Category: Patient Story

After surviving devastating burns at just 6 years old, Elena Castro Rivera is now helping other children heal through advocacy and support. Her inspiring journey was made possible in part by the compassionate care and expertise of UNC’s Jaycee Burn Center and Dr. Felicia Williams, whose dedication helped guide her recovery during...

A burn and limb salvage survivor gives back to UNC Surgery.

Recently, the Today Show featured UNC Gastrointestinal Surgery patient Sherri Rollins.  Rollins, diagnosed with recurrent colon cancer, came to UNC for more treatment options that could expand her quality of life after surgery.   At UNC, she found options and more: “I really liked a gastrointestinal surgeon at UNC Health, who...

Abrupt swelling of the entire arm, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingertips, arm turning bluish. All unusual things happen to an active and otherwise healthy person. “It makes you think about how well you know your body...

First Patient at UNC Hospitals to Receive a Double Lung Transplant Due to COVID-19 Diagnosis Effect of COVID-19 In May 2021, there were more than 3 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19. By December, that number increased to more than 5.2 million lives lost to the virus. COVID-19 is a respiratory...

In late May of 2020, during the height of the pandemic, one night, Skip headed upstairs to get ready for bed. He was feeling unwell. For hours, he emptied the contents of his stomach covered in cold sweats. His wife, Melanie, at his request, called EMS. The ambulance arrived and...

Standing outside in the fresh air, a crisp winter morning, looking at a clear blue sky and taking a long deep breath, feeling the cold air fill your lungs. It sounds simple, easy. However, for Ronald Campbell, there was a time when taking a breath, any breath was a struggle....

At ten years old, Jahliah Parker likes to have fun with her siblings, play on her Nintendo Switch, and, along with thousands of other children across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, is ready to go back to in-person school. She is the youngest girl of six children;...