https://www.saintlukeskc.org/locations/saint-lukes-hospital-kansas-city

Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, 4401 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO (2026)

03/06/2026

Every month, the Saint Luke's gratitude basket is passed between departments as a thank-you present. The last unit to receive the basket chooses where it goes next. This month, the Childcare Center selected the Facilities department as the basket's next recipient.

The kids in the Childcare Center love seeing the nice facility workers almost every day. They ensure continuous operations, safety, and infection control, directly impacting patient outcomes and staff efficiency. Bobby Olm-Shipman made his first basket delivery as our hospital's new president!

Where will the gratitude basket go next?

03/02/2026

For nearly 150 years, Saint Luke's has stood with Kansas City—caring, teaching, and showing up when it matters most. As part of BJC Health, we continue to serve every corner of the region with pride and purpose. Because we’re All For Kansas City.

This video is a celebration of our legacy and features three real-life patients who turned to Saint Luke’s for exceptional care.

Isabel Hodes, a mother of two and two-time SCAD survivor:
https://heyor.ca/5WSagI

Mark Levin, who found lasting relief at Saint Luke’s after 50 years of back pain:
https://heyor.ca/hymQGP

Anthony Weatherspoon, whose back-to-back organ transplants gave him a second chance at life:
https://heyor.ca/6y8q2s

02/26/2026

Don always kept a close watch on his heart so he could keep running long distances, even after he retired. To date, he has been running races for more than 40 years. As soon as he noticed slower race times and shortness of breath, he turned to Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute.

“Something just felt off,” said Don.

At 73 years old, Don has a family history of heart disease. Dr. Kevin Bybee, a cardiologist, diagnosed him with a narrow aortic valve, one of the heart’s four main valves. He referred him to Dr. Corinne Aberle, a cardiothoracic surgeon, who identified another issue: Don’s aortic valve only had two leaflets when it’s supposed to have three. Luckily, she and her team offered the region’s only state-of-the-art, minimally invasive aortic valve surgery.

“The first thing Dr. Aberle told me was that I would tolerate the surgery well,” Don said. “She was honest, clear, and confident. That made all the difference to me.”

Don was jogging again just two weeks after surgery. Read the full story: https://heyor.ca/Dvw1VZ.

02/26/2026

Ernst is an avid runner at 72 years old. Last fall, he ran a marathon and clocked his fastest time in two years.

The catch? He had heart surgery just eight weeks prior.

During an appointment at Saint Luke's North Hospital in 2023, Ernst's doctor detected a slight heart murmur. He was promptly referred to Dr. Anthony Hart, a structural cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute. Dr. Hart said the murmur was caused by a narrowed aortic valve and told Ernst to watch for new symptoms. Ernst kept running until he experienced chest pain, then he was referred to Dr. Corinne Aberle, a cardiothoracic surgeon.

“That was new for me, so I knew I needed to get it checked out,” said Ernst.

Dr. Aberle identified two issues with Ernst’s heart. His aortic valve had deteriorated beyond repair, and he also had coronary artery disease, a blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. He required an aortic valve replacement and a bypass surgery.

“Ernst’s case highlights how important it is to listen to your body,” said Dr. Aberle. “For many people, heart symptoms may come on gradually and may seem subtle, especially in active individuals. Fortunately, our comprehensive team monitored Ernst closely, and we were able to intervene as soon as he displayed symptoms.”

Read the full story of how Ernst got back to the races: https://heyor.ca/hP7G0p.

02/25/2026

Surprise, Jennifer! You're getting a BEE Award!

The Saint Luke's Be Exceptional Every Day (BEE) Award recognizes staff who help provide compassionate care, clinical excellence, and serve as role models every day. A physician nominated Jennifer for saving a patient's life during a cardiac arrest. Her quick thinking and sharp skills kept him breathing while they took care of his heart.

Great job being exceptional, Jennifer!

02/25/2026

Cancer runs in John’s family—fortunately, so does Saint Luke’s care. He and his 34-year-old daughter, Allison, were both diagnosed with colorectal cancer less than a month apart. They went through chemotherapy together at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute. Allison was later declared cancer-free, but the side effects of chemo caused an issue with John's heart early on.

Enter Saint Luke’s cardio-oncology program, a program where cardiologists from Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute work with oncologists from the Cancer Institute to protect patients’ heart health during cancer treatment. It is one of less than 10 programs of its kind in the nation.

“Cardiac issues with cancer treatment are still often unrecognized,” said Dr. Deepthi Vodnala, co-medical director of the cardio-oncology program. “Up to 25 percent of cancer patients experience cardiac side effects. That is why we established the cardio-oncology program at Saint Luke’s, to screen patients and help them receive cancer treatments without developing heart disease.”

John got help for both his cancer and his heart at the same time, and now he's living out his dream of traveling the world as an amateur photographer with his wife, Judy. Read the incredible full story: https://heyor.ca/JPefcg

02/23/2026

Kenneth was the first person to participate in a clinical trial for a new heart failure treatment, and it happened right here at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute.

Fifteen years ago, Kenneth had a heart attack and didn't even know it. He and his wife were shocked when a doctor told them his heart was enlarged because of it. He underwent cardiac catheterization, double bypass surgery, a valve replacement, and lived with a pacemaker-defibrillator. When they moved to Missouri in 2022, he needed to find a specialist for his complex heart issues, which led him to Dr. Andrew Kao at the Heart Institute.

"I trust Dr. Kao with my life," said Kenneth.

