UCHealth

12/12/2024

Bobby, a retired firefighter, was surprised with a unique way to “ring the bell” after completing his six consecutive weeks of radiation. 🔔

Bobby started losing his vision in 2022 and underwent cataract surgery, but was still unable to see right. After an MRI, doctors discovered a brain tumor. Two years later in October 2024 the tumor started growing back and was threatening Bobby’s vision. He underwent radiation for 6 six weeks, for a total of 28 treatments.

Bobby did not want to mark the end of treatment with the traditional “ringing the bell” ceremony, since bell ringing is often reserved as a solemn tribute during line-of-duty death ceremonies. So, Bobby’s wife surprised him by inviting friends, family and bagpipers from the Denver Firefighters Pipes and Drums group, to honor his journey in a more personal and uplifting way.

12/11/2024

Victoria Threadgould takes giving to a whole new level. In just two years, she made a significant impact as a two-time organ donor. In 2022, she donated a kidney and this year, she donated part of her liver. Her latest donation is particularly remarkable because she became the first living donor at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital to give the right lobe of her liver using an innovative robotic surgical procedure. This advanced method uses smaller cuts and offers quicker recovery, which allowed Victoria to quickly return to her active lifestyle of cycling and running.

Victoria is from England and her spirit of giving knows no borders. Her kidney donation changed the life of a stranger on the East Coast while her liver donation has given new hope to someone in the Southwest. She chose to remain anonymous to the recipients in both cases, showing true selflessness. Her strong belief in helping others without expecting anything in return is not just admirable; it’s a powerful reminder of how altruism can impact lives.

We are truly honored to share Victoria’s heartfelt story, as it highlights the profound impact of living organ donation and helps to raise awareness about this important cause. UCHealth is one of only four in the nation that offers robotic liver donor surgeries—and the only one in the Rocky Mountain region. We are committed to ensuring donor safety and comfort while addressing the critical shortage of organ donors. Nearly 9,400 individuals in the U.S. are waiting for liver transplants.

Through a less-invasive robotic procedure, Victoria donated a large part of her liver for an adult in need and had a quicker recovery.

12/10/2024

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and use of fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. These recipes will enhance your taste buds while promoting health and well-being - making every meal a delightful experience. Here are a few of our favorites:

The basics of Vietnamese cooking include four flavors: sour, salt, sweet and chile heat. Use your knowledge to make Banh Mi and Pho.

12/07/2024

A garden of lights, an electric safari and even a 200-foot-long, 17-foot-high light tunnel - there are several vibrant holiday light displays to check out here in Colorado.

Don't miss your chance this holiday season to experience these enchanting, shimmering wonderlands!

Find a holiday light display near you at Colorado zoos and gardens. Be dazzled and enjoy Colorado's cultural facilities this holiday season.

12/04/2024

From breathtaking snow sculptures in Aspen to the Ice Fest in Alamosa, there’s much to see beyond the ski slopes. Experience the magic of winter by visiting these events that transform the cold, white canvas of the season into vibrant celebrations🧊⛄

Art comes in so many forms, but during Colorado’s winter it's made with snow and ice. Visit these snow and ice sculptures in Colorado.

12/02/2024

Three Chickens for a Liver x Harry Mack
Randy and Kelly became friends when his son joined her husband’s wrestling team. After Kelly gave Randy a part of her liver, they became family. Now, they’re happy & healthy advocates for living donation: https://bit.ly/uchealth-living-donor

12/01/2024

Biobanks flourish by collecting DNA samples from participants who choose to contribute by providing a vial of their blood. Their fundamental goal is to understand how genetics fits into everyday health.

Researchers analyze the samples to acquire essential insights into the relationship between specific genes and the likelihood of developing certain diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular issues. They can even forecast how individuals will react to particular treatments. The Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, a partnership between UCHealth and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, has now invited patients from UCHealth Parkview to participate in the program.

The true power of biobanks lies in their numbers. The more people who submit a blood sample, the more opportunity researchers have to discover new, personalized medicines. So far, more than 250,000 UCHealth patients have enrolled in the biobank, and you could be next! Learn more about the biobank and how you can get involved.

UCHealth Parkview patients can help research and advance individualized health care by joining the biobank during a routine blood draw.

11/30/2024

December in Colorado can be chilly, but the warmth of family gatherings, traditions and holiday cheer makes the season enjoyable! Explore fun activities and festive events around the state.

Here are some ideas for things to do this month!

December in Colorado tends to be a bit chilly, but traditions, good food and holiday cheer warm us up as we enjoy festive activities.

11/28/2024

Meet Darla and Greg! 🐾♥️

Darla is an Old English Sheepdog with a style that deserves a round of a-paws. She’s a fashionista who always makes a statement and loves to comfort all those around her.

