IU Health North Hospital

02/04/2026

Expert care saves young woman after cardiac arrest —

In February 2023, the Fishers-native was on a Valentine’s Day trip in Wisconsin with her then-boyfriend. The two were in the pool when he noticed an unusual change.

“According to him, my leg did like a little jerk, and I went underwater briefly,” Thomas recalls.

He pulled Thomas out of the water, but she wasn’t breathing. He began CPR and paramedics soon arrived. The team delivered five defibrillation shocks before her heart rate stabilized, and she was transported to a local hospital.

In the Wisconsin hospital, Thomas remained unconscious and was placed on a ventilator.

Due to the severity of her condition, she was airlifted back home and taken to IU Health North Hospital for advanced cardiac and critical care.

Compassionate critical care

Thomas remained critical as she arrived at the Intensive Care unit (ICU) at IU Health North. She was initially cared for by an experienced ICU team, including Dr. William Harvey, MD, and Dr. David Roe, MD.

Thomas’ body had been through an enormous amount of stress. Due to the lack of oxygen to the brain, she suffered a hypoxic brain injury. Her heart was also weak, and she needed medications to help it pump enough blood and keep her heart rhythm under control.

Thomas’ mother, Jackie, recalls the team of specialists, nurses and respiratory therapists attempting to take her daughter off the ventilator two times.

“On the second attempt, I ended up crawling in bed with her. I looked at the doctor and said, ‘I'm really sorry,’” Jackie says. “He said, ‘No, no, you know your kid. You do what you need to do, if you think it will help.’ Everyone was just really great.”

After about a week on the ventilator at IU Health North, Thomas’ heart function began to improve, her medications were reduced and she was finally able to breathe on her own.

While at the hospital, she had a defibrillator implanted, which monitors and corrects dangerous heart rhythms. She completed inpatient rehabilitation within a few weeks, and after leaving the hospital, continued with occupational and physical therapies at another facility.

“Luckily, because of my age, I was able to recover most of my physical abilities fairly quickly,” Thomas says. “But with my brain injury, I was recovering my memory and working on speech therapy for that whole summer.”

“This kind of recovery reflects not only the resilience of the patient, but also the level of coordinated, advanced critical care we are able to provide here at IU Health North,” says Thomas’ current cardiologist, Antonio Navarrete, MD.

Putting the puzzle pieces together

Now three years later, Thomas is 22 and will soon graduate from journalism school in Chicago. She says life is pretty much back to normal, but she still has difficulty with her memory and continues to see a neurologist.

Navarrete explains what Thomas experienced that day was a classic example of cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops pumping blood.

Through testing, Navarrete has been able to piece together why the 19-year-old went into cardiac arrest.

“Based on our evaluation, we suspect she has a primary electrical problem of the heart. The heart works not only as a pump, but also as an electrical organ. In her case, the proteins that control the movement of charged particles—called ions—across heart cell membranes may not function properly,” Navarrete explains. “These tiny ion movements are what allow the heart to beat in a coordinated rhythm with effective pumping. When that system malfunctions, the heart’s electrical rhythm can become chaotic. In severe cases, the rhythm is no longer capable of producing an effective heartbeat, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.”

At each appointment, Navarrete checks her defibrillator to see if it is functioning properly and if it has detected any abnormal rhythms. He also checks the incision site to ensure its healing properly.

An electrocardiogram, or EKG, is performed to look at her heart’s electrical activity, and an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart.

“These tests allow us to monitor both the heart’s rhythm, overall structure and pumping strength over time,” Navarrete says.

“Dr. Navarrete has been very helpful with everything. He’s made sure I could get some testing done to try and figure out if it's genetic,” Thomas adds. “This is important for later on, especially if I have kids. It's good to know if I carry something genetically.”

February is National Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease.

“Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t only affect older adults or people with known heart disease,” Navarrete says. “It can happen without warning, even in young, athletic individuals. That’s why CPR training and rapid response are so essential.”

Navarrete notes it’s crucial to listen to our bodies. If you experience symptoms, including sudden loss of consciousness, unexplained fainting or episodes of rapid or irregular heartbeats, consult your primary care provider promptly. Early evaluation can identify potential heart problems and, in some cases, prevent life-threatening events.

