Edgar said. “Instead of it being this scary unknown, he has a positive experience to build on for the future.”

“Child Life specialists play an essential role in helping children and families navigate healthcare experiences with greater confidence and less stress,” said Dora Castro-Ahillen, Child Life manager at Central DuPage Hospital. “Whether supporting a routine blood draw or helping families through complex medical journeys, these team members ensure care is personalized, compassionate and centered around the unique needs of every child.”

At Northwestern Medicine, Child Life services are available at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Central DuPage Hospital. At Central DuPage Hospital, these specialists also provide support in the pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric outpatient clinics, pediatric emergency department, and in radiology and surgery.

To schedule an appointment for outpatient blood draw support at Central DuPage Hospital, call 630-933-7529 and press 3. Appointments are available for patients age 17 and younger (or up to age 18 if still in high school).

For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.

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DeKalb, Ill. – October 13, 2026 – Andrea Kerry never expected a routine heart scan to change her life, but the findings resulted in a lung cancer diagnosis —a shock to the 44-year-old personal trainer, mother of two and lifelong non-smoker. “I felt fine. I had zero symptoms. I would never have known without that calcium test,” Kerry said.

“Andrea’s cancer was found serendipitously, if you will,” said Andrew Arndt, MD, director of thoracic surgery with the Canning Thoracic Institute at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. “She got a cardiac calcium scoring CT that happened to pick this up. If she had not gotten that scan, she would not have qualified for other screening metrics. And there's no telling at what point this would have been diagnosed.”

A Personal Trainer’s Unexpected Diagnosis

Kerry underwent a cardiac CT scan last summer at the recommendation of Dhaval Thakkar, MD, a Northwestern Medicine internal medicine physician in Kerry’s hometown of Sycamore. While her heart looked healthy, the scan revealed a small, round nodule in her lung. Dr. Thakkar recommended a follow-up scan in six months.

In February, follow-up imaging showed the nodule had doubled in size. After a biopsy, Daniel Coomes, DO, a pulmonologist with the Canning Thoracic Institute at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital performed a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, leading to a diagnosis of stage one lung cancer.

“What stands out about Andrea’s diagnosis is how subtle it was,” Dr. Coomes said. “She had no symptoms, and her heart scan was otherwise normal. The small lung nodule could easily have been overlooked, but timely follow-up allowed us to confirm the diagnosis early and move quickly with care.”

Lower Left Lobe Removal

Kerry was referred to Dr. Arndt for surgery. He recommended minimally invasive robotic surgery to remove the lower lobe of her left lung. “As a young, non-smoker, her lungs looked healthy and had very little scar tissue, which made minimally invasive surgery a great option,” Dr. Arndt said.

Two weeks after her diagnosis, Kerry underwent robotic surgery at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. Pathology results from the lower left lobe removal showed Kerry’s cancer was even smaller than initially thought, measuring 1.7 centimeters and confirming an early-stage diagnosis and no need for additional treatment.

“Andrea has a lot of the favorable things to never have this come back,” Dr. Arndt said. “Early diagnosis shifts lung cancer from being one of the deadliest cancers to one we can often treat effectively and even cure.”

Encouraging Lung Screenings

Kerry, who also has Type 1 diabetes, chose to share her diagnosis with her family and friends, as well as on social media, to encourage others to take preventive health screenings seriously.

“I have been sharing all the lung screening tools that Northwestern Medicine is offering,” she said. “I have had multiple clients and family members signing up to get screened. If I can help even one person, that is worth it.”

Less than a month after surgery, Kerry is back exercising daily and has resumed her personal training business. “It makes me emotional because sometimes you take things for granted. You take your health for granted and then all of a sudden you’re sick and it really changes how you look at things,” Kerry said. “Thank goodness I prioritize my health.”

Patients interested in scheduling a screening with the Lung Health Center can call 312.695.1800 or email lunghealthcenter@nm.org.

“At OpenEvidence, our mission is to build tools that are clinically meaningful, rigorously validated, and seamlessly integrated into existing workflows,” said Ania Bilski, MD, Vice President Clinical AI at OpenEvidence. “Embedding OpenEvidence within Northwestern Medicine’s EHR delivers real-time, evidence-based insights without adding complexity.”

This enterprise-wide deployment marks the first phase of a broader collaboration focused on ensuring AI is used safely and effectively at the bedside. Beginning October 8, Northwestern Medicine clinicians can launch OpenEvidence directly from Epic, signed in automatically with their existing hospital credentials. For the first time, nurses, pharmacists and other clinical staff will also have access, giving the full care team a fast way to check medication dosing and drug interactions, review the latest guidelines, and get cited answers grounded in peer-reviewed literature, including content from the New England Journal of Medicine and the JAMA Network.

“When evaluating new technologies for our clinical teams, our top priority is that they address real clinical needs and it has the ability to be scaled effectively across the health system,” said James Adams, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Northwestern Medicine. “By making OpenEvidence available directly in the EHR, we’re giving clinicians a single, trusted source for evidence-based answers at the point of care. This collaboration reduces friction in clinical decision-making and allows our teams to stay focused on what matters most - caring for patients.”

“Northwestern Medicine is one of the great academic health systems in the country, and its decision to extend OpenEvidence to the entire care team reflects where modern hospitals are headed,” said Vivien Ho, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at OpenEvidence. “Northwestern Medicine’s collaborative approach made this deployment possible. We’re looking forward to collaborating with Northwestern to continue to build best-in-class clinical workflows for clinicians across care teams.”

Chicago – October 6, 2026 – More than 800,000 Americans undergo surgery to repair inguinal hernias each year, an abdominal wall condition that affects approximately one in four men during their lifetime. The condition occurs in the groin, when a portion of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, creating a bulge that can only be repaired surgically. While not every inguinal hernia requires repair, they can grow overtime, cutting off blood supply to the small intestine, which can lead to emergency complications. Men with inguinal hernias may now be eligible to enroll in a clinical trial at Northwestern Medicine that will study if estrogen-blocking medication could reverse these hernias without surgery. 

“I am always humbled by how much fear and anxiety patients feel around the surgical intervention despite the fact that we do this every day,” said Michael Rosen, MD, chief of gastrointestinal surgery and surgical director of Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Institute. “Surgeons should always be searching for ways to cure what we treat with surgery with non-operative measures as long as it's safe and provides an effective means.” 

Phase one of the Reversing InGuinal Hernia Trial: The Evaluation of Sex Hormones to Reverse Inguinal Hernias in Males (RIGHT) trial at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is recruiting 30 men, age 50 and older, with symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernias, who have not previously had a hernia repair on that side. This phase seeks to establish whether estrogen-blocking medication can be given safely to older men and if it is feasible to measure changes in hernia size and symptoms. Dr. Rosen, who is leading the trial, says participants will be divided into two randomized treatment groups and given either Fulvestrant intramuscularly or Anastrozole (Arimidex) orally.  

“We will then assess safety and any efficacy at six months with the plan to expand into a much larger trial if we are able to prove that it is safe, and there are signals indicating a change in the hernia or its symptoms,” said Dr. Rosen, a professor of gastrointestinal surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of medicine. 

A collaboration sparked by a surprising discovery 

Dr. Rosen, who joined Northwestern Medicine in February 2025, credits the inspiration for this clinical trial to a discovery made by Serdar Bulun, MD, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern Medicine, in a study published that same month. 

“To study the effects of estrogen excess on female breast tissue, Dr. Bulun’s team generated a mouse model that formed large amounts of estrogen in adipose and skeletal muscle tissue, when he serendipitously noticed the male breeder mice were forming inguinal hernias,” said Dr. Rosen. 

The study prompted Dr. Rosen to reach out to Dr. Bulun to explore whether the findings could be replicated in clinical trials involving humans. 

“Our findings strongly suggest that men would also respond to this medication as the male mice did, so if a subset of male patients are high risk for surgery, we can one day try to repair the hernias medically,” said Dr. Bulun, chair of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Feinberg. 

Potential to eliminate a field of surgery 

Individuals interested in enrolling in the study should visit ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT07604272 to review inclusion criteria.  

“When you really look at this trial, if this works, one of the most common operations I do, I will not be doing anymore,” said. Dr. Rosen. “If we can treat patients with non-operative measures, with medicine, it's absolutely best for the patients.” 

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is proud to be ranked No. 4 in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report, 2026 – 2027. For information on the Digestive Health Institute and other gastrointestinal clinical trials, visit nm.org/digestivehealth. To learn more about hernia repair treatment options at Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.

Chicago, Illinois – October 1, 2026 – Just months after getting married in 2014, Ranim Haddad suffered her first miscarriage. While she and her husband, Fuad, initially remained hopeful, they could never prepare themselves for what would come next – 11 years, 20 miscarriages, a still birth, and a baby who died just hours after being born.

But on October 1, 2025, Ranim and Fuad’s dreams of parenthood finally came true. With the help of maternal-fetal medicine specialists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a healthy baby boy named Emmanuel was born.

“We went through 11 years of nonstop heartbreak,” said 36-year-old Ranim. “I was basically pregnant twice a year and wanted to give up so many times. If you have the right support around you, it helps you to keep going and I’m so glad I did.”

Holding out hope

The couple from Alsip, Illinois, was able to conceive both naturally and through in vitro fertilization (IVF), but each one would end in loss. In 2020, just one day after hosting a gender reveal party with family and friends, Ranim’s water broke while she was 18 weeks pregnant. She gave birth at another health system but the baby girl she named Miracle did not survive.

“All of my husband’s siblings got married after us, and they all ended up with babies right away,” said Ranim. “I never felt comfortable. I knew something was wrong, but we just couldn't tell what it was.”

