Geneva, Ill., May 21, 2026 — When Michelle Wilcox, 65, left her home in Florida for a day at the pool in early 2024, she sensed something was very wrong. What she didn’t yet realize was that her sudden nausea, imbalance, and vomiting were the first signs of a life‑threatening recurrence of metastatic cancer—one that would set her on a remarkable journey of resilience, urgent medical intervention, and exceptional care at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Cancer Center.

Wilcox, who resides in both St. Charles, Ill., and Naples, Fla., was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. After undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, she spent seven years in remission.

In March 2024, while in Florida, she developed severe symptoms that quickly escalated. A visit to Naples Comprehensive Health revealed a 40 mm brain tumor pressing against her cerebellum. She was rushed by ambulance to a larger academic medical center, where surgeons removed 95% of the tumor the next morning.

Later that same year, following new issues with double vision and numbness in her sacrum, Wilcox received an even more devastating diagnosis: leptomeningeal disease, an aggressive form of metastatic cancer affecting the lining of the brain and spinal cord. She was told she might have only one month to live.

“When someone tells you that you have a month to live, you start planning your funeral,” Wilcox said. “There was talk of picking out a church and a casket. But something in me said—I’m not done yet.”

Understanding leptomeningeal disease

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD), also called leptomeningeal metastases, occurs when cancer cells spread to the lining of the brain and spinal cord and circulate within the cerebrospinal fluid.

This form of metastasis is particularly serious because it can rapidly affect neurological functions, including hearing, vision, walking, breathing and swallowing.

Without treatment, LMD can be fatal within weeks, with many patients surviving only eight to 12 weeks after diagnosis.

A critical decision — and a new chance at life

Wilcox and her husband, Keith, returned to Illinois from Florida to meet again with Robin Buerki, MD, a neuro‑oncologist at Northwestern Medicine specializing in complex central nervous system tumors. He had been part of Wilcox’ Illinois-based care team and immediately recognized the urgency.

“She developed new areas of disease in the brain, spinal cord, and spinal fluid,” Dr. Buerki said. “Leptomeningeal metastases are often rapidly progressive and fatal. Many patients will only survive weeks. But with timely, aggressive therapies, some can respond to treatment.”

Vinai Gondi, MD, director of radiation oncology and codirector of the Brain Tumor Center at Northwestern Medicine Proton Center and Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Warrenville, also joined Dr. Buerki on Wilcox’ care team. They recommended a combination of radiation therapy and intrathecal chemotherapy, which delivers medication directly into the spinal fluid.

“That’s what you need, and you need it now,” Wilcox recalls Dr. Buerki saying. “We have a small window to do this.”

Wilcox consulted with other medical institutions but chose Northwestern Medicine for her care and says she is grateful she did. “I feel like we made the absolute right choice going with Northwestern Medicine,” Wilcox said. “Look at me. I’m still here a year later. I’m able to function on my own. I get to be with my grandkids. It’s amazing.”

A Remarkable Response

Wilcox underwent 10 rounds of radiation, started twice weekly intrathecal chemotherapy that is injected directly into the spinal fluid, and continues ongoing IV chemotherapy infusions to manage her metastatic breast cancer.

“Michelle has had a fantastic response,” said Dr. Buerki. “Her spinal fluid no longer shows the abundant cancer cells that were present before treatment. Her MRIs show no continued disease.”

Dr. Buerki added that based on her initial presentation, he would have expected her to survive only a few weeks.

“Now, more than a year later, she is thriving,” Dr. Buerki said. “Seeing a patient not only respond to treatment but continue to enjoy life, spend time with grandkids, and travel—that is absolutely wonderful.”

Living With Purpose

During the winter months, Wilcox continues intrathecal chemotherapy every three weeks in Florida and returns to Illinois for regular MRIs. She says she shares her story so that others diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease won’t feel hopeless.

“I’m here for a reason,” Wilcox said. “If someone else gets this diagnosis, I want them to know it’s not necessarily doom and gloom. There is hope. I was told I had a month, and now it’s been over a year.”

Wilcox and her husband flew to Dallas for Mother's Day weekend to meet her sixth grandchild, a little girls named Kennedy, born in late April. 

Dr. Buerki is eager to help more patients who are facing this kind of metastatic progression.

“I really hope that we can offer this type of therapy to more patients,” said Dr. Buerki. “It is something that is very time sensitive. For some patients, there can be a window of opportunity and when we are able to start quickly, as we did for Michelle, it is critical and I think helps with these good results.”

About Northwestern Medicine

Northwestern Medicine is committed to delivering world‑class, multidisciplinary care for complex neurological cancers. Through advanced therapies, rapid-cycle intervention, and coordinated expertise across specialties, the neuro‑oncology team is dedicated to offering more patients the chance for meaningful survival and improved quality of life.

Northwestern Medicine provides comprehensive care for every brain tumor and spine tumor, including rare tumors and metastatic disease.  NM has one of the largest offerings of clinical trials for brain tumors in the U.S., creating access to treatments not yet widely available.