“The goal is prevention and reassurance. With regular monitoring and advanced technology, we can detect problems early, adjust treatments and help patients live full, active lives with confidence,” he says. “Know that hospitals like IU Health North are equipped with specialized teams ready to care for the most complex emergencies. This young woman is alive today because people acted quickly and because advanced care was available when she needed it most.”

Keeping hope alive

After such a traumatic event, Thomas found comfort in speaking with her family and care team about what happened. She couldn’t remember most of it, but piecing the details together helped.

For survivors of cardiac events, Thomas encourages celebrating victories in recovery, no matter how small they are.

Each February, she celebrates the anniversary of her cardiac arrest.

“I think it's better to celebrate that you're still here. Even if life is still hard now, you're still alive, and that's something I like to remember,” she says.

Thomas thanks her teams at IU Health North for their continued care and support.

“A 19-year-old that's gone into cardiac arrest pretty unheard of,” she says. “Despite of an unheard-of situation, they’ve worked really hard to make sure that I have the support that I need.”

“Her recovery represents hope,” Navarrete adds. “It shows that even in the most critical moments, preparation, teamwork and modern cardiac care can give patients not just survival—but the chance to return to the lives they love.”

01/27/2026

NICU nurse cares for the smallest of patients-

Finding the right path in healthcare can take time, and sometimes it leads somewhere unexpected. For Jonah Jerrils, a registered nurse in the Riley Children’s Health Neonatal Intensive Care unit (NICU) at IU Health North, discovering a passion for patient-facing care has been a meaningful part of his journey.

During his undergraduate years, Jerrils worked in a pharmacy, where he realized how much he enjoyed face-to-face interaction with patients. Encouragement from a friend helped steer him toward nursing, ultimately bringing him to IU Health North, a place where the team has made a lasting impact on him.

“The people are excellent to work with. I feel like we all get along for the most part and support each other as best we can,” he says.

Working with infants and watching them grow stronger is what motivates Jerrils each day.

“It's just nice to take care of a patient population that, on their own, can't do anything for themselves. So, it’s just really rewarding to see them grow and get healthy,” he explains.

As a registered nurse in the unit, Jerrils supports newborns and their families in many ways, doing everything from bottle feeding and diaper changes to helping parents take care of their baby. While some days can be challenging, the reward is worth it.

“It’s a very rewarding role,” he says.

Looking for a career where your compassion makes a lasting impact? Explore nursing careers at IU Health. Visit iuhealth.org/careers.

01/26/2026

For the safety of our patients and team members, offices in the the Indy Metro area and southern Indiana will be closed on Monday, January 26. Muncie and Lafayette area clinics are operating on a delay. If you have an appointment scheduled, please call your provider's office to change to a virtual appointment or to reschedule. See the latest information at iuhealth.org.

01/20/2026

Dedicated care for children and families starts with compassion and teamwork. At IU Health North Hospital, the Riley Children’s Health Pediatric Intensive Care unit (PICU) is where Kelsey Martin has built her nursing career and her passion for helping children thrive.

Martin first discovered her love for pediatric care while completing clinicals in nursing school. Today, more than two and a half years later, she serves as both a charge nurse and a bedside nurse.

As a charge nurse, Martin helps the unit run smoothly by assigning tasks, managing staffing for shifts as well as keeping track of admitted and discharged patients. On bedside shifts, she provides hands-on care—administering fluids, taking vitals and supporting more critical patient needs.

Martin’s team at IU Health North helps her feel fulfilled in her role.

“Something I observed is just how well everyone works together, how willing everyone is to jump in and help someone out,” she explains.

Martin also loves working with children and their families.

“They're so fun to work with. Some days are challenging, of course, but just being able to see the progression of a kid feeling and looking better and getting back to their normal fun personality, is just a great joy to see,” she says.

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families? Explore nursing careers at IU Health. Visit iuhealth.org/careers.

01/19/2026

Each year, Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is celebrated through acts of service and taking action to create a more equitable community where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their race, ability, religion or background.

In 1994, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was designated as the only federal holiday that is a national day of service to encourage all people to volunteer to improve their communities.