In 2024, Ranim switched her care to Northwestern Medicine and started seeing Susan Gerber, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. During a pregnancy that year, ultrasounds showed no amniotic fluid around the baby which meant no chance of survival outside of the womb. Ranim’s son, Samuel, was born without lungs, and after holding him in her arms, Ranim said goodbye to another baby.

Her luck would finally change in 2025, when she got pregnant again. She was monitored closely by Dr. Gerber’s team and fortunately, experienced no major complications during the pregnancy. After 11 years of waiting, Ranim and Faud’s story finally had a happy ending when Emmanuel was born.

“We evaluated Ranim exhaustively to determine the cause of her losses, and were ultimately unable to find one,” said Dr. Gerber. “We placed a stitch in her cervix during her last pregnancy which may have prevented preterm birth, but that likely has nothing to do with all her first trimester losses. Her success may just be due to her persistence and refusal to give up.”

Life as a new mom

Ranim is embracing life as a mom and rarely leaves Emmanuel’s side. In May 2026, Ranim and Emmanuel wore matching shirts with their photo and the words, “Our First Mother’s Day.”

As Ranim now prepares to celebrate Emmanuel’s first birthday, she’s sharing her story to inspire other women to never give up.

“When I was dealing with each loss, I felt isolated and didn’t want to talk about it with anyone,” said Ranim. “But now I realize, if I had sought support, or heard someone else’s story, it might have helped me. I want other women to know that they’re not alone.”

Common causes of pregnancy loss

About 20 percent of women in the United States now have their first child after age 35. Pregnancy loss happens in about one in four pregnancies, with women over 30 at a higher risk.

Most losses happen in the first trimester and about half are caused by problems with genes or chromosomes. Other factors include:

• Abnormal embryo development
• Existing conditions in the birth parent like high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid issues
• Problems in the uterus like scar tissue or fibroids
• Cervical insufficiency
• Infections
• Autoimmune diseases

The obstetrics and gynecology program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is proud to be the highest-ranked in Illinois and among the top 5 in the U.S., per U.S. News & World Report, 2026 – 2027. For more information, visit nm.org.

• Academic Medical Center cohort: Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Large Specialized Complex Care Medical Center cohort
  • Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
  • Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
• Complex Care Medical Center cohort:
  • Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
  • Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital
• Community Hospital cohort: Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital
• Pediatric cohort: Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital

“This recognition reflects the dedication our physicians, nurses and staff hold in delivering exceptional care every day,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Being among the nation’s top-performing health systems demonstrates our continued focus on advancing medicine, strengthening outcomes and making high-quality care accessible close to home. Above all, this honor represents the confidence our patients place in Northwestern Medicine and the extraordinary care our teams provide across our health system.”

This year, 1,346 participating hospitals were segmented into seven cohorts for the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study. The study measures performance on the quality of patient care in six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and variation in care. The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network.

Additionally, Northwestern Health Network Medical Group was one of only five medical groups in the country to be acknowledged for the Ambulatory Quality and Accountability Top Performer category, demonstrating excellence in delivering high-quality outpatient care.  

“Delivering consistently high-quality care requires organizations to align clinical expertise, operational discipline and a continuous focus on improvement,” said David Levine, MD, chief medical officer, Vizient. “The hospitals recognized this year demonstrate what is possible when that commitment is embedded across the organization, resulting in better performance and, most importantly, better care for patients.”

CHICAGO – September 23, 2026 - Traditional prostate cancer treatment often involves prostate removal or radiation, but those treatments can affect urinary and sexual function in men.

Northwestern Medicine urologists Ashley Ross, MD, PhD, and Perry Xu, MD, have developed a new and innovative way to treat prostate cancer and urinary symptoms, combining two techniques to target the cancer, improve a patient’s quality of life and avoid multiple surgeries and operating room visits.

Immediate Cryoablation and Enucleation for Prostate Cancer (ICE-CAP) combines two procedures into the same operation: cryoablation, which freezes and destroys the cancerous area of the prostate, and HoLEP, which removes obstructive prostate tissue, creates a wide-open urinary channel and provides long-term relief for patients with enlarged prostates.

“The idea for ICE-CAP emerged after we had a patient with no good standard treatments who needed both cancer control and relief from catheter-dependent urinary obstruction,” said Dr. Ross, who performs the cryoablation part of the procedure. “Cryoablation targets the tumor rather than removing the entire prostate and can preserve urinary and sexual function. The procedure, which not only preserves but can improve urinary function while treating prostate cancer currently reflects Northwestern Medicine’s expertise in both focal prostate cancer therapy and management of enlarged prostates.”

A new approach to treating prostate cancer and urinary symptoms

Doctors Ross and Xu developed the concept one year ago after discussing how to better serve patients who have both prostate cancer and bothersome urinary symptoms. Cryoablation has been increasingly used for focal prostate therapy.

“The ICE-CAP procedure offers an important option for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery or radiation,” Dr. Ross said. “Very large prostates can be difficult to treat with radiation, especially in men who already have urinary symptoms. Older men are more likely to have significantly enlarged prostates. While surgery may still be an option for them, the risks of side effects can increase with age. For example, whereas only about 1% to 2% of men in their 50s may experience incontinence after surgery, that risk can be substantially higher for men in their early 70s.”

HoLEP, which stands for Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate, has been around since the 1990s.

“When the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urinary channel and create a plumbing problem,” said Dr. Xu, who performs the HoLEP part of the procedure. “With the HoLEP procedure, we can use the laser to open the prostate so that there is a channel that you can urinate through unobstructed."

Dr. Xu said that this issue of prostatic enlargement can affect many aspects of urination, including nighttime urination and urinary urgency and frequency.

“A lot of folks accept waking up at night as part of their routine, but in reality, there's an option to help improve it with techniques such as the HoLEP procedure which can be done as part of the ICE-CAP procedure,” Dr. Xu said.

Raising awareness

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about a disease that will affect 1 in 8 men in their lifetime.

“At Northwestern Medicine, we are developing innovative strategies aimed at reducing the side effects of prostate cancer treatment,” Dr. Ross said. “Our goal is not only to help men live longer and remain cancer-free, but also to help them avoid many of the urinary and sexual side effects traditionally associated with treatment.”

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is proud to be ranked No. 7 in the nation for urology by U.S. News & World Report, 2026-27. For information on Northwestern Medicine urology, visit nm.org.

Since opening in 2025, the center has helped address longstanding barriers to healthcare access by bringing primary, specialty and preventive care services directly into the Bronzeville community, reducing the need for residents to travel outside the neighborhood for many healthcare needs. In its first year, the center exceeded patient volume projections, accounting for almost 83,000 completed patient appointments and creating more than 110 new jobs in the community.

“The success of the Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations,” said Kimbra Bell, MD, medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center. “In just one year, we have welcomed tens of thousands of patients, expanded access to specialty care and built meaningful partnerships throughout the community. This milestone reflects more than numbers. It reflects lives touched, healthier outcomes and a shared commitment to ensuring that residents of Bronzeville and surrounding neighborhoods can receive the highest quality care without leaving their community. We are honored to be part of that journey.”

Clinical and community offerings at the Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center include:

• Primary and specialty care
• Immediate care
• Cancer center with chemotherapy and infusion services
• Imaging and diagnostic services (MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, DEXA and mammography)
• Mental health services
• Pediatrics
• Cardiology
• Women’s Health
• Dermatology
• Physical Therapy
• Pulmonology
• Gastroenterology
• Ophthalmology
• Multipurpose and event spaces for community gatherings and educational workshops
• A teaching kitchen and room for fitness classes

Local Bronzeville resident and Northwestern Medicine patient Lisa Pope has enjoyed the convenience of living several blocks from the facility. “Having my trusted physician so close to my home has been wonderful,” said Pope. “While I was willing to travel long distances to receive care, knowing I no longer have to rearrange my entire day for an appointment has made a tremendous difference. The facility is beautiful, welcoming and convenient, and it has become a valuable asset to our community.”

During its first year, the Bronzeville Community Center hosted more than 30 programs attended by more than 900 participants, including sickle cell initiative blood drives, food as medicine and healthy cooking classes, yoga and diabetes prevention courses. In addition, it offered four local Phillips High School students (who had an interest in a pathway into healthcare) paid summer internships, where they learned how to take blood pressure readings, see how injections are given and reviewed how to read vital signs.

“Access to quality health care and healthy living resources should never depend on how far someone can travel,” said 4^th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson. “Thanks to Northwestern Medicine’s investment in Bronzeville, residents can now receive care, wellness support and access to nutritious food right in their own community. The positive impact has been evident in its first year, and I am excited to see how this resource continues to strengthen the health and well-being of our neighborhood.”

To learn more about the Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center, including community impact, community programming and the full floor-by-floor facility plan, please go to bronzeville.nm.org.

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Wheaton, Illinois – August 28, 2026 – For many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), rising body temperatures can trigger or worsen symptoms, making everyday activities, including spending time outdoors, playing with children or exercising, more difficult. At Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, patients in the hospital's neuromuscular rehabilitation program are finding relief through the use of cooling vests, an innovative tool designed to help lower core body temperature and improve function.

An estimated 60% to 80% of people with MS are sensitive to heat, which can lead to symptoms such as difficulty walking, cognitive challenges and blurred vision. Research, primarily done in outpatient and community settings, has found that a cooling vest designed to keep the core temperature within safe levels can combat thermosensitivity, a condition of being affected by heat or shifts in temperature, and alleviate some of these symptoms.

Marianjoy clinicians wanted to study the impact of cooling vests in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, an area where limited research has been conducted to date. The Marianjoy Cooling Vest Program was created to assess if torso cooling could improve walking capacity and facilitate fatigue management for thermosensitive patients with MS.

