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Patient Stories Patient Jeff Kramer and Michael Baine, MD, PhD

Advanced treatment conquers aggressive prostate cancer
When Jeff Kramer felt a persistent backache in February 2023, he expected it to resolve on its own. The 63-year-old endured the discomfort for months before seeking care, which led to a shocking discovery: kidney cancer.
Patient Stories Kathy Folk, first Car T-cell therapy outpatient in Nebraska

Leading the way in malignant hematology
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is a recognized leader in cellular therapies such as stem cell transplants, bone marrow transplants and CAR T-cell therapy, treatments that harness the body’s own cells to fight cancer.
Patient Stories Sara May, MD, immunology specialist; Erin McKenzie; and Christie Barnes, MD, otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon

Breathing easy after years of struggle with chronic sinus disease
For Erin McKenzie, what began as chronic sinus infections in 2008 spiraled into a 15-year battle that threatened her life.
Patient Stories Steve Lapke, MD and patient Roger Vial speaking with Kelly-Ann Patrice, MD on video

A Red Oak, Iowa man's stroke - and the care that changed his life
Experiencing signs of a stroke, Roger Vial of Red Oak, Iowa, went to his local hospital, which was a telestroke center, and it changed his life.
Patient Stories Patient Mindy Godwin and husband talking to Nebraska Medicine doctor

The headache that saved my life: Mindy's stroke story
Mindy describes how a severe headache was actually a sign of an aneurysm. She credits the fast action of her husband, emergency services and hospital staff for her recovery.
Patient Stories Khris Emken at Grand Canyon

Double-knee replacement helps patient conquer Grand Canyon
In 2023, Khris Emken was crying in pain at a Texas water park, unable to walk back to her hotel room. By summer 2025, she was conquering stairs at the Grand Canyon. The difference? Two knee replacement surgeries that gave the 66-year-old her life back.
Patient Stories Graphic of kidneys, photo of Chrissy Zbylut and Emily Crowe

Teammate to lifesaver: How a Facebook post inspired a living kidney donation
Chrissy Zbylut never expected that a high school softball teammate would one day save her life.
Patient Stories Close up of ICL lens being held in front of person's eye

ICL vision correction surgery enhances patient’s daily life
Jenny May has worn glasses since she was in third grade. Dealing with her strong prescription glasses became just another part of daily life. That is, until she experienced a life-changing vision correction surgery.
Patient Stories Kathy Folk

Millard woman becomes Nebraska's first outpatient CAR T-cell patient
Kathy Folk never expected to become a medical pioneer. But 13 years after her cancer diagnosis, Folk made history as Nebraska’s first outpatient CAR T-cell therapy patient.
Patient Stories Matt Lunning, MD; Jan Janisch-Hanzlik; Rana Zabad, MD at press conference

Nebraska Medicine patient is first in the world to receive new therapy for multiple sclerosis
Jan Janisch-Hanzlik had been having strange symptoms for several years, was diagnosed with MS, and referred to Rana Zabad, MD. Dr. Zabad offered her a new option: enrollment in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial using allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy.
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