In honor of King’s legacy, Community Outreach teams at IU Health Fishers, North and West hospitals organized volunteer opportunities. Team members at IU Health North assembled 75 chicken casserole meal kits that will be donated to the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision to lead for the greater good and create a community of belonging,” says Caitlin Vendely, Community Outreach consultant. “Service is one way that Dr. King carried out this work, and MLK Day is our opportunity to live out his vision and go outside our daily roles to better the lives of those in the community.”

01/14/2026

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: What you need to know -

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of a disease that remains a serious health concern for women. While cervical cancer is largely preventable, it still claims thousands of lives each year. For all women, understanding your risk and staying proactive about screenings is essential. Dr. Lisa Landrum, a gynecologic oncologist at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel, shares what's important for you to know about cervical cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

"The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the va**na. Cervical cancer usually begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, often triggered by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus transmitted through sexual contact, and persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to cancer. While HPV is the primary cause, other factors can increase your risk. Smoking, multiple full-term pregnancies, long-term use of oral contraceptives, early sexual activity or multiple partners, a weakened immune system and certain medications used for miscarriage prevention all play a role. For women over 55, risk does not disappear. In fact, cervical cancer can occur later in life, especially if screenings have been inconsistent.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. In the United States, about 11,500 women are diagnosed annually, and roughly 4,000 die from the disease. The encouraging news is that most cases can be prevented through vaccination and routine screening. Education and early action are key to reducing these numbers."

Why are screenings important?

"Routine screening remains critical—even beyond age 55. A Pap test every three years is recommended for women aged 21 to 65, and HPV testing every five years, or a combined Pap/HPV test every five years for those aged 30 to 65. If you are over 65, talk to your healthcare provider. Screening may still be necessary depending on your health history. Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Advanced disease may cause va**nal bleeding after in*******se, between periods or after menopause; watery, bloody discharge with an unpleasant odor; and pelvic pain or pain during in*******se. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly."

What are the treatment options?

"Treatment options have advanced significantly. At IU Health, patients have access to comprehensive care, including surgery to remove cancerous tissue, radiation therapy and brachytherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy for certain cases. Treatment plans are personalized, and continuity of care ensures that the same physician often guides you from diagnosis through recovery. This approach provides reassurance and consistency during what can be an overwhelming time.

Prevention remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is highly effective and, while typically recommended for younger individuals, adults up to age 45 may still benefit. In addition to vaccination, lifestyle choices matter. Avoid smoking, practice safe in*******se and maintain regular health checkups. These steps may seem simple, but they can significantly reduce your risk and improve overall health."

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is more than a calendar event. It’s a reminder to prioritize your well-being. If you haven’t had a Pap or HPV test recently, schedule one. Share this information with friends and family. Early detection saves lives, and prevention starts with awareness. Taking action today can make all the difference tomorrow. For more information or to schedule a screening, visit iuhealth.org/cervical-cancer.

01/07/2026

On Thursday mornings at IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel, patients and visitors are greeted by a familiar face at the front desk. Ken Rabbers (pictured first) has been volunteering with IU Health since 2017. He began at IU Health North Hospital before joining the cancer center team in 2022.

As a volunteer, Rabbers welcomes and guides patients, loved ones and other guests—a role he truly enjoys.

“I look forward to coming in every week. The patients are all fantastic,” Rabbers says.

He has also built strong connections with team members.

“They're all just genuinely nice people to be around,” he says.

Outside of volunteering, Rabbers co-owns an art gallery in Zionsville with other artists, which is part of Indiana Artisan Gallery, a non-profit aimed at giving meaning and recognition to the highest-quality Indiana-made goods. His passion for photography has even made its way into IU Health facilities—six of his nature photographs, pictured, now hang on the second and third floors of the new medical tower at IU Health Fishers, showcasing Indiana’s landscapes.

Rabbers finds both photography and volunteer work fulfilling.

“The Schwarz Cancer Center is a special place. It’s just a nice feeling knowing you’re helping someone out,” he says.

01/06/2026

Susan Paulick and Tierney Dininger are the first hospital-based spine nurse navigators within the IU Health system, providing quality and personalized care to those seeking spine pain relief at IU Health North and West hospitals.

Paulick, pictured right, is the navigator at IU Health North. She’s been with the team since 2017 and took on this new role in October 2024.