Findings from Marianjoy's study, which is in the process of being published, are encouraging. Therapists observed that patients, after wearing a cooling vest for approximately 30 minutes, experienced an increase in walking distance by 97% and walking speed by 17%.

About 58% of the MS patients studied reported visual impairments such as double vision or blurred vision. After using the cooling vest for 30 minutes, 100% of those patients with visual impairments improved in visual acuity. The findings indicate that torso cooling can lead to improvement in quality of life for MS patients with thermosensitivity.

"Heat can have a significant impact on people with multiple sclerosis, affecting their mobility, vision and overall ability to participate in daily activities," said Elizabeth Foss, MS, OTR/L, FAS, lead therapist in Marianjoy's neuromuscular rehabilitation program. "Cooling vests are giving patients another tool to help manage symptoms, increase endurance and engage more fully in the activities that matter most to them."

Cait Elwart’s Cooling Vest Experience

One patient who has experienced the benefits firsthand is Cait Elwart, a 34-year-old Yorkville resident, athletic trainer and mother of two who was diagnosed with MS in 2022. Following a severe relapse earlier this year that left her unable to walk independently, Elwart completed inpatient rehabilitation at Marianjoy, where she was introduced to cooling vest therapy.

During rehabilitation, therapists had Elwart wear a cooling vest before completing mobility and endurance tests. "After wearing the vest, I did significantly better," said Elwart. "It helps you do more and feel better and you don't get the same slam of symptoms. With MS, you can hit a wall and feel like you can't do any more activity."

Since returning home, Elwart has incorporated a cooling vest into her daily life, using it during outdoor activities, including riding her beloved horse named Scotch. She also recently used a cooling vest to participate in activities with her two children, ages four and seven, while on a family vacation in Michigan.

"I really don't feel like I could participate in vacation without it," Elwart said. “It allowed me to do more and enjoy time with my family without feeling overwhelmed by my symptoms.”

In addition to introducing patients to cooling technology, Marianjoy therapists help connect eligible individuals with resources that may provide cooling vests at little or no cost. The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), for example, offers cooling equipment assistance programs for qualifying patients.

As Marianjoy continues its research, clinicians hope to further demonstrate how cooling vests can support rehabilitation outcomes and improve quality of life for people living with MS.

About Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is the only acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital in DuPage County and is nationally recognized for its comprehensive rehabilitation services.

Earlier this month, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital ranked No. 2 in Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area and is nationally ranked in Rehabilitation at No. 40 in the U.S. News “Best Hospitals” rankings.

Chicago, IL – August 12, 2026 – In a new study published today in Science Advances, Northwestern Medicine researchers have uncovered a previously hidden immune environment in the thymus that may help drive myasthenia gravis (MG), a chronic autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and fatigue, mainly impacting women under age 40 and men over age 60. Using the largest known cellular and spatial map of the MG thymus ever assembled, researchers identified specialized immune cells and survival signals that may help sustain the disease, opening new avenues for future research and treatment.

Myasthenia gravis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the communication point between nerves and muscles. The symptoms worsen with activity and improve with rest. Most often, the disease affects the muscles that control the eyes, facial expressions, talking, swallowing and chewing. In severe cases, breathing muscles can become dangerously weak.

While researchers have long known that harmful antibodies play a major role in MG, they do not fully explain why symptoms vary among patients or why some people continue to experience disease activity despite treatment, including the surgical removal of the thymus called a thymectomy.

“During childhood, the purpose of the thymus is to train the body’s immune cells, but in adulthood, the thymus shrivels up and starts to malfunction, which can lead to myasthenia gravis,” said Ankit Bharat, MD, senior author of the study, chief of thoracic surgery and executive director of the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute. "Our study suggests there's more to myasthenia gravis than antibodies alone. We found evidence that the thymus may create an abnormal immune environment that helps certain B cells survive and persist, even after the thymus is removed. Understanding that environment gives us an entirely new framework for studying and possibly treating the disease."

What this means for patients

For patients like 30-year-old Marissa Humayun of Chicago, the latest research gives her hope, especially after three years of ups and downs.

In early 2023, at the age of 26, Humayun went to the emergency department with stroke-like symptoms that came out of nowhere, including a droopy eyelid and double vision. When bloodwork came back negative for the main MG antibodies, Neena Cherayil, MD, a neuro-ophthalmologist at Northwestern Medicine, diagnosed Humayun with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) and seronegative myasthenia, a rare form of MG, where three of the known antibodies for MG don’t show up in standard blood tests, but patients still present symptoms.

Three months after her diagnosis, Humayun underwent robotic surgery with Dr. Bharat to have her thymus removed and donated the small gland to his research study. Even though the thymectomy was a success, Humayun’s symptoms returned, which can happen in some patients. Humayun now relies on infusion therapy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to help control her symptoms and is treated by Arjun Seth, MD, a neuromuscular medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine.

“When symptomatic, I have droopy eyelids, fatigue and double vision – especially if I’ve pushed myself too hard or didn’t rest enough. Myasthenia gravis is such a discouraging disease, but I must honor my body for what it can do today,” said Humayun. “Dr. Bharat is an inspiring surgeon and researcher, and Northwestern Medicine has truly taken care of me throughout my diagnosis and treatment. I’m optimistic for the future, knowing scientists right here in Chicago are working to find solutions for patients in the myasthenia gravis community.”

“Our hope is that we can now identify patients – like Marissa – who are at risk of having a recurrence after the thymectomy and after treatment,” said Dr. Bharat. “Also, this study gives us clues as to why some patients don’t respond to the conventional medical treatments. What we’re hoping to do is identify those patients who are at risk and then ultimately design clinical interventions that can kill those cells and then prevent the recurrences.”

A surprising discovery

To better understand what happens inside the thymus, Northwestern Medicine researchers analyzed 23 thymus samples from 16 patients and combined several advanced technologies, including single-cell RNA sequencing, immune receptor analysis and spatial transcriptomics. Together, these techniques allowed scientists to identify individual cell types and determine where those cells were located within the tissue.

After integrating their data with previously published datasets, the team created an atlas containing nearly 347,000 cells, making it the most comprehensive map of the MG thymus to date. Researchers expected to find evidence of a single rogue immune-cell population driving disease, but instead, they found something very different.

The study revealed a diverse population of class-switched B cells clustered within and around abnormal germinal centers in MG tissue. Rather than showing signs of traditional immune regulation, these cells appeared to rely on a separate survival pathway involving molecules known as BAFF and BCMA.

The researchers describe the finding as a potential "tolerance checkpoint swap" in which B cells move away from normal immune-control mechanisms and become supported by survival signals from the surrounding tissue environment.

"We did not find one dominant B-cell clone taking over," said Dr. Bharat. "Instead, we found a diverse population of B cells living within an abnormal immune neighborhood. The neighborhood itself may be helping these cells survive."

What happens next?

The findings may help explain several longstanding mysteries surrounding myasthenia gravis, including why antibody levels do not always match disease severity and why improvement after thymus-removal surgery can vary from patient to patient. However, the researchers caution that the current study did not directly test those questions.

“This study is not a treatment announcement and does not change current recommendations for patients with myasthenia gravis,” said Dr. Bharat. “Thymectomy remains an evidence-based treatment for appropriately selected patients, and additional research will be required to determine whether the newly identified pathways play a direct role in disease progression.”

Instead, the work provides a detailed roadmap for future investigation.

"This study gives us a map," said Dr. Bharat. "The next step is to determine whether these pathways actively drive disease and whether they can be targeted to restore immune tolerance. That's the promise of this research."

The pulmonology and lung surgery program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is proud to be the highest-ranked in Illinois for 15 straight years and No. 4 in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report, 2026 – 2027. For more information, visit nm.org.

HUNTLEY, Illinois – August 11, 2026 – Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital celebrated its 10-year anniversary by welcoming back the family whose unplanned arrival became part of the hospital's history on its very first day.

Heather and Shane Doty, along with their daughter, Gianna, attended the celebration held for hospital staff on Monday, marking a decade since the hospital opened as Centegra Hospital-Huntley on August 9, 2016.

As hospital employees gathered outside for a commemorative photo before the facility opened, the Dotys drove up with Heather in labor. Just two minutes after the hospital officially opened its doors, Gianna was born, becoming the hospital's first patient and first baby.

Ten years later, the family returned to celebrate the milestone with hospital leaders, physicians and staff members at a party on Monday. Watching staff members join together to sing “Happy Birthday to You” to Gianna brought Heather tears.

"Emotional, it feels really emotional. We’re just so grateful," Heather Doty said. "When we pulled up that morning, we never imagined we would become part of the hospital's history.”

The anniversary celebration brought together team members, physicians, volunteers and hospital leadership to reflect on the hospital's first decade and look ahead to the future.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate not only the hospital’s first decade, but also the remarkable growth of the Huntley community we are privileged to serve,” said Matt Carlen, president of Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital. “For 10 years, we have grown and evolved alongside our community, expanding access to care and adapting to meet the region’s changing healthcare needs. Becoming part of Northwestern Medicine in 2018 strengthened our ability to bring nationally recognized expertise, advanced technology and specialized care closer to home.”

As Huntley and the surrounding communities have grown, the hospital has served as an important economic driver in the region attracting top healthcare talent and creating jobs. The Huntley Hospital campus is home to more than 1,330 employees and 300 board-certified physicians.

“We are especially proud that Huntley Hospital has become both a trusted healthcare resource and a premier destination for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals,” continued Carlen. “Many of our team members live in Huntley and neighboring communities, making it an honor to care for our friends, families and neighbors every day. We look forward to continuing to support the health and well-being of this community for generations to come.”