For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://www.nm.org/locations/neuro-oncology-winfield

Geneva, Ill. – February 24, 2026 – Northwestern Medicine has launched a new Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program to deliver proactive, in-home care for patients living with heart failure. Based at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, the initiative is a collaboration between the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and the Southern Fox Valley Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. The MIH program aims to reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient confidence in managing their condition by bringing clinical support, education and remote monitoring directly to patients in the Geneva-area.

“The Mobile Integrated Healthcare program brings cardiovascular care directly to our heart failure patients removing barriers and enabling earlier intervention when issues arise,” said Jane Wilcox, MD, associate chief of cardiology and heart failure specialist at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “This work reflects the strength and collaboration of our interdisciplinary heart failure team and our emergency medicine colleagues, whose commitment makes programs like this possible and improves outcomes for our patients.”

Supporting Heart Failure Care at Home

Heart failure, a chronic condition, often impacts daily life and can lead to frequent hospitalizations when not properly managed. The MIH program aims to ease that burden by providing short term, structured follow up care at home, ensuring a smoother transition from hospitalization to outpatient management.

“Within the emergency medical services system, we often see heart failure patients return because managing symptoms at home can be overwhelming without the proper support,” said Parkson Lin, DO, EMS medical director of Southern Fox Valley EMS System based at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. “Partnering with the heart failure team through the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program is changing that. By bringing coordinated, in-home support to patients, we’re reducing repeat emergency visits and helping patients avoid inpatient hospitalizations.”

The MIH program serves as a bridge between hospitalizations and follow up appointments. By monitoring patients remotely, clinicians can identify issues earlier and keep treatment plans on track between clinic visits.

“Managing heart failure is challenging and the period after a hospitalization is when patients are most vulnerable,” said Ross VanDorpe, MD, cardiologist and medical director at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. “Even small changes in symptoms can lead to serious setbacks. By providing structure, support and clinical oversight, this program empowers patients to take control of a complex condition with confidence. It’s an important extension of the high‑quality heart failure care we strive to deliver every day.”

How the Mobile Integrated Health Program Works

Eligible patients are referred to the MIH program by their clinician. Once enrolled, a specially trained heart failure paramedic visits the patient’s home three times over a four-week period, following this schedule:

• Visit 1: 1–3 days after referral
• Visit 2: Approximately two weeks after referral
• Visit 3: Approximately four weeks after referral

The program is designed to help patients better understand their heart failure diagnosis and feel more confident managing their symptoms at home. By offering timely education, personalized support and structured follow‑up care, the program improves continuity of treatment while lowering the likelihood of hospital readmission. Patients benefit from a more seamless and supportive heart care journey, gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to manage their condition independently by the end of the program.

“During our home visits, we focus on listening and understanding how the patient is managing their heart failure at home. We also evaluate their current health status and determine if there is a need for any additional resources such as help with transportation to doctor’s appointments,” said Ken Snow, paramedic with the MIH program and Continuing Education Specialist for Southern Fox Valley EMS System. “The goal is to ensure the patient has the necessary education to understand their disease and their doctor’s care plan, as well as having the support they need so that they can have the confidence and the ability to improve their quality of life. Being able to help patients reach those goals is what makes this program so meaningful.”

During each visit, the paramedic provides personalized, hands‑on care tailored to the patient’s needs. This includes checking vital signs such as blood pressure and weight, reviewing medications and helping patients understand how to take them correctly, and providing individualized education to support heart failure self‑management. The paramedic also communicates regularly with the broader care team to share updates so they can adjust treatments as needed. Remote monitoring technology allows clinicians to track symptoms and deliver timely interventions between appointments.

For Geneva resident Paul LoCicero, the MIH program and remote cardiac monitoring have changed his life for the better. Before enrolling, the 82-year-old struggled with recurring hospitalizations and inconsistent management of his heart disease.

“Two years ago, I accepted that I was going to die – I even received last rites. But the team at Delnor had other plans for me,” said LoCicero, who was the first patient enrolled in the MIH program. “Before, I would struggle to breathe, then call the paramedics. I would stay in the hospital while they reduced the fluid around my heart. I would be fine and go home, but then the same thing would happen.”

LoCicero was in and out of the hospital every few weeks for blood draws and medication adjustments. Now, the heart failure team monitors changes remotely and updates his treatment plan without him needing to leave home.

“Now, they check in on me, help me adjust my medications, and keep an eye on things before they get out of control,” said LoCicero. “Instead of focusing on winning the battle, they’re focused on winning the war. It truly feels like having a guardian angel looking out for me, and it’s given me a whole new life.”

Program Eligibility

Patients may qualify for the MIH program if they are hospitalized or are considered high‑risk for heart failure readmission. Eligible patients must live within the Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital service area, be alert and able to make independent medical decisions, and be willing to participate in at‑home outpatient care. Participation is available to established patients of Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute in Geneva.