As a spine nurse navigator, she focuses heavily on patient and team member education and serves as a connection between the outpatient clinic and the surgical teams.

“What I get out of it is that these patients are improving in some way. They physically feel better,” Paulick says. “Emotionally, you can tell that a weight has been lifted.”

Meet IU Health's first spine nurse navigators. They provide quality and personalized care to those seeking spine pain relief at IU Health North and West.

01/02/2026

Team members welcomed the first baby born in 2026 at IU Health North. Amarah Georges was born at 3:31 am on New Year's Day, weighing seven pounds and measuring 21 1/4 inches long.

Amarah is the first child of Anders Georges and Widline Jean Georges. Widline was induced on December 30, but she had to undergo a c-section on January 1.

"It wasn't an emergency c-section," she explains. "They tried everything else, and she just didn't want to come out."

Anders, an entrepreneur, was working from the hospital as he waited for the arrival of his daughter. The couple were both surprised when they found out they had the first baby of 2026 delivered at the IU Health North. The team presented them with a crocheted 2026 hat made by one of the Labor and Delivery nurses and a gift basket full of goodies for Amarah and her parents.

"They brought in the basket and that's when we knew," Anders says.

"The staff has been good. It has been a very good experience here," Widline adds. "It's a new journey for us and we're excited."

Please help us congratulate the Georges family in the comments!

12/22/2025

Holiday cheer is making rounds at IU Health North!

Georgia, a beloved therapy dog at the hospital, visited the Riley Children's Health at IU Health North Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, bringing smiles to patients and team members alike.

Registered nurse Kelsey Martin and clinical technician unit secretary Abbie Jacks couldn’t resist capturing the moment when Georgia showed up in festive reindeer ears.

"Abbie and I have been gearing up for the holidays by dressing for the occasion, and as soon as we saw Georgia in her reindeer ears, we knew we needed to capture the joy she brought to the unit," Martin says. "As Abbie said that day, 'Sometimes the best medicine has four legs, a wet nose and some Christmas spirit.' Georgia and our pet therapy team are a great way we are able to comfort our patients."

12/17/2025

Sudden symptoms to survivorship: Brittany Zedaker’s head and neck cancer journey -

Brittany Zedaker first noticed something strange happening with her tongue in December 2024. It started as a rash, but she began to lose mobility as well.

She went to see her doctor, who told her it was shingles. She was prescribed medicine, which she took for a week. When the problem persisted, she went to another physician, who diagnosed it as a fungal issue. Again, she was prescribed medicine, but nothing changed.

When the symptoms worsened, Zedaker went back to her physician. This time, an MRI revealed a tumor. Almost immediately, she was diagnosed with cancer at 38 years old.

“It was a complete shock,” she recalls. “I felt hopeless.”

She met with Dr. Michael Moore, a head and neck surgeon at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel, in February. Within two weeks, she underwent surgery at IU Health University Hospital to remove 66% of her tongue and 22 lymph nodes. Additionally, muscle from her back was used to reconstruct her tongue.

She healed for about six weeks. After that, she underwent 33 rounds of radiation and six rounds of chemotherapy.

During that time, Zedaker also began seeing Julia Porter, a speech-language pathologist at the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center, for speech intelligibility and swallowing.

“I saw her once she was recovered and cleared to start eating after surgery,” Porter explains. “She got a little bit of time to recover and then bam, it’s time to start chemoradiation. So, you finally start feeling marginally better, and then it’s time for more treatment that is going to impact your progress and overall well-being.”

“It absolutely changes your life. Being a young adult with cancer adds a layer to this,” Porter says. “Despite her situation, she’s real, she’s motivated and she’s doing everything she can to make the most out of the hand she’s been dealt.”

“You don’t realize how much you use your tongue until you can’t, but this is my new normal and that’s okay,” Zedaker adds.

Zedaker has also received care from Carrie Morris and Beth Maier, who both work in occupational therapy and are certified lymphedema therapists. In physical therapy, she has worked with Nikki Cooper. Additionally, she has seen Dr. James Pastrnak, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, and Lori Rosebrock, a head and neck surgery physician’s assistant.

“Without the support here, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Zedaker says. “They tell you whatever you need, ask.”