In August 2016, the hospital opened as Centegra Hospital-Huntley, bringing a five-story, 380,000-square-foot hospital to the area. In 2018, the hospital joined Northwestern Medicine, along with McHenry and Woodstock Hospitals.

Since then, Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital has expanded services and provided care to patients throughout McHenry County and the surrounding region. Earlier this month, Huntley, McHenry and Woodstock Hospitals combined ranked T-No. 11 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area in the U.S. News “Best Hospitals” rankings.

Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital continues to grow, with the opening of a third Medical Office Building (MOB) on campus slated for October 2026. The opening of MOB 3 will significantly expand existing services, including the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, oncology and infusion services, general surgery and urology, while introducing several new specialties to the Huntley campus including gastroenterology, radiation and surgical oncology and palliative care. The project brings 300 new jobs, including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and support staff roles.

Palos Heights, Illinois — August 10, 2026 — After a rare and aggressive cancer returned more than a decade after her original diagnosis, Regina Henneman is back in remission thanks to a personalized treatment approach at the Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute in Orland Park that combined immunotherapy, radiation therapy and multidisciplinary expertise.

“Regina's journey is remarkable not only because of how rare her cancer is, but because of her resilience throughout years of treatment and surveillance,” said Yazan Numan, MD, a medical oncologist at the Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute who cares for Henneman.

When Henneman, 83, first noticed bruising near her temple in 2009, she had no idea it would mark the beginning of a 15-year battle with one of the rarest cancers in the world.

At the time of diagnosis, Henneman was working as a registered nurse at a hospital in one of Chicago’s south suburbs. What was initially believed to be a hematoma turned out to be angiosarcoma, a rare cancer that develops in the lining of blood vessels.

“As a registered nurse, I had never heard of angiosarcoma before,” Henneman said. “I went into the office full of nurses and no one had heard of it. I went to the medical library and looked it up.”

Understanding Angiosarcoma

Sarcoma is an exceptionally rare type of cancer, originating in the body’s soft tissues, including bone, muscle, fat and nerves. Sarcomas account for less than one percent of all new cancer diagnoses in adults each year.

Angiosarcoma, which is one type of sarcoma, develops in the cells linking blood vessels and lymph vessels. Angiosarcoma is even more rare, with only one person per million being diagnosed with the disease in the U.S. each year. The disease is so uncommon that many healthcare professionals will never encounter a case during their careers.

“Proper diagnosis and treatment of angiosarcoma can be especially challenging,” Dr. Numan said. “At a comprehensive cancer center, patients have access to specialists who understand the nuances of this rare disease, along with advanced diagnostic tools, innovative treatment options and clinical research opportunities that may not be available elsewhere. For patients facing an uncommon cancer, that level of specialized care can be invaluable.”

The disease often requires care from a multidisciplinary team that may include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists. Long-term surveillance is also critical because recurrence can occur years after initial treatment.

Over the next several years, Henneman underwent six surgeries, radiation therapy, as well as chemotherapy infusions at multiple institutions, as physicians worked to control the disease.

“I had multiple Taxol, also known as paclitaxel, infusions which were physically debilitating, but it saved me because I had no active cancer until 2025,” Henneman said.

Northwestern Medicine Takes on a Dangerous Recurrence

After moving to Mokena several years ago, Henneman established care with Dr. Numan at Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute in Orland Park following a recommendation from her primary care physician.

For years, surveillance scans showed no evidence of disease. In 2025, she developed a recurrence in her right lung after several episodes of coughing up blood. Due to Henneman experiencing significant complications from chemotherapy in the past, her care team explored immunotherapy treatments.

"Historically, treatment options for angiosarcoma have been limited, particularly for patients who may not tolerate chemotherapy well,” Dr. Numan said. “Emerging research suggests that immunotherapy may benefit some patients with this disease, and Regina's case demonstrates the potential of this approach.”

Northwestern Medicine physicians collaborated across specialties to evaluate the treatment approach and worked with her insurance provider to secure approval. Henneman began treatment with pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda, along with radiation therapy in 2025.

“Keytruda is so much better than the chemotherapy,” Henneman said. “I had zero side effects.” Today, her scans show no evidence of disease, and she continues receiving immunotherapy while remaining under close surveillance.

“Every patient's situation is unique, and optimal care depends on collaboration,” Dr. Numan said. “By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines, we can evaluate every available option and develop a coordinated treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs. Regina's outcome reflects the value of that team-based approach.”

Now back to living an active life and spending time with her family, Henneman hopes her story offers encouragement to others facing a rare cancer diagnosis.

“I would like to help anyone through this because many patients are told angiosarcoma is deadly and it doesn’t have to be,” Henneman said. “If I can help one person in the world, I want to do this.”

Chicago, IL – For the 15^th consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has once again been recognized among the nation's elite hospitals, retaining its prestigious Honor Roll designation in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Northwestern Memorial Hospital remained nationally ranked in 10 specialties, with all 10 ranked among the nation's top 10 programs.

"These results reflect the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses and team members who work every day to deliver exceptional care for our patients and communities," said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. "To be recognized among the nation's very best hospitals, while seeing meaningful improvements across so many clinical specialties, speaks to our unwavering commitment to advancing medicine, improving outcomes and providing the highest quality care close to home. Most importantly, these rankings reflect the trust our patients place in us and the outstanding care they receive throughout Northwestern Medicine."

Northwestern Memorial Hospital once again achieved regional No. 1 (tie) rankings in Illinois and Chicago metropolitan area. New this year, additional regional specialty rankings were awarded for Cancer; Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; and Orthopaedics. Northwestern Memorial achieved No. 1 in Illinois and Chicago metropolitan area for all three specialties.

Northwestern Memorial’s nationally ranked programs include:

• Cancer (No. 8); Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 5); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 4); Geriatrics (No. 4); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 2); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 5); Orthopaedics (No. 7); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 4); and Urology (No. 7).

The rankings also highlight strong performance across Northwestern Medicine's regional hospitals:

· Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is No. 6 in Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area and earned a national ranking in Obstetrics & Gynecology (T-No. 48), is designated “High Performing” in Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, and Orthopaedics. The hospital achieved a new regional specialty recognition in Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 5) and Orthopaedics (No. 6). The hospital achieved “High Performing” in 16 eligible Procedures & Conditions.

· Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital moved up to No. 7 in Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area and earned national rankings in 5 specialties (Diabetes & Endocrinology No. 29; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery No. 40; Geriatrics No.46; Neurology & Neurosurgery T- No.45; and Orthopaedics T-No. 34), is designated as “High Performing” in Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, and is regionally ranked No. 3 in Orthopaedics. The hospital achieved “High Performing” in 11 eligible Procedures & Conditions.

· Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock Hospitals combined ranked T-No. 11 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area and designated as “High Performing” in 1 specialty (Orthopaedics), and No. 9 in Illinois and Chicago metropolitan area for a regional ranking in Orthopaedics. McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock Hospitals achieved “High Performing” in 11 Procedures & Conditions.

· Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital ranked T-No.13 in Illinois and T-No.13 in the Chicago metropolitan area and achieved “High Performing” in 10 Procedures & Conditions.

· Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital ranked T-No. 13 in Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area with 1 specialty ranked as “High Performing” (Diabetes & Endocrinology). Delnor achieved “High Performing” in 8 eligible Procedures & Conditions.

· Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital achieved “High Performing” in 2 Procedures & Conditions.

· Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital ranked #2 in Illinois and Chicago metropolitan area and nationally ranked in Rehabilitation at No. 40.

For more information, please go to Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings.

CHICAGO, IL - July 23, 2026 – For Preeyanuch Chanwongwanit, a busy mom of four from New Berlin, Wisconsin, life came to a screeching halt in 2019 when she was diagnosed with renal failure. After school activities with her children were quickly replaced by a demanding dialysis schedule, as the family awaited a life-saving kidney transplant. But when two transplant surgeries at another health system failed, the 46-year-old was faced with yet another daunting diagnosis – an allergy to general anesthesia.

“This is one of the most bizarre stories I’ve ever heard,” said Vinayak Rohan, MD, a transplant surgeon at Northwestern Medicine. “This patient had two previous attempts at kidney transplantation at another health system but went into cardiac arrest on the table before the surgeries could even start.”

The discovery of Chanwongwanit’s allergy by her care team in Wisconsin meant a third attempt at a kidney transplant would be complicated, as she could not undergo general anesthesia. Out of options, her care team reached out to Northwestern Medicine’s AWAKE Program (Accelerated Surgery Without General Anesthesia in Kidney Transplantation), which offers select patients a chance to remain awake through their kidney transplant.

Instead of using general anesthesia, a spinal anesthesia shot is given to the patient, similar to what’s used during a cesarean section for childbirth. It involves injecting a local anesthetic into spinal fluid and numbing the lower half of the body while allowing the patient to remain conscious.

“The AWAKE Program was built for patients like Preeyanuch. When her medical team in Wisconsin called us, they said, ‘we know Northwestern Medicine is the only place that can help her,’” said Satish Nadig, MD, PhD, transplant surgeon and director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center. “To date, we’ve performed 25 kidney transplant procedures where the patient is fully awake, and Preeyanuch is our first patient from Wisconsin. The AWAKE Program represents our commitment to continuously reimagine what is possible in transplant care. We’re incredibly proud to offer this innovation and deeply grateful for the opportunity to help patients like Preeyanuch.”

Redefining what is possible for patient care

After her two unsuccessful transplant attempts at another health system, Chanwongwanit was running low on hope. But after meeting Dr. Rohan and his team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chanwongwanit’s husband, Arthur Lee, said everything changed.

“Dr. Rohan explained to us how the surgery would work, and we immediately felt more comfortable knowing general anesthesia wasn’t part of the plan,” said Lee. “As a husband and father, you want to see your loved one happy and healthy, and the AWAKE Program gave us confidence from day one. What could have been another stressful experience turned into one filled with reassurance.”