A Community‑Centered Approach

By bringing services directly to patients in their homes, the MIH program improves access to specialized heart failure care and removes barriers such as transportation challenges and mobility limitations. The MIH program fills a gap in care for patients who do not qualify for home health care.

“This program is a powerful example of how we’re evolving care beyond the hospital walls and making it accessible to more patients,” said Emily Jakacki, president of Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. “This initiative reinforces Northwestern Medicine’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, compassionate care within the community. It’s a meaningful step forward in improving outcomes for our neighbors living with heart failure.”

The program is supported through accreditation by the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

For more information about Northwestern Medicine’s top‑ranked cardiovascular care, visit nm.org/heart or call 312.NM.HEART (312.664.3278).

“Our continuous recognition would not be achieved if not for the dedication and commitment made each and every day by our physicians, nurses and staff to providing world-class compassionate care to our patients,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Driven by our Patients First mission, we strive to be better by any measure that has a positive impact on our delivery of care and patient outcomes.”

Below are highlights for Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the 2024-25 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings:

• In addition to retaining its position on the Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital will be designated No. 1 (tie) in metropolitan Chicago and Illinois. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is also nationally ranked in 11 specialties: Cancer (No. 20); Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 8); Ear, Nose & Throat (No. 16); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 10 tie); Geriatrics (No. 11); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 11); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 9); Orthopaedics (No. 11); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 12); and Urology (No. 12 tie). The hospital is the only Illinois hospital and one of nine hospitals in the U.S. to be recognized as “High Performing” in all 20 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is tied at No. 8 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. The hospital is nationally ranked in three specialties and designated as “High Performing” in four specialties: Geriatrics (No. 47); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 34 tie); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 50); Diabetes & Endocrinology; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Orthopaedics; and Urology. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 5 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is ranked No. 7 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. Central DuPage is designated as “High Performing” in five specialties: Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; Geriatrics; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Orthopaedics; and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 13 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital combined are ranked No. 13 (tie) in Illinois and ranked No. 12 in Chicago metropolitan area. The hospitals are designated as “High Performing” in two specialties: Pulmonology & Lung Surgery; and Urology. The hospitals are recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is tied at No. 15 in Illinois and tied at No. 13 in the Chicago metropolitan area. Palos Hospital is also recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is recognized by U.S. News and World Report with a national ranking of No. 45 (tie) for Rehabilitation.
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was as “High Performing” in 4 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 1 procedure and condition.

To view the full U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings (usnews.com)

In response to the growing need for additional emergency mental health services throughout the country, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Illinois, recently added and renovated 4 new emergency department rooms to create additional spaces for behavioral health treatments to care for these patients. When not in use for behavioral health patients, the rooms can be used to serve other patients, resulting in less time spent in the waiting room. 

“Much like other emergency departments throughout the country, we have seen an increase in behavioral health patients,” said Rosemarie Nolazco, MSN, RN, TNS, NE-BC, director of emergency services at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. We are dedicated to providing optimal care in an enhanced and secure environment until the appropriate and next level of care is determined.” 

In addition to the physical remodel, Delnor Hospital has access to behavioral health professionals and to in-person or tele-health consultation for psychiatric services, as needed.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness in a given year, and 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness each year. Multiple factors, including the added stress from the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of inpatient beds and facilities, and lack of access to primary care and psychiatric care may contribute to this increase of behavioral health needs. 

Northwestern Medicine offers evaluations and treatments for a full range of behavioral health disorders in adolescents, teens and adults. Specialists provide research-based treatments, care that’s tailored to individual needs, one-on-one therapy and family involvement in the treatment process. 

Learn more about Behavioral Health Services at Northwestern Medicine

Mary Pietruziewicz was enjoying a cocktail with her husband when her speech became garbled. Concerned, he rushed her to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital’s Emergency Department where a CT scan revealed a blood clot in her brain.  Pietruziewicz was having an ischemic stroke.

Under new protocols at Delnor Hospital, it took only 38 minutes after Pietruziewicz arrived to receive a thrombolytic medication via IV to dissolve the blood clot.  The American Heart Association recommends a door-to-needle time of under 60 minutes. Always striving for better, the Delnor Hospital stroke team initiated a quality improvement project to become even more efficient.

“Seconds count when it comes to preserving brain function. Every minute that a stroke goes untreated, 1.9 million neurons are lost,” said Dhruvil J. Pandya, MD, medical director of the stroke program at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

Since launching the project last year, the average time taken to administer the thrombolytic medication has decreased from 63.5 minutes to 32.5 minutes. Cutting the time nearly in half, these 31 minutes equate to 58.9 million neurons saved.

The American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines®-Stroke program recently recognized the achievement by advancing Delnor Hospital up from Honor Roll-Elite status in 2022 to Honor Roll-Elite Plus status in 2023.

For Pietruziewicz, the rapid treatment meant a better functional outcome and much faster recovery. After a short hospitalization and a few weeks of inpatient rehabilitation at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, the 86-year-old says she felt like herself again.