Despite her journey with cancer, Zedaker has also experienced some positive milestones this recently. She moved to Indiana from California last June. This year, she got married in August and bought a house in September.

“It’s okay to still have a bad day. A bad day doesn’t mean a bad life. There are still so many things to be grateful for,” she says. “Staying positive makes all the difference in the world.”

Now, she shares her story in hopes of encouraging others walking a similar path.

“I’m doing better. It’s okay to ask for help. It will make everything a lot easier. There are people here to help you.”

To learn more about head and neck cancer, visit iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/head-neck-cancer.

Pictured first: Brittany Zedaker (left) and Julia Porter (right)

12/16/2025

Grateful patient thanks IU Health North team for seamless cardiac care —

Two days before her annual wellness exam, Karol Clark took her grandchildren to a dinosaur exhibit. The weather was cold for March, and as the family scurried back to their car, Clark found herself out of breath.

“It felt like there was an elephant on my chest,” Clark recalls. “I stopped and it went away, so I thought it must’ve been the cold.”

The next day, the 72-year-old retired nurse headed to her local gym to workout.

She noticed some heartburn and took Tums, which helped. But as she took a shower the following day, the pressure on her chest returned.

Clark (first photo, pictured second from left) was scheduled to see her primary care physician, Dr. Sarah Lackerman, MD, at IU Health North that day, where she could bring up the symptoms.

“Never did I think it was a heart attack,” Clark says.

An unexpected emergency

Once Clark explained her symptoms, Lackerman suggested she head down to the hospital’s Emergency department.

Clark recalls feeling the tightness in her chest as she made her way to the unit. She made sure to call her family before heading in.

Team members immediately began checking Clark’s vitals and hooked her up to the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, which monitors the heart's electrical activity.

Shortly after, a physician confirmed that Clark was having a heart attack and explained she needed to go to the cardiac catheterization lab.

“I had four nurses working on me—one putting an IV in my right arm, one on the left, another changing my clothes and the fourth was putting EKG leads on me,” she says.

As she entered the procedure room, she remembers her care team being completely calm—they answered her questions and explained what was happening.

While Clark was on anesthesia for the initial insertion of the catheterization, she remained lucid for the rest of the procedure.

Cardiologist Dr. Mark Fisch, MD (pictured second), performed Clark’s procedure. He explains that Clark’s left anterior descending artery and her right coronary artery both had blockages. He performed an angioplasty, which opens blocked arteries, and then placed several stents to keep the arteries open.

“I switched from ‘this is my health’ to my clinical mode, so I looked at everything a little differently.” Clark recalls. “There was no pain with it. Nobody was anxious. Everybody made me feel calm. It felt like I was getting something as simple as a flu shot.”

Keep heart health in mind

When it comes to heart health—it’s important to listen to your body.
Fisch encourages anyone who has similar symptoms to Clark’s to contact their doctor.

“Symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath that occur with exertion, or if you're symptoms are worsening without exertion, I think those are all concerning signs,” he says.

Knowing your family history can also be important.

“For heart disease, there are traditional risk factors that cause it, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking,” Fisch says. “There are other things that we look at too, like psychological stress and obesity. There is also a genetic cause for heart disease.”

That was especially true for Clark.

“Every single male on my dad's side of the family has died of a heart attack. This goes back to the mid-1700s,” Clark says, adding that it’s why she’s had a lifelong goal to eat healthy and exercise.

Fisch notes that even if there isn’t a family history of heart disease, people should still know their blood pressure, cholesterol levels and A1C levels for diabetes.

“Those are all important things, especially if you do have a family history,” Fisch says. “If you have first-degree relatives with earlier onset heart issues, you should mention that to your primary care doctor.”

A thank-you to her team

Since her heart attack in March, Clark continues to see all of her physicians to stay on top of her health, many of which are at IU Health North.

Despite her health emergency, Clark’s seamless transition from Lackerman’s primary care office to quick-thinking care in the Emergency department, and finally, the calm atmosphere provided by her skilled team in the cath lab—is why she keeps coming back.

“Because I was a nurse, I was looking at everything they did,” she says. “That experience is why I continue to go back to IU Health North.”

She has one thing to say to her team:

“They were awesome,” Clark says. “They took care of me like I was their mom, and I think that says everything.”