On May 25, Chanwongwanit received a kidney from a deceased donor at Northwestern Memorial, and despite giving birth to four children, Chanwongwanit had her first experience with an epidural.

“All four of my deliveries were natural births, so this was my first time having an epidural,” said Chanwongwanit. “I was completely alert on the operating room table, went through the transplant without any complications, didn’t experience any pain, and went home 36 hours after surgery. I felt supported by my care team every step of the way and would highly recommend the AWAKE Program to other patients.”

“At Northwestern Medicine, we’re always looking for new ways to make transplantation safer, more accessible and less burdensome for patients. Through our AWAKE Program, we’re helping people experience a smoother recovery while delivering the same world-class transplant care,” said Dr. Rohan. “Our team is honored to be part of these extraordinary journeys and to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes as they begin a new chapter in their lives.”

Back to being mom

Two months after the transplant, Chanwongwanit’s new kidney is functioning as it should, allowing her to get back to the things that matter most. The children’s music and sport schedules have begun to replace dialysis, allowing the family to finally begin their long-awaited fresh start.

“Instead of living life from the sidelines, I can now be there for my four children every day – celebrating milestones and making memories. I also miss my parents who live in Thailand, so I’d love to visit them soon,” said Chanwongwanit. “I’m so grateful to my organ donor and the incredible team at Northwestern Medicine for giving me a second chance at life. With my new kidney, anything is possible.”

About the AWAKE Program

Northwestern Medicine surgeons performed the first AWAKE kidney transplant in June 2024, and to date, 25 patients have received kidney transplants without general anesthesia.

The program is designed to give patients who are not candidates for general anesthesia an alternative for undergoing the surgical procedure, while also decreasing the length of their hospital stay (one day compared to 4-7 days with general anesthesia).

For more information on the AWAKE Program at Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.

While past studies have found that women are more frequently affected by long COVID than men, the new study published today in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology showed for the first time that women report more neurologic symptoms of long COVID and experience worse impacts on quality of life and cognitive function than men. 

“We were surprised to see such a significant difference between female and male patients,” said Igor Koralnik, MD, chief of neuroinfectious disease and global neurology at Northwestern Medicine. “Both in the frequency of neurologic long COVID symptoms and in levels of self-reported fatigue, as well as in a cognitive task of attention.”

Study highlights

• The study looked at the first consecutive 2,329 patients who have been seen at the Northwestern Medicine Neuro COVID-19 Clinic.
• Approximately 2/3 of patients were women.
• Women more frequently reported neurologic symptoms such as brain fog, dizziness, headache, numbness and tingling and pain.
• No neurologic symptoms were more common in men.
• Women also reported more non-neurologic symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, dysautonomia and gastrointestinal issues.
• Women also reported worse alteration of their quality of life caused by fatigue than men on standardized questionnaires.
• Women scored lower than men in a task of attention on objective cognitive tests.

“We think that the reason women are more frequently and severely affected by long COVID than men is because long COVID is an autoimmune disease, and women are more prone to autoimmune diseases than men, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis,” Dr. Koralnik said. “We and others have found evidence of immune dysregulation and autoimmunity in patients with long COVID. We next want to understand the underlying causes for the neurologic symptoms of long COVID and identify and validate biological markers that show how active the disease is. We hope our study will alert providers about the importance of timely diagnosis and targeted interventions in female patients, who are often negatively affected by gender bias in medicine.

“A Household Pulse Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics estimated that nearly 18 percent of U.S. adults had experienced long COVID and that five percent were experiencing it as of September 2024. It is safe to estimate that long COVID still affects millions of adults in the United States currently,” said Dr. Koralnik. 

To date, the Neuro COVID-19 Clinic has treated more than 3,300 patients with long COVID from 44 states. While severe cases of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization have become rare, Dr. Koralnik says COVID-19 continues to occur and the risk of developing long COVID increases with repeat occurrences of COVID-19.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked No. 6 in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report, 2025-2026. For more information, visit nm.org and to schedule an appointment with the Neuro COVID-19 Clinic, call 312.695.7950.

CHICAGO - Northwestern Medicine today announced the launch of the Northwestern Medicine Robert Havey, MD, Institute for Primary Care, a transformative new institute dedicated to advancing primary care delivery, education and innovation across the health system. The institute is made possible through a generous anonymous philanthropic gift in honor of Robert J. Havey, MD, a longtime Northwestern Medicine primary care physician, educator and leader.

This extraordinary contribution represents one of the most substantial philanthropic gifts in Northwestern Medicine’s history and among the most significant ever made in support of advancing the vital practice of primary care.

The Robert Havey, MD, Institute for Primary Care builds on Northwestern Medicine’s sustained commitment to expanding and strengthening primary care and will serve as a catalyst to develop a nationally recognized, integrated primary care model that sets new global standards for patient care.

“This is a transformational gift that will have a lasting impact on our health system and, most importantly, on the patients and communities we serve,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Primary care is the foundation of better health. It is where relationships begin, prevention takes root and care is coordinated across every stage of life. The Robert Havey, MD, Institute for Primary Care will enable NM to accelerate strengthening primary care as the front door to Northwestern Medicine while expanding access, supporting our clinicians and enabling more proactive, connected care.”

The institute will be focused on optimizing the patient experience through individualized care, advanced technologies and innovative delivery models while fostering a dynamic clinical workforce and advancing the global conversation on the impact of primary care on health outcomes.

Northwestern Medicine will further expand access to high-quality primary care and develop innovative, team-based care models that integrate physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists and support staff. Efforts will include:

• Enhancing connectivity so patients can more easily access care
• Expanding support for patients with complex health needs
• Recruiting top primary care clinicians to broaden reach and clinical excellence

The institute will launch a leading-edge professional development curriculum aimed at equipping current physicians with the latest knowledge and innovations while helping train the next generation of primary care clinicians.

Northwestern Medicine will lead the adoption of advanced technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve patient engagement, streamline clinical documentation and enhance care delivery.

The institute builds on more than a decade of investment in primary care across Northwestern Medicine, including innovations in proactive care, care coordination and advanced care planning. Today, Northwestern Medicine operates more than 70 primary care locations. These capabilities provide a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation.

Honoring the Legacy of Robert Havey, MD

Robert J. Havey, MD, has dedicated his career to primary care at Northwestern Medicine, serving as a trusted physician, educator and advocate for patients. He is a clinical professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and vice president of operations for Northwestern Medical Group and has long been committed to advancing primary care both locally and globally.

“While it is an honor to have this institute named after me and to have patients express their gratitude by investing in the future of Northwestern Medicine, the work of this institute is bigger than any one person,” said Robert Havey, MD. “I hope this honor will inspire other primary care physicians to understand their vital role in the healthcare system and the lives of each of their patients.”

Chicago, IL – July 14, 2026 – Northwestern Medicine surgeons have performed the first known quadruple-organ transplant involving retransplanted lungs in the United States. Elizabeth Wehrle, a 36-year-old mother from Montezuma, Iowa, received two donor lungs for a second time, along with a liver and kidney, after complications from cystic fibrosis and chronic rejection of her first lung transplant left her critically ill. The groundbreaking surgery happened at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and involved a multidisciplinary transplant team uniquely equipped to manage one of the most complex surgical cases ever undertaken. 

KEY NOTES AT A GLANCE

• According to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), Wehrle is the first patient in the United States to receive a quadruple-organ transplant involving retransplanted lungs.
• According to SRTR, Northwestern Medicine is the sixth transplant program in the U.S. to perform a quadruple-organ transplant, but the first to perform one with retransplanted lungs.
• To date, only seven quadruple-organ transplant procedures have been performed in the U.S. (one transplant center performed two).
• Redo lung transplantation is among the most technically challenging procedures in medicine. Previous surgeries create extensive scar tissue, obscuring normal anatomy and making operations significantly more complex.

“Retransplanting lungs is extraordinarily difficult because prior surgery can leave the chest densely scarred and the normal anatomy severely distorted,” said Ankit Bharat, MD, chief of thoracic surgery and executive director of the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute. “Adding a liver and kidney transplant placed Elizabeth’s case in a category few transplant programs ever encounter. Her outcome reflects not just surgical skill, but an entire system built to care for the most complex patients. Elizabeth’s initial double-lung transplant from 2017 left extensive scar tissue which severely distorted the normal anatomy of her chest. When you make an incision, the risk of bleeding and injury to nearby organs and blood vessels increases, and with four organs involved, there’s an even greater risk of organ rejection and serious infection.” 

“Every transplant case is unique, but Elizabeth’s case was extremely rare and difficult,” said Satish Nadig, MD, PhD, transplant surgeon and director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center. “This operation worked because the thoracic, abdominal transplant, anesthesia, intensive care unit, perfusion and nursing teams functioned as one coordinated team. Because we all worked so well together, the surgical implantation was completed in approximately eight hours. It truly highlights why Northwestern Medicine’s expertise can take on some of the most complex transplant cases in the world.”

Rare lung rejection presents extraordinary challenge

 Wehrle, a patient with cystic fibrosis, previously underwent a double-lung transplant in 2017 at another health system and had regained her quality of life before getting sick in January and eventually being diagnosed with a severe form of chronic rejection in late February. While chronic rejection is common in lung transplant patients, Wehrle’s case was especially rare and life-threatening.

“Unfortunately, she developed a rare form of rejection called restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) which is often fatal and so high-risk that many transplant centers wouldn’t consider repeat lung transplantation,” said Dr. Bharat. 