“I may not have the same get-up-and-go, but I’m very active gardening, cooking and I actually enjoy dusting the house,” said Pietruziewicz. “Everyone at Delnor and Marianjoy took really good care of me.”

Pietruziewicz is doing so well, the avid doll collector recently traveled to Indianapolis for the Madame Alexander Doll Convention, and she is looking forward to attending another convention in South Carolina soon.

“The team has tirelessly dedicated themselves to saving the lives of patients experiencing a stroke and ensuring they receive life-changing treatments as expeditiously as possible,” said Dr. Pandya. “As a result, we have observed remarkable advancements in our promptness in providing thrombolysis treatment, leading to better outcomes for our community.”

Many steps are required before a thrombolytic can be administered, including a thorough exam by a neurologist and a CT scan to confirm the stroke is due to a blockage (ischemic stroke). Thrombolytics cannot be given to patients with a brain bleed (hemorrhagic stroke) as it would cause additional bleeding.

This complex process requires collaboration between the emergency medicine physicians, nurses, CT technologists, radiologists, neurologists, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and more. They must be in constant communication and move quickly and accurately.

Delnor Hospital’s stroke team worked with Northwestern Medicine’s Performance Improvement Office to map out the process and come up with creative solutions to optimize the process. For example:

• Not all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) stretchers are labeled with their weights, so patients arriving via ambulance could not be weighed until after their CT scan, delaying the pharmacy’s preparation of the thrombolytic medication. The new process includes moving patients from EMS stretchers into Northwestern Medicine beds at registration so they can be weighed upon arrival.
• A wheelchair scale was installed, and wheelchairs in the department were labeled with their weights, so that patients using wheelchairs could be weighed upon arrival.
• The team implemented Vocera, a mobile phone-based system, to streamline the communication process and keep everyone informed.
• The triage team received education to help them know when to call a stroke alert. They also were empowered by learning they cannot “overcall” and that it is OK if they call a stroke alert for someone who ends up having not experienced a stroke.  
• All supplies needed for the process are readily available on the floor, called a thrombolytic “tacklebox.”

“It has been absolutely amazing to see how our team has come together to improve this very important service for our community,” said Ankur A. Dhawan, DO, assistant director of emergency medicine at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. “The mind shift of considering thrombolytics as a possibility, to committing to it as a standard of care, has been incredible. I feel so proud that we can provide this level of care for our patients and their families.”

According to the American Heart Association, studies have found that less than 30 percent of U.S. patients with acute ischemic stroke are treated within the 60 minute door-to-needle window. To earn Stroke Honor Roll-Elite Plus designation, hospitals must achieve door-to-needle times within 45 minutes for at least 75 percent of applicable patients and door-to-needle times within 30 minutes for at least 50 percent of applicable patients.

As cold and flu season approaches, experts at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital are raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of sepsis, a life-threatening full-body response to an infection. Sepsis can cause many problems in the body that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure or death if not treated.

Sepsis happens when an infection triggers an inflammatory chain reaction throughout the body. Any type of infection can lead to sepsis. However, it is more often associated with lung, urinary tract, skin and abdominal infections.

In the last fiscal year, Delnor Hospital has seen a 10% increase in the total number of sepsis patients and a 33% increase in patients who arrived in severe sepsis, where there is already damage to the patient’s organs.

“Early identification and treatment are key to improving sepsis outcomes. The sooner you begin antibiotics and fluids the lower the mortality,” said Steven Coker, Jr., MD, medical director of emergency medicine and co-chair of the Sepsis Quality Committee at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

The signs and symptoms of sepsis can include a combination of the following:

• high heart rate
• low blood pressure
• fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold
• confusion or disorientation
• shortness of breath
• extreme pain or discomfort
• clammy or sweaty skin

Anyone can develop sepsis. However, patients who are at a higher risk include: adults ages 65 years or older; persons who are immunocompromised or have weakened immune systems; patients with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, lung disease or heart disease; and patients who have recently had medical procedures performed.

In the last several years, Delnor Hospital has implemented sepsis-specific initiatives focused on more robust screening, evidence-based treatment, improved communication and education. Following these initiatives, severe sepsis and septic shock mortality decreased by 22%.

“We are identifying sepsis earlier by implementing an algorithm running in the background of our electronic medical record that alerts clinicians that sepsis is a possibility. We also obtain blood work earlier in the patient’s course that would indicate a patient is septic,” said Dr. Coker.

Once sepsis is identified, a core team of sepsis responders, including a Rapid Response Team, pharmacy, bedside nurses, respiratory therapy, and multidisciplinary providers, quickly initiate treatment. A checklist is used to ensure all treatment and monitoring elements are completed as indicated. The checklist and a handoff tool within the electronic medical record help to provide clear communication across departments.