Hounds Makin’ Rounds celebrates and highlights the remarkable work of our therapy dogs and the compassionate individuals who are their dedicated owners, our volunteers.

Darla and Greg, we thank you for sharing your story and for all you do.

11/27/2024

Gary Yost: Buff for a Day 🦬
A longtime CU Football fan and a Cancer Warrior, Gary’s resilience is inspiring. As he continues his battle with prostate cancer, Gary got to fulfill a dream — meeting Coach Prime, exploring the Colorado Buffaloes facilities and cheering on the Colorado Buffaloes Football team from the sidelines during practice🖤💛

11/26/2024

Contributing to your community and helping others is among the most fulfilling activities you can engage in. Even the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positive change; Not only for those you help, but also for yourself.

Colorado Gives Day is Dec. 10, and every donation will get a boost from the incentive fund, making donations more valuable. In 2023 more than $54 million was raised for Colorado non-profits. If you're looking to make a difference, you can find great nonprofit organizations to donate to, places you can volunteer at and don’t worry - there are several other ways you can contribute even if you have limited time.

Helping others, whether through volunteerism or acts of kindness, has been proven to lower stress and boost mood, self-esteem and happiness.

11/24/2024

As you gear up for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast, you may be focused on the main entrees. However, if you're looking for additional options to enhance your meal, we have some suggestions that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you want to start the meal off on a flavorful note, add some variety to your spread or finish with a sweet treat, our recommendations will provide just the right touch.

Menu planning for that extra-special meal? Try a sumptuous soup, a veggie side and a pumpkin custard for dessert

11/23/2024

Wendy Amendolari’s story is a profound testament to the power of selflessness and the ripple effect of kindness. Inspired by the generosity of organ donors who saved her husband’s life, Wendy decided to donate a part of her liver to a stranger. Her altruism placed her among a rare group of fewer than 500 individuals in the U.S. who have made such a gift since 1988. Wendy’s journey highlights the courage to step into the unknown fueled by a determination to give back and change someone’s life forever.

When Wendy learned that her kidneys were not suitable for donation, she made a split-second decision to offer her liver instead, embarking on a challenging but rewarding path. On August 19 she underwent complex surgery at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Her recovery, while demanding, has been marked by resilience and gratitude. Wendy is already returning to her active lifestyle, finding fulfillment in knowing that her decision has profoundly impacted another person’s life.

The significance of living organ donation cannot be overstated especially for those waiting on transplant lists with no other options. Wendy’s act underscores the critical need for more donors to step forward. Her journey also serves as a beacon of hope demonstrating the transformative power of generosity in a world that often feels divided. As Wendy reflects, giving a part of herself has made her feel more complete, a sentiment echoed by the bonds she’s formed with her husband’s donor and the recipient of her liver.

In sharing her story, Wendy hopes to inspire others to consider the gift of organ donation. Her message is simple yet profound: if you’re healthy and able, you can make a life-saving difference. Through her courage Wendy exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the enduring impact of kindness passed on.

Only about 500 people in the U.S. ever have stepped up to donate part of their liver to a stranger. Wendy is one of those people.

11/22/2024

11/22/2024

💌 for our Cancer Warriors
x Colorado Avalanche

11/19/2024

Nearly a decade ago, Dr. Jason Stoneback, an orthopedic traumatologist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, founded the University of Colorado Limb Restoration Program. Since then, the program has helped countless patients preserve their hands, feet, arms and legs. However, in some cases the damage to a limb can be so severe that a more difficult decision becomes necessary.

“When dealing with extremities at risk, there’s a subset of people for whom amputation becomes the right choice. That’s always been a pillar of the Limb Restoration Program,” said Dr. Stoneback.

The newly established CU Center for Prosthetics, located in the CU Medicine building on the Anschutz Medical Campus, marks a significant step forward in the program’s mission. It aims to provide comprehensive care starting with limb preservation, followed by the most effective approaches to amputation and prosthetics and extending into long-term follow-up care.

“Our group is responsible for publishing groundbreaking foundational literature that’s going to shape the next decade of advancements in this space,” said Dr. Danielle Melton, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at the CU School of Medicine, who co-leads the Limb Restoration Program alongside Dr. Stoneback.

Learn more about the innovative research being conducted by this dedicated team at this groundbreaking center.

The new CU Center for Prosthetics enhances collaborative care and serves as a hub for diverse amputation-related research.

11/19/2024

Eating well means feeling well, but it’s not always easy. See our conversation about choices, including good nutrition.

Learn more about Men's Health: https://bit.ly/48PeL0t