As physicians evaluated Wehrle’s condition, they discovered additional organ failure caused by cystic fibrosis complications – she would also need a liver and kidney transplant. By the time Wehrle’s medical team in Iowa referred her to Northwestern Medicine, she had progressive respiratory failure and required both a ventilator and life support machine known as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 

“Even though a redo double-lung transplant plus a liver and kidney transplant had not been identified in U.S. registry data, we thought we could help Elizabeth because of our experience with some of the most challenging transplant cases and the multidisciplinary systems we’ve built at Northwestern Medicine to care for these patients,” said Dr. Bharat.    

Timing and coordination for transplantation 

On March 17, Wehrle was admitted to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern Memorial and was listed for a quadruple-organ transplant on March 19. Three days later, she received word that four organs were available. Thoracic surgeons started on the double-lung retransplant the evening of March 22, and abdominal surgeons followed in the early morning hours of March 23 with the liver and kidney transplant. 

To overcome the challenges associated with prolonged transplant surgeries, Northwestern Medicine used advanced machine perfusion technology to preserve donor organs outside the body, giving surgeons more time than traditional cold storage alone. This approach allowed the thoracic team to focus on the complex lung retransplantation while the liver and kidney remained safely supported. The surgery required extensive preparation and precise choreography.

“The liver and kidney were on a machine perfusion pump, which was fantastic because it allowed the lung team to take their time and make sure the lungs went in safely without being on the clock for the abdominal organs,” said Dr. Nadig. “When the abdominal organs went in and blood flow was restored, they began functioning straight away.”

"The whole operation had to be very closely coordinated, with so many team members and two different teams working in extremely close collaboration to make sure there was no single misstep," said Chitaru Kurihara, MD, a thoracic surgeon and surgical director of the Lung Transplant Program at the Canning Thoracic Institute. “If one surgeon had tried to do this as a single 20-hour operation, that would have been too much stress on a critically ill patient. By separating it out this way, we were able to achieve the outcome we hoped for in only eight hours.”

Life after a historic transplant 

For Wehrle, the historic surgery represented an opportunity to return to the life she had built with her family after her first transplant in 2017.

"Life was great after my first double-lung transplant," Wehrle said. "I was a stay-at-home mom, I homeschooled my son, and I was busy with all his activities. I had my life back. But as my health deteriorated, simple daily tasks became overwhelming. There were days that I couldn't get myself dressed because I just couldn't breathe.”

Following the transplant in March, Wehrle quickly recovered, with her new lungs, liver and kidney functioning well. In less than three weeks, she was discharged from Northwestern Memorial and began rebuilding her strength. She’s currently walking 3-4 miles per day and doing light weightlifting.

“Before surgery, there was so much tightness in my chest and I couldn’t breathe. Almost immediately after transplant, I felt like a new person,” said Wehrle. “Without my four new organs, I know I wouldn’t be here today.”

Wehrle will return home to Iowa on July 17 and be reunited with her 11-year-old son, Landen, who got to experience a Chicago summer when he visited his mom in June. The scars from Wehrle’s surgeries are a visible reminder of her journey and she doesn’t take them for granted. 

"I don't hide my scars," Wehrle said. “I’m looking forward to going to the swimming pool this summer and showing off my battle scars. I earned them. They saved my life.”

"I'm so proud of this case because of the way our teams came together to anticipate every challenge and be prepared for it," said Dr. Bharat. "There was a tremendous amount of passion to help Elizabeth. The thought of reuniting her with her child and giving her a new lease on life makes all of us incredibly happy."

The procedure was made possible by the generosity of an organ donor and donor family.

More information on lung transplantation 

Since Northwestern Medicine’s Lung Transplant Program first started in 2014, they’ve performed more than 700 lung transplant procedures for patients with end-stage lung diseases such as COVID, cancer, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and more. Northwestern Medicine has one of the shortest wait times for a lung transplant in the U.S. with a median wait time of three days. 

Patients interested in being evaluated for a lung transplant can contact the 24-hour referral line at 312.695.5864 or 844.639.5864. For more information about organ transplantation at Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org. 

GLENVIEW, Ill., — A pilot program at the Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center using remote blood pressure monitoring to improve care for patients with hypertension has been published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality, highlighting meaningful gains in patient outcomes.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease and often develops without noticeable symptoms. Consistent monitoring is critical to managing the condition and preventing long-term complications.

 “This study reinforces that consistent blood pressure monitoring is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect heart health,” said Emily S. Tuchman, MD, internal medicine at Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center. “By making it easier for patients to track and share readings in real time, we can intervene earlier and prevent complications before they happen.”

 The yearlong study followed nearly 500 patients who used at-home devices to automatically send blood pressure readings to their care teams. Researchers found that, on average, patients experienced a meaningful drop in systolic blood pressure — a reduction associated with lower risk of serious cardiovascular events.

The study also demonstrated that the Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center’s team-based approach combining physicians, advanced practice providers and support staff improved care without increasing the workload for primary care clinicians.

“What makes this program innovative is not just the technology, but how the care team works together around it,” said Micah J. Eimer, MD, associate chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine and cardiologist at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. “It’s a model for how we can scale remote monitoring more broadly and reach more patients before high blood pressure leads to serious disease.”

Leaders say the findings point to broader opportunities to expand remote monitoring programs and increase awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure tracking.

“This is a scalable, patient-centered approach to managing a very common and very serious condition,” Eimer said. “Our goal is to expand access to this kind of care so more patients can take control of their blood pressure and their long-term health.”

The research was supported by a Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital Quality and Innovation Grant and is expected to help inform future remote monitoring programs across Northwestern Medicine.

Chicago, IL – July 8, 2026 – A landmark study from the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute, published today in JAMA, suggests lung transplantation can significantly extend survival in select patients with advanced lung cancer.

In a study of patients with medically refractory, lung-limited stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (patients with terminal lung cancer confined to the lungs who are out of treatment options), Northwestern Medicine physicians and scientists found that lung transplantation was associated with substantially better early survival than medical management (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, etc.) alone.

The study, titled “Lung Transplant for Refractory Lung-Limited Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer,” evaluated outcomes from the Double Lung Transplant Registry for Lung-Limited Malignancies – known as the DREAM registry – a pioneering Northwestern Medicine program designed to test whether replacing lungs overtaken by treatment-resistant cancer can remove organ-confined disease and rescue patients dying of respiratory failure. Northwestern Medicine is currently the only known health system in the country with a dedicated lung transplant program (DREAM) for patients with advanced lung cancers who have failed all other treatment options.

“This work changes what we can imagine for a highly selected group of patients who were previously considered beyond the reach of curative-intent intervention,” said co-corresponding author Ankit Bharat, MD, who is chief of thoracic surgery and director of the Canning Thoracic Institute. “We are not saying lung transplant is appropriate for every patient with stage IV lung cancer. We are saying that when the cancer is rigorously proven to be confined to the lungs, when standard therapies have been exhausted, and when the lungs themselves have become the life-limiting organ, transplantation may offer a new path forward.”

KEY RESULTS AT A GLANCE

• Study population: 404 adults with end-stage pulmonary disease, including 98 with stage IV lung cancer; 17 underwent lung transplant and 81 received medical management alone after nonbiologic barriers prevented transplant.
• Comparison with patients who did not receive transplant: In the main study period (September 2021 through June 2025), every transplanted patient was alive, while fewer than half of similar patients treated with medical therapy alone were alive.
• Comparison with patients who received lung transplant for lung failure from non-cancer causes: One-year posttransplant survival among lung transplant patients was 100% for those transplanted for stage IV lung cancer vs 88% for patients transplanted without cancer.  

A devastating form of stage IV lung cancer

Cancers of the lung are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with more people dying of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancers.

Most patients with stage IV lung cancer have disease that has spread beyond the lungs. But a subset develops advanced non-small cell lung cancer that remains confined to the lungs, even as it progresses throughout both lungs and causes respiratory failure. These patients may exhaust targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and clinical trial options, yet still have no evidence of cancer outside the lungs. For these patients, the immediate cause of death is often not widespread systemic cancer, but progressive failure of cancer-filled lungs.

“This is a biologically distinct clinical scenario. These patients have stage IV cancer, but the disease remains anatomically limited to the lungs,” said co-corresponding author Young Kwang Chae, MD, MPH, who is a thoracic medical oncologist with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “In these rare select group of patients, DREAM provides us a disciplined, scientifically rigorous way to ask whether removing the organ containing all visible disease can change the natural history of an otherwise fatal condition.”

What the study found

The JAMA study included 404 adults treated or evaluated at Northwestern Medicine from September 2021 through June 2025 for end-stage pulmonary disease.

Among 98 patients with stage IV lung cancer confined to the lungs, 17 underwent lung transplant and 81 met transplant eligibility criteria but didn’t undergo transplant because of nonbiologic barriers such as logistical, financial or geographic factors, and were treated with medical management alone.

The results showed 100% one-year survival among the 17 patients with stage IV lung cancer who received a lung transplant, compared to 41% one-year survival among the 81 patients with stage IV lung cancer who were treated with medical therapies alone.  

The investigators also compared the lung cancer transplant recipients with 306 patients without cancer who underwent lung transplant for end-stage pulmonary disease such as cystic fibrosis, COPD or pulmonary hypertension. Between those two groups of patients, one-year posttransplant survival was 100% among the patients transplanted for stage IV lung cancer, versus 88% among lung transplant recipients without cancer.   

“Any time we consider expanding the use or donor lungs, organ stewardship must be central. These results suggest that, in carefully selected patients and in the right multidisciplinary setting, lung transplantation for lung-limited malignancy can achieve early outcomes that are comparable to accepted noncancer transplant indications,” said Dr. Bharat.