“Delnor Hospital has met stringent government targets regarding sepsis for the past two years and as a result, we have made a palpable impact in the lives of our community,” said Jonathan Y. Song, MD, vice president and chief medical officer, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. “Decreasing our sepsis mortality rate helped us achieve our second consecutive Bernard A. Birnbaum Quality and Accountability award from Vizient, an honor given to the top performing Complex Care Medical Centers in the United States.”

Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital also earned the 2023 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Award. Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group earned the Ambulatory Quality and Accountability Award.

Recognized for nursing excellence for twenty years, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital joins an elite group of hospitals in earning Magnet® designation for the fifth time. Fewer than 1% of the more than 6,000 hospitals in the United States have earned the designation five times or more from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing and the highest honor given by the ANCC. The Magnet program recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, interprofessional collaborative practice and innovation in nursing.

“Today was certainly a highlight in my nursing career. To hear the ANCC Magnet Commissioner recognize not only our nurses, but all of our physician and ancillary partners for the patient lives they have saved because of their commitment to safety, quality, and service was truly humbling,” said Gina Reid Tinio, PhD, MPH, vice president and Flinn Family Chief Nurse Executive at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. “I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with the best caregivers on the planet.”

Hospitals voluntarily go through the ANCC’s rigorous review process to demonstrate their commitment to their patients and nurses. Each designation lasts for four years.

Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital received 10 exemplars, or examples of best practice, in areas that highlight excellence in patient satisfaction and preventing patient harm. The appraisal team highlighted initiatives to provide rapid stroke treatment and sepsis recognition.

Research demonstrates that Magnet Recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, including higher patient satisfaction, lower mortality risk and higher job satisfaction among nurses.

In 2004, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was the first non-academic facility in Illinois and the first Northwestern Medicine facility to receive Magnet designation. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital, and Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital have also received this prestigious recognition.

Learn more about the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®. 

Geneva, IL – Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital and Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL) have partnered to bring a new human milk drop-off depot to Geneva.

This joint effort increases access for approved donors and families in the area to donate lifesaving nutrition for pediatric patients in need. The Northwestern Medicine Delnor Milk Depot is the only operating human milk collection site in Kane County.

“We’re thrilled to bring such an important service to Delnor Hospital,” said Meg Pittard, program manager of perinatal services at Delnor Hospital. “Donated milk is a necessity for babies both in the hospital and at home when a parent’s milk is not available. This new depot will make it easier for community members to donate an important resource.”

Milk donations are from healthy, lactating women who are screened and approved as donors through Milk Bank WGL. Upon collection, donations are transported to the milk bank’s processing facility in Elk Grove Village, Ill., where the milk is pasteurized to eliminate viruses and bacteria. The pasteurized milk is tested by a third-party lab and distributed to hospitals and outpatients in Illinois and Wisconsin.

"As part of our mission to make safe pasteurized donor human milk more accessible to babies in Illinois and Wisconsin, we are delighted to be partnering with Delnor Hospital,” said Amber Barnes BSN, RNC-NIC, IBCLC, clinical manager, Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes. “The new milk depot program will provide approved donors with a local drop-off point. Their lactation program offers comprehensive, skilled, and supportive care to their patients, and this convenient drop-off location provides an additional resource to them."

Approved donors can typically access the Northwestern Medicine Delnor Milk Depot Monday through Thursday from 9 am – 3 pm. Before dropping off milk donations, please call 630-938-8878 to schedule a drop off time with a lactation consultant.

Individuals interested in donating through Milk Bank WGL can visit www.milkbankwgl.org.

GENEVA, Ill. - Just a few days before Christmas 2021, Aleida Vekony fell to her kitchen floor in Geneva, Ill.  Her husband Jeff found her unconscious and performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Aleida had suffered a massive heart attack. Little did Jeff know that action would also save his life.

Aleida was rushed to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital where doctors discovered she had severe coronary artery disease. Her heart could no longer pump enough blood to the rest of her body. Due to the complexity of her case, she was transferred to Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in nearby Winfield, Ill.

“Aleida’s case was dramatic. Her arteries were blocked and rock solid due to calcium and plaque. It was impossible to sew a stitch through them for bypass surgery,” said Gyu Gang, MD, chief of cardiac surgery at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. “She required a coronary endarterectomy where you shell out the artery. Not many surgeons will attempt that during a bypass surgery.”

Not long after Aleida’s surgery on February 28, 2022, Jeff decided he should get his heart checked. Testing revealed he needed a quadruple bypass for a major blockage in his heart.   

“I saved her life with CPR, then she saved mine,” said Jeff. “With what she went through, I was motivated to make sure I was OK. I was shocked by the results of my stress test and thank goodness I had it done.”

Dr. Gang also performed Jeff’s surgery. After a couple of months of recovery, the couple completed cardiac rehabilitation together at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. 

While Aleida would never wish heart problems on her husband, she says it is amazing to have him by her side during cardiac rehab. 

“He motivates me because he is so driven,” said Aleida. “We are really lucky that Dr. Gang took care of us both. He saved our lives.

GENEVA, Ill. -  Feeling a little flushed, Sue Burton took her dog for a walk in the brisk December air. Just minutes later, she became dizzy. Eager to return home quickly Burton cut through a neighbor’s yard, but as her vision blurred, she sat down. Fortunately, a neighbor saw Burton and ran to get her husband and call 911. Burton, an outdoorsy and active 68-year-old, had suffered a heart attack.

Burton was rushed to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital where interventional cardiologist William P. Towne, MD, performed an angioplasty on two arteries and placed a coronary stent to hold the artery open.

“I eat healthy and am very active so the furthest thing in my mind was that it had something to do with my heart. I just thought I was a little dizzy,” said Burton. “If I hadn’t sat down in the grass, but managed to get home, I probably wouldn’t have put two and two together and wouldn’t have called 911.”

Experts at Northwestern Medicine say Burton’s husband and neighbor did the right thing by calling 911.

“Timing is everything when it comes to surviving a heart attack. The risk of death and disability increases with every passing minute,” said Nauman Mushtaq, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Delnor Hospital. “The quicker a person can activate Emergency Medical Services, the better the outcome.”

In 2021 and 2022, less than half of patients with chest pain diagnosed as a heart attack came to the Delnor Emergency Department via ambulance. The other half either drove themselves or were driven, which delays diagnosis and rapid treatment.

“Calling 911 will have paramedics to you in minutes, initiating possible lifesaving assessment and treatment. An EKG will be performed quickly and interpreted by medics trained to read EKGs as well transmitted to the Emergency Department’s radio, where an emergency physician will also be reviewing it to confirm if it’s a heart attack caused by a blockage,” said Arthur Proust, MD, EMS medical director for the Southern Fox EMS System and an emergency medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

Patients who have blocked arteries require immediate intervention to restore blood flow, or the heart muscle begins to die. That may include clot-busting drugs, angioplasty or immediate coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

When the heart attack call comes in from the paramedics, the cardiac team begins setting up the catheterization lab. When the patient arrives, the clinical team can quickly transport the patient to the lab for a diagnostic angiogram and immediate treatment.

American Heart Association guidelines recommend patients whose heart attacks are caused by blocked arteries receive artery-clearing treatment within 90 minutes of arriving at the hospital.  On average in 2022, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital patients who arrived via ambulance had blood flow re-established in 60 minutes. For those who did not come to the hospital via ambulance, the average was 74 minutes, a 14-minute difference.

“It would be our goal to have everyone who is experiencing possible symptoms of a heart attack to call 911. We know with absolute certainty that will reduce mortality by arriving to the emergency room sooner as our cardiac team simultaneously is being mobilized,” said Dr. Proust.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Chest discomfort, which may include pressure or a squeezing pain in the center of the chest, spreading to the neck, shoulder or jaw
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath, which may occur with or without chest discomfort

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain, but women often report the symptoms are more subtle. Women are also more likely to experience other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

“I had zero pain during my heart attack,” said Burton. “If you have in your head that you are only having a heart attack if you have chest-gripping pain, then you are wrong.”

Following her heart procedure, Burton spent a few days in the hospital and now attends cardiac rehabilitation three times a week. She is feeling great and looking forward to a hiking vacation with her husband.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am that someone called 911.”

For more information about cardiovascular services at Northwestern Medicine, visit heart.nm.org.

DEKALB, Ill. - Due to congestive heart failure, 81-year-old Diana Morrasy has experienced some anxiety regarding her health in recent years. Some of that worry has been eased for the Sycamore, Illinois resident, thanks to a remote monitoring system that allows her health care team at the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute to keep an eye on her vital statistics every day.

Morrasy was the first patient at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital to undergo a procedure to implant a CardioMEMS^TM device. The implant allows remote monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures. Elevation of pulmonary artery pressure can be an early indicator of worsening heart failure. The device is now also available at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Ill.

“The paperclip-sized device is implanted in the pulmonary artery in a manner similar to a standard right heart catheterization, which is a common procedure performed,” said Christopher J. Berry, MD, interventional cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “It has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce heart failure readmissions.”

Following the procedure, the patient receives a special pillow that sends readings from the CardioMEMS sensor. The patient must lie down on the pillow for just a few seconds each day. The sensor sends the readings to a team of physicians and advanced practice nurses to review.

Through remote monitoring, the clinical team can detect changes up to 30 days before the patient would experience symptoms and take proactive action to protect the patient’s health and prevent hospitalization.  

“The CardioMEMS device helps us see signs of fluid buildup in the lungs much earlier than the patient or even the doctor can detect. Fluid accumulates when the heart does not relax or contract to pump the blood as well as it should,” said Michelle C. Montpetit, MD, a specialist in advanced heart failure and heart transplantation at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “A patient often can have their medication adjusted without being seen in the office each time.”

Earlier this month, the first CardioMEMs procedure at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was completed by Nauman Mushtaq, MD, medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Central DuPage Hospital, Delnor Hospital and Kishwaukee Hospital; and William P. Towne, MD, interventional cardiologist at Delnor Hospital. 