Why this approach is different

Lung cancer has long been considered a relative contraindication to lung transplantation due to the concern that lung cancer would rapidly recur in the transplanted lung. The Northwestern Medicine team designed the DREAM trial to determine whether modern cancer detection methods could identify patients whose cancer was limited to the lung, limiting the chances of recurrence.

Patients underwent comprehensive contemporary staging to confirm that disease was confined to the lungs, including advanced imaging and systematic invasive mediastinal evaluation to reduce the risk of missing cancer spread outside the lungs. Transplant was considered only after patients had medically refractory disease despite available systemic therapies and consideration for clinical trials.

The surgical strategy was also redesigned to minimize the risk of cancer dissemination during the operation.

“This innovative technique involves putting the patient on heart and lung bypass, delicately taking both cancer-ridden lungs out at the same time along with the lymph nodes, washing the airways and the chest cavity to clear the cancer, and then putting new lungs in,” said Dr. Bharat. “These patients can have billions of cancer cells in the lungs, so we must be extremely meticulous to not let a single cell spill into the patient’s chest cavity or blood stream. We believe this technique can help reduce the risk of recurrence, which we learned through our experience with pioneering COVID-19 lung transplants in 2020.”

The team also used single-cell transcriptomic analyses to study tumor regions across the removed lungs and investigate mechanisms of treatment resistance.

“Using state-of-the-art single-cell analysis of individual cancer cells from multiple regions of both cancer-filled lungs, we saw tumors that were profoundly resistant, with different cancer-cell populations relying on different resistance pathways. That helps explain why chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other systemic therapies could no longer meaningfully control the disease and why replacing the diseased lungs may be the only realistic option to extend life for these carefully selected patients,” said Dr. Bharat.

“The paradigm shift is not simply that transplant was performed for lung cancer. The shift is that transplantation was embedded within a complete scientific framework – rigorous staging, proof of lung-limited disease, transplant-specific operative innovation, intensive surveillance and molecular analysis of the explanted tumors. That is what makes this a new model of transplant oncology,” said co-corresponding author G.R. Scott Budinger, MD, chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Canning Thoracic Institute.

Recovery, recurrence and next steps

Postoperative outcomes among the transplant recipients with cancer were generally similar to those among transplant recipients without cancer. Median hospital length of stay was 14 days for patients transplanted for stage IV lung cancer and 16 days for transplant recipients without cancer.

During follow-up, four of the 17 transplant recipients saw their cancer return and they were treated with local and systemic therapies (ex: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.) By the end of the study in January 2026, two of the 17 transplant recipients had died.

The authors emphasize that longer follow-up is needed to define the durability of disease control, the risk of late recurrence and long-term quality of life after transplant.

“This is not a claim that transplant restores normal life expectancy, and it’s not a blanket indication for stage IV lung cancer. It’s evidence that a carefully selected group of patients facing otherwise poor near-term survival may have an opportunity for meaningful additional life – that’s why this work matters,” said Dr. Bharat.

About the DREAM Program

To date, Northwestern Medicine surgeons have performed more than 50 lung transplants for patients with advanced lung cancers.

Since Northwestern Medicine’s Lung Transplant Program first started in 2014, they’ve performed more than 700 lung transplant procedures for patients with end-stage lung diseases such as COVID, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and more. Northwestern Medicine has one of the shortest wait times for a lung transplant in the U.S. with a median wait time of three days.

Patients interested in being evaluated for a lung transplant can contact the 24-hour referral line at 312.695.5864 or 844.639.5864. For more information about the Lung Transplant Program or lung cancer screenings, visit nm.org. 

PATIENTS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS

David Peterson – Washington, DC

David Peterson is a freelance photographer who lives in Washington, DC. In early 2019, he developed a cough that wouldn’t go away, and after going to a local clinic, they discovered a dark spot on his lung. Peterson was diagnosed with lung cancer at a health system in Washington and started immunotherapy treatment, followed by surgery to remove a softball-sized tumor believed to have been developing on his left lung for more than a decade.

For nearly a year, Peterson’s recovery appeared promising, but a follow-up CT scan revealed his cancer had returned. Despite aggressive chemotherapy and multiple clinical trials, the disease continued to progress, and Peterson was running out of time.

In 2023, he discovered an online story about the DREAM Program at Northwestern Medicine, reached out to the lung transplant team and was fast-tracked for evaluation. Just weeks after being listed, and shortly after relocating to Chicago with the support of his wife and kids, Peterson received the call. On September 24, 2023, at the age of 57, Peterson underwent a double-lung transplant.

Now 60, he remains cancer-free and has had no signs of organ rejection. While managing a daily regimen of medications and ongoing physical rehabilitation, he’s embracing life again – reconnecting with his work as a freelance photographer, participating in lung transplant support groups and spending time with his family. His cancer, driven by a KRAS G12D gene mutation and unrelated to smoking, makes his case particularly noteworthy and he’s hopeful his story can raise awareness about emerging transplant options for patients with advanced lung cancer.

“When I first heard, ‘lung transplant,’ I thought it was too extreme to even consider, but it became my second chance at life. Today, I’m cancer-free, back with my family in DC, and picking up my camera again,” said Peterson. “I don’t take a single day for granted. This experience has taught me that even when options feel exhausted, there can still be hope – sometimes in places you never expected.”

Laura Rotunno – Deerfield, Illinois 

For Laura Rotunno of Deerfield, Illinois, a lung transplant was a second chance at life after being diagnosed with lung cancer four years ago. Initially, the cancer started on her left lung, but after two years of chemotherapy, the cancer spread to her right lung. Facing limited treatment options, Rotunno’s physician recommended she reach out to Northwestern Medicine to be considered for the DREAM Program.  

After an extensive transplant evaluation, and being hospitalized with pneumonia, Rotunno was placed on the lung transplant waiting list on May 20, 2025. Ten days later, at the age of 63, Rotunno underwent a successful double-lung transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on May 30, 2025. Coincidentally, Rotunno’s transplant fell on the 11^th birthday of her beloved German Shepherd, Koda.

Married to her husband, Richard, for 35 years and together for 45, Rotunno cherishes time with her family, including their 29-year-old daughter, Jenna. As she approaches her 65^th birthday on July 31, Rotunno is back to working as a receptionist at a local health care system, and she reflects often on the anonymous donor who made her transplant possible.   

“When I got the call that donor lungs were available, everything changed,” said Rotunno. “Just a few months earlier, I was in the hospital on oxygen, wondering what the future would hold. Now I wake up every day thankful for the simple things – a walk with my dog, time with my husband and daughter, and the chance to celebrate another birthday. My transplant is proof that one incredible act of generosity can change someone else’s life forever.”

Jodi Graf – Houston, Texas 

For nearly three decades, Jodi Graf, a NASA engineer and mother of two, lived her life one breath at a time. In 1997, she began experiencing unexplained shortness of breath. Doctors in Houston, Texas, initially diagnosed her with asthma, prescribing an inhaler. But instead of improving, her condition worsened.

In 2005, after a bout of pneumonia, doctors identified a more serious condition – interstitial lung disease (ILD), which causes scarring of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. For 10 to 15 years, Graf remained relatively stable until her health began to rapidly decline and she came to rely on supplemental oxygen.

In December 2023, Graf entered a formal lung transplant evaluation with doctors in Houston, but during the testing, they discovered a mass in her lungs. Despite not having a history of smoking, Graf was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. At most transplant centers around the world, patients with active cancer are no longer eligible for lung transplants. Instead of being listed for a transplant in Houston, Graf underwent radiation treatment while her lung function dropped to 30 percent.

“Basic activities required constant supplemental oxygen – sometimes as much as 10 liters. Just walking from my car to my office at NASA was a feat,” said Graf. “I would Google ‘lung transplant’ constantly, searching for hope. That online search led me to news stories in Chicago about the DREAM Program and when I called Northwestern Medicine, I found my people.”

Last November, Graf arrived at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where she underwent a transplant evaluation and was listed for a double-lung transplant. Less than 24 hours after being placed on the wait list for new lungs, Graf received the call that a match was found, and her surgery took place on Thanksgiving Day – November 27, 2025.

After surgery, Graf walked on a treadmill – without oxygen – for the first time in years. She will reside in Chicago for one-year post transplant, and soon hopes to hike in Yellowstone, explore the Canadian Rockies, and travel with her husband, John, and their two sons, ages 22 and 26, without oxygen tanks for the first time in decades.

Tannaz Ameli – Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Tannaz Ameli, a retired nurse living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, built a life in the United States after immigrating from Iran in 1980.

In September 2021, Ameli developed a persistent cough that steadily worsened. Initial testing, including a chest X-ray, led doctors to diagnose her with pneumonia. However, as her symptoms changed from a dry cough to a productive one, further imaging still pointed to pneumonia.

By January 2022, with no improvement, Ameli sought care at a large health system in Minnesota where she received a life-changing diagnosis: stage IV lung cancer. She started chemotherapy, but it quickly became clear that standard treatment would not be sufficient and Ameli was running out of time. After learning about Northwestern Medicine’s lung transplant program through media coverage, her husband, Medhi, arranged for a second opinion.

During a consultation with Ankit Bharat, MD, chief of thoracic surgery, Ameli learned she was a strong candidate for a lung transplant because her cancer remained confined to the lungs and had not spread to the lymph nodes.

Ameli traveled to Chicago and was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital on July 3, 2022, where she was listed for a double-lung transplant. Just 10 days later on July 13, a donor was identified and Ameli, then 64, underwent a successful double-lung transplant. Four years later at the age of 68, Ameli remains cancer-free.