"The ability to remotely monitor and adjust medications allows people to continue to enjoy living at home with no disruption in their lives,” said Dr. Mushtaq.

For Morrasy, the device has given her, and her family, some peace of mind. She says the procedure was not difficult and she makes it a routine to lie on the pillow before making her bed every morning.

“I’m at the point that this is a life-saving device,” said Morrasy. “I’ve had enough heart scares that I was more than willing to do this. I’m looking forward to more good years.”

Previously, local patients had to travel to Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield or Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for the implant. CardioMEMs is also available at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

To learn more about cardiovascular services at Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org/heart.

GENEVA, Ill. - Northwestern Medicine’s Childbirth Education classes are now back in person and two exciting new classes have been added at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Ill. Baby Yoga and Infant Massage are now available at both Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield and Delnor Hospital, in addition to other popular classes such as Understanding Birth, Breastfeeding Support, Understanding Your Newborn, Car Seat Safety, and Boot Camp for Dads.

“After a more than two-year pause during the pandemic, we are so excited to see our participants face-to-face again,” said Megan Pittard, MSN, program manager, perinatal services at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. “And we are thrilled our new course offerings Baby Yoga and Infant Massage will provide a great way for new parents to connect with their baby.”

Baby Yoga is for parents and their babies age 6-weeks to pre-crawling. Through positive touch and movement parents can support their baby’s developmental path. A typical class starts off with an intention, followed by a centering activity which helps parents bring attention to the present moment -- this could include infant massage or a simple song. Then the class moves into poses, stretches and movements on the baby's back and tummy. Higher-energy poses are also done with the parent carrying the child. Class ends with a little stretch and relaxation for the parents. Baby Yoga is a six-week class offered in 2 three-week sessions.

Infant Massage is for parents and their baby ages 2-weeks to pre-crawling. Infant massage connects parents deeply with their baby and helps them understand the baby's nonverbal language. During the 4-week program, participants learn about the benefits of infant massage as well as specific techniques such as full infant massage, abbreviated massage, foot massage, massage for teething and massage during everyday care. Discussions may also include feeding, sleep, developmental milestones, the importance of tummy time and parenting styles.

"We call this generation of babies 'container babies' because they are often in pieces of equipment such as walkers, bouncy seats, strollers and car seats. Infant massage and baby yoga get the babies on the floor for play and interaction with their parents," said Patti Ideran, OTR/L, CEIM, a pediatric occupational therapist at Northwestern Medicine, who is also a certified educator of infant massage and a certified instructor of baby and toddler yoga. "I love the relaxation part at the end of class because moms and dads rarely get relaxation time -- even if it's only for five minutes."

Some courses are free, such as the breastfeeding support group provided by Certified Lactation Consultants. Some courses have small fees. Prices are listed online. They range from weekdays to weekend days.

All courses can be found on nm.org.

Learn more about Northwestern Medicine.

CHICAGO – Northwestern Memorial Hospital retained its position as the No. 1 hospital in Illinois and Chicago and is again recognized among the top hospitals in the country ranking No. 9 on the prestigious “America’s Best Hospitals” Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022-2023 "America's Best Hospitals" rankings.

In addition to Northwestern Memorial’s No. 1 ranking, several Northwestern Medicine hospitals were recognized as Best Hospitals in Chicago Metro and Illinois, including:

• Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley, Woodstock Hospitals ranked No. 9 in Chicago Metro and No. 9 in Illinois.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital tied with both ranked as No. 12 in Chicago Metro and No. 12 in Illinois
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital ranked No. 14 in Chicago and No. 14 in Illinois
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is ranked No. 18 in Chicago Metro and No. 20 in Illinois

“This recognition is a direct reflection of our Patients First mission and our relentless quest to improve, innovate and deliver world class outcomes to the patients we are privileged to serve,” said Dean M. Harrison, chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “These rankings amplify the expertise, dedication and compassion of more than 33,000 physicians, nurses and staff who come together to provide exceptional care, train future generations of clinicians, advance medicine through cutting edge research all in the pursuit of health for individuals and the communities they call home.”

Northwestern Memorial is nationally ranked in 10 out of 15 specialties ranked by U.S. News. Of the 10 nationally ranked specialties, six clinical programs at Northwestern Memorial are ranked among the top 10 in the country:

• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 7 in the country for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. “The recognition of our program as one of the nation’s best reflects our commitment to innovation and precision medicine in Gastroenterology,” said John E. Pandolfino, MD, chief of the gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern Memorial. “Patients with complex diseases trust the expertise of our physicians and team members, and we are proud to provide them life-changing and lifesaving care. We continue to research new ways to provide leading-edge, personalized care for patients in Chicagoland and beyond.”
  
  “This is an exceptional honor for our gastrointestinal surgery team, made more meaningful by the close relationships we have with colleagues in other specialties at the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center,” said Scott A. Strong, MD, chief of the gastrointestinal surgery at Northwestern Memorial. “Our integrated patient-centered care model combines advanced research and innovation as we strive to improve patient outcomes, develop new devices, and establish leading quality-assurance protocols.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 8 in the country for Cardiology & Heart Surgery. “At Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, we strive to improve heart care by pioneering advanced treatments, performing groundbreaking clinical research, and incorporating innovative technology and artificial intelligence into clinical practice. We are humbled that the best and the brightest aspire to join our outstanding team,” said Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, chief of cardiac surgery at Northwestern Memorial and executive director of Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “Since day one, the goal of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has been to bring world-class cardiovascular care to Chicago. We have achieved this and more. We are rapidly growing across northern Illinois as we bring advanced care and this exceptional team close to where our patients live and work. Patients now seek cardiovascular care from across the US, and around the world. The greatest honor is knowing that countless lives have been saved and improved by this relentless pursuit of our Patients First mission.”
  
  “We are grateful for nearly a decade of top tier ranking as one of the very best Cardiology and Heart Surgery Programs in the country. This top tier recognition from U.S. News & World Report doesn’t happen without exceptional team work, breakthrough research, outstanding patient care and a dedication to training the next generation of extraordinary cardiovascular physicians and care providers” said Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, chief of cardiology at Northwestern Memorial and associate director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “Our mission to provide world-class care to all patients remains steadfast and fuels our success. No accomplishment or accolade eclipses the satisfaction of relieving the burden of disease and restoring health in our patients. That is our everyday celebration. I am especially enthused that as we continue our quest for excellence, we do so with an eye on equity and an unyielding commitment to bring excellent and empathetic cardiovascular care to more patients around Chicagoland. We are driven to discover solutions improving heart health in our varied communities, our state, and our nation.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 8 in the country for Geriatrics. “I’m extremely proud of our strong all-female faculty team of geriatricians who deservedly garner national recognition year-over-year for our innovative and robust research program, top notch medical training and outstanding clinical care for senior patients,” said Lee A. Lindquist, MD, MPH, MBA, chief of geriatrics at Northwestern Memorial. “To be named a top hospital in the country for geriatrics is a testament to the strong teamwork, expertise, compassion and drive that makes our division unique. Our physicians, nurses, social workers and staff are passionate and dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for our older adults who we are privileged to care for every day.
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 9 in the country for Cancer. “At Lurie Cancer Center, we are driven by our mission to translate scientific discovery into the highest level of care for our patients, while also seeking to innovate and find the treatments of the future through a world-class clinical research program,” said Leonidas Platanias, MD, PhD, director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “This continued recognition as a top cancer program is a testament to our extraordinary team of physicians, nurses and staff who combine talent and expertise with compassion and dedication to bring the very best in cancer care to Chicago.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 10 in the country for Diabetes & Endocrinology. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s leading programs for Diabetes and Endocrinology,” said Joseph T. Bass, MD, PhD, chief of the endocrinology, metabolism and molecular medicine at Northwestern Memorial. “Our multidisciplinary team keeps patients at the center of our research as we continue to seek innovative ways to support individuals with endocrine diseases and obesity. This recognition is the result of close collaboration between our physicians, certified diabetes educators, nurse practitioners, psychologists and other colleagues.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 10 in the country for Neurology & Neurosurgery. “We’re honored for this recognition as one of the top neurosurgery programs in the country, especially during another year of unprecedented difficulty and uncertainty. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our department continued to provide outstanding clinical care and collaborative research, solving big problems in new ways,” said Maciej S. Lesniak, MD, chair of neurological surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “This ranking reflects the reputation of our physicians and highlights our ability to advance the science and care of neurological patients. We’re grateful to our colleagues and patients for their unwavering trust and support.”
  
  “We are honored to again rank in the top 10 U.S. programs for neurology. Our skilled clinicians and innovative scientists continue to raise the bar for treating patients with diverse and complex neurological conditions,” said Dimitri Krainc, MD, PhD, chair of neurology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “As we move into these later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, our physician-scientists continue to expand the knowledge of its neurological impact and are especially dedicated to understanding and treating long-haul symptoms."

In addition to its top 10 programs, Northwestern Memorial was also nationally ranked in the following specialties: Urology (No. 12); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 13); Orthopaedics (No. 15); and Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 18). Northwestern Memorial was also recognized as High Performing in Rheumatology, as well as High Performing in 19 procedures and conditions rated by U.S. News.

Northwestern Medicine hospitals were also recognized for the following:

• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is ranked No. 28 for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and No. 49 for Neurology & Neurosurgery; the hospital is also recognized as High Performing in Cancer, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Orthopaedics, and Urology as well as High Performing in five Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley, Woodstock Hospitals are recognized as High Performing in Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology, as well as High Performing in 10 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is recognized as High Performing in Orthopaedics and High Performing in seven Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is recognized as High Performing in 15 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is recognized as High Performing in 11 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is recognized as High Performing in five Procedures and Conditions.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit www.nm.org/about-us.