“As a nurse, I spent my life caring for others, and I never imagined I’d be the one relying on such extraordinary care,” said Ameli. “When I came to Northwestern Medicine, the first thing Dr. Bharat told me was, ‘I think we can make you cancer-free,’ and he delivered on those words. If you or a loved one has lung cancer, Northwestern Medicine is the place to be. These days, I’m enjoying traveling, spending time with friends and family and living proof that there is hope even in the most difficult moments.”

Physicians in Cyprus successfully treated Stylianos’ cancer, but the Kortas family had to search further from home for solutions to the lasting damage caused by the long and difficult treatment. They traveled to the United States where they found a physician who would change Stylianos’ life.

Northwestern Medicine interventional gastroenterologist Amrita Sethi, MD, still working in New York at the time, agreed to take Stylianos’ case. When Dr. Sethi joined Northwestern Medicine, Stylianos became the first international patient to receive care at the Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois.

“No hospital in Europe accepted us because of my condition, so we requested [an appointment] at Columbia Hospital in New York. There we met Dr. Sethi, our doctor now,” said Stylianos. “I was excited that finally someone wanted to help me.”

A Journey of Survival

Stylianos was diagnosed with advanced lymphoma at age 14. During four rounds of chemotherapy, he experienced massive hemorrhages and severe infections that threatened his young life. As their son’s life hung in the balance, the family leaned on one another, their faith and their community to navigate these challenges.

“Four times Stylianos almost died. It was very difficult, but we gave our hope to God,” said his father Georgios Kortas, a Greek Orthodox priest. “Many times, Stylianos said to us that ‘If it's my time, I will be near God.’ And that gave us the power.”

Despite the challenges, the treatment was successful and Stylianos’ cancer entered remission. However, this was not the end of his medical challenges. He was left with complex gastrointestinal complications including chronic inflammation within the digestive tract, recurrent pancreatitis and significant narrowing of the upper small intestine (duodenal stricture) leaving him unable to digest or pass food. Stylianos was malnourished and rapidly losing weight, relying on intravenous feeding and nutritional formula while his parents and four brothers continued daily meals around him.

“We were cooking for everybody, and he was just taking his milk because he didn’t have any other choice,” said Maria Kortas, his mother. “We were waiting for somebody to help us with this.”

Physicians in Cyprus made one unsuccessful attempt at a specialized procedure called ERCP to remedy the complications, followed by two more attempts in London. The coils placed to control bleeding had migrated into Stylianos’ small intestine, causing obstruction and making it impossible to advance the endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera used to see inside the digestive tract. When hospitals across Europe declined to take on his complex case, the family expanded their search to the United States.

A Slice of Hope

In New York, the family met with a team of physicians that included Dr. Sethi. The team determined that endoscopic intervention was the best approach. This allowed Stylianos to avoid major surgery, but left it as an option should the minimally invasive approach not succeed. 

“When I first met Stylianos and his family, they were scared and concerned that their son had not been able to eat for many months,” said Dr. Sethi, now medical director of the Center for Advanced Endoscopy. “He had really lost so much weight. He had been an athlete before. He had a vibrant life. And now he was failing to thrive.”

Between January 2025 and August 2025, the Kortas family traveled to New York three times to continue Stylianos’ care. Through multiple endoscopic procedures, Dr. Sethi successfully dilated the narrowed portion of his intestine and removed some of the coils allowing food to pass again.

“She was the first doctor who could treat him and make him eat after two years,” said Maria. “He was about 55 kilos (121 pounds) when Dr. Sethi first took care of him. Now he's 68 kilos (150 pounds).”

For his first solid food in months, Stylianos chose a cheesy slice of New York-style pizza. The moment marked more than a return to eating. It symbolized hope.

“When he ate the first piece of pizza, I remember he smiled. I will never forget it. For me and Maria, it was like we’re going to cry,” said Georgios.

Following Care to Chicago

While Stylianos experienced significant improvement following the procedures, ongoing endoscopic interventions would be necessary to maintain his health. When Dr. Sethi informed the family that she was relocating to Chicago in August 2025 to help launch the new Northwestern Medicine Center for Advanced Endoscopy, the family decided they would follow her.

“She advised us to continue care [in New York] and assured us she would continue to assist when needed,” said Georgios. “However, we could no longer trust any other physician. She became our doctor and we wanted to continue with her. We have complete trust in her.”

Even when he experienced new episodes of pancreatitis back home in Cyprus, Stylianos declined to proceed with any other physician. His parents supported the decision.

“I know Dr. Sethi is an excellent doctor and that’s why I believe following her here was the right choice,” said Stylianos.

A New Path Forward

In June 2026, the family arrived in Chicago for Stylianos to resume care with Dr. Sethi at the new Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. Designed to treat the most complex digestive conditions, the center offers a level of care typically only available at large, academic medical centers.

“This center was built specifically to help patients like Stylianos,” said Dr. Sethi. “We have the equipment, the space and, most importantly, the team, both in endoscopy and within the hospital, to support these very complex cases.”

The goal for Stylianos’ treatment was to unblock the pancreatic duct to control how fluid moved through his pancreas. Knowing that ERCP was not possible, Dr. Sethi used a more advanced method called EUS-guided ERCP to place a stent connecting the stomach and pancreas.

“The connection creates a new avenue for the pancreatic fluid to drain properly when the normal route is blocked or inaccessible,” said Dr. Sethi. “Our hope is that as things continue to drain, his pancreas function will return and he won't require additional help from enzyme supplements to digest food.”

Home, Away from Home

With the assistance of Northwestern Medicine Global Services, the family secured three weeks of housing at the Ronald McDonald House: Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital just across the street from the hospital. The House features all the comforts of home, including private bedrooms and bathrooms, daily meals prepared by volunteers, laundry facilities, a community kitchen, game rooms, play spaces, fitness equipment and more. 

“Families can stay as long as they are receiving treatment,” said Kelly Evans, regional director of programs and operations, west region for Ronald McDonald House: Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. “We support our international families with the same comfort and care we do with any of our families. We communicate before they come so they're aware of all our amenities and prepared upon their arrival. When they arrive, we try to help them as much as we can for things like securing Ubers or finding grocery stores.”  

For the Kortas family, the proximity to the hospital and support offered at the Ronald McDonald House helped ease the stress of traveling far from home. 

“It’s not easy to leave your family and come here. It’s very far,” said Maria. “We didn’t know how far the House was from the hospital or what to expect. It’s very near and it’s very good.” 

Deep Dish & Best Wishes

Following the successful procedure, the Kortas family explored Chicago visiting iconic landmarks like “The Bean” and the “Home Alone House,” as well as enjoying an architectural boat cruise, a Segway tour, and river kayaking. They caught Chicago Wolves and Chicago Sky games and enjoyed the forest preserves around Winfield. Georgios and Maria focused on one of Chicago’s most recognized ambassadors.

“I played basketball and my wife played basketball. We grew up with Michael Jordan, so I would like to see his court,” said Georgios. “I think we learned Chicago from Michael Jordan.”

For Stylianos, his focus was on learning local history and trying Chicago’s iconic deep dish pizza, a meal that seemed impossible just months earlier. With Dr. Sethi’s blessing, the Northwestern Medicine team surprised Stylianos with a send-off celebration featuring both Chicago styles of pizza: deep dish and tavern‑style.

“Foods like pizza are what we use our pancreas for, but it can be very taxing on the pancreas,” said Dr. Sethi. “We'll always say ‘in moderation,’ but to see him eat pizza and know that he doesn't have to be in pain is wonderful. We've gotten him to a point where he can enjoy these small things and be a kid again.”

After starting his food journey with a New York slice, Stylianos gave his final verdict: Chicago-style deep dish reigns supreme.

“I think Chicago – the deep dish. The crust is amazing,” he said between bites of a cheesy slice.

Looking Ahead

Now stronger and continuing to regain weight, Stylianos is focused on resuming his life in Cyprus and planning his future. He will finish school next year and hopes to one day become a doctor. An ambition inspired by the woman who gave him his life and appetite back.

“When you go through these difficult situations, you're inspired by those people. Now he wants to be a doctor, like Dr. Sethi,” said Maria.

For Dr. Sethi, knowing the young patient she first met in a hospital bed struggling to eat is focused on his future is rewarding validation of what’s possible at the Center for Advanced Endoscopy.

“It's a gift to know that the work that you do has that kind of impact, not only immediately in helping somebody's health, but in their outlook and the way they think about how they can make an impact on others and give them purpose,” said Dr. Sethi. “Seeing young people be inspired in this way is the best outcome we can have as mentors and educators, roles that I can fulfill through the center.”

This journey has already delivered something simple and profound to the Kortas family: the ability to sit down together again and share a meal.

“We feel immense gratitude for the doctors and medical teams who helped our son. The doctors in Cyprus who kept him alive at the Pediatric Oncology Clinic, especially the director. As well as the intensive care doctor at Makario Hospital, who fought so hard to keep our Stylianos alive,” said Georgios. “They helped him beat cancer and emerge victorious through the challenging moments during his treatment. And when we needed further care, we found Dr. Sethi. She gave our son the chance to start eating again.”

The family hopes sharing their story can inspire others facing the same uncertainty.

“Without these doctors, but also without God's help and the prayers of so many people, our son would not be here today. We are deeply grateful,” said Georgios.

About the Northwestern Medicine Center for Advanced Endoscopy

Part of Northwestern Medicine’s Digestive Health Institute, the Center for Advanced Endoscopy is anchored by physicians who are leaders in their field, prominent researchers, and pioneers of endoscopic techniques used worldwide. As one of only a few stand-alone advanced endoscopy sites in the United States, the center is expected to draw individuals from around the globe seeking treatment for the most complex gastrointestinal conditions. 

For more information about the Center for Advanced Endoscopy at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, visit www.nm.org/cae. To make an appointment, call 630-933-4448.