Dr. Kao identified scarring on Kenneth's heart that prevented it from pumping properly. Undergoing a traditional open-heart surgery to fix the issue would mean a long recovery time and more risk. Instead, Dr. Kao offered him an experimental option in a clinical trial, to which Kenneth happily agreed.

"If this trial helps me and then helps other people, why not do it?" he said.

Kenneth took part in the RELIVE clinical trial, a national research study that evaluates a new device to help the heart pump more efficiently by reshaping areas of the heart damaged by a heart attack. Saint Luke's is one of four heart centers participating in the trial.

Kenneth received the device and has not looked back. The trial helped improve his heart function and enabled him to return to his job as an auto parts delivery driver.

See the full story: https://heyor.ca/5iO0UT.

02/21/2026

David’s positivity and faith helped him get through his heart transplant, going from a mechanical heart pump to a new heart in less than two weeks.

“I’ve been optimistic since I was a kid. Don’t let the hard days win,” said David.

Complications with David’s diabetes led to severe heart disease with multiple blockages in his arteries—bypass surgery was only a temporary solution. When his heart failure started to affect his kidneys, he was listed for a heart transplant at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute. Dr. Jessica Heimes, a cardiothoracic and heart transplant surgeon, placed a mechanical heart pump to support David while he waited for a match.

They found him a new heart after about ten days. Read the full story of David’s heart transplant and recovery: https://heyor.ca/0yUkfa

02/20/2026

Mildred recently celebrated more than her 107th birthday—she celebrated a victory. 🎉

After suffering a stroke in January, Mildred’s care team at Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute worked quickly to remove a blockage that caused the stroke.

Dr. Aaron Kaus, an emergency medicine physician, along with a code neuro nurse, met Mildred when she arrived at the Emergency Department at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. Imaging revealed a large blockage in one of the main arteries in Mildred’s brain.

After discussions with her and her family, Mildred’s care team was comfortable moving forward with a thrombectomy to remove the blockage. Dr. William Holloway, neurointerventional radiologist, successfully removed the clot and restored full blood flow to Mildred’s brain.

Thanks to their rapid response and expert care, Mildred was back home at her skilled nursing community soon after.

Recently, she celebrated her 107th birthday surrounded by the care team that helped her reach this milestone. Dr. Karin Olds, a stroke neurologist who worked with Mildred, and Angela Barber, Director of Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute, traveled to surprise Mildred and her family on her big day.

Mildred is proof that with the right support, any milestone is within reach. Read more about the care that helped her reach 107: https://heyor.ca/C0fI1g

02/20/2026

A heart valve is like a door that ensures blood flows in the correct direction through the heart’s four chambers. When a valve doesn't close properly, blood goes backwards with each heartbeat, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling.

The Valve and Structural Heart Center at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute performs hundreds of valve repairs and replacements each year through minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Elizabeth Grier, an interventional cardiologist, says the new treatment options available through clinical trials make this an exciting time for heart patients.

See the new advances in valve disease treatment on Health News You Can Use.

02/19/2026

Crisann was told by her doctor that she needed a specialist with expertise in treating the most challenging heart cases. That brought her to Dr. Aaron Grantham at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute.

“Saint Luke’s thought of everything,” said Crisann.

Crisann, a 59-year-old grandmother from Louisiana, was diagnosed with a chronic total occlusion (CTO) in her left anterior descending artery, which is a complete blockage of one of the main arteries surrounding the heart. Her blockage was so severe and difficult to treat that every specialist she saw wasn't confident enough to operate. Then, she was referred to Dr. Grantham, an interventional cardiologist who helped develop novel treatments for CTO and helped position Saint Luke’s as a national expert in the condition.

“This was a challenging case of CTO,” said Dr. Grantham. “But Crisann was determined, and our team was committed to doing our very best for her.”

Read the whole story about how the novel treatment and expertise at Saint Luke's gave Crisann a new lease on life: https://heyor.ca/bZFnMV.

02/18/2026

Taylor, a nurse in our cardiovascular intensive care unit, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses after going above and beyond to help a patient access critical care.

When Taylor learned that a patient with a pacemaker nearing replacement lived alone in Trenton, Missouri without transportation, she took action. She coordinated with his local fire department to provide transportation to Wright Memorial Hospital where the patient could be admitted and transferred to Saint Luke's North Hospital for the procedure.

Her quick thinking and coordination across community partners and Saint Luke’s hospitals helped ensure the patient received timely care and avoided a potentially serious device failure at home.

Great work, Taylor! This is what compassionate, patient-centered care looks like. 💙

02/18/2026

Ladies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and wrap an inflatable cuff around your arm—your blood pressure is calling. 💪

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. It rarely shows symptoms, so the only way to know it is to check it. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women, and checking your blood pressure is the first step in preventing it.

You can check your own blood pressure at home with an automatic upper-arm cuff. 120/80 is the ideal number. Consult your doctor if the level remains consistently elevated. By controlling your blood pressure, you'll help limit your risk of other health issues.

Know your numbers, know your power. You can do it! ❤️

02/17/2026

Just six weeks after giving birth to her third child, 34-year-old Layne was settling into the joys of motherhood. But one ordinary morning turned into a fight for her life.

While taking her children to school, Layne experienced a spontaneous coronary artery dissection—SCAD—a rare and dangerous tear in the coronary artery that can cause a heart attack.

As a nurse practitioner at Saint Luke’s Urgent Care, Layne turned to her trusted colleagues at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute. Thanks to advanced SCAD research, her care team had the expertise to act quickly to save her life.

Dr. Anna Grodzinsky, a cardiologist who leads the SCAD program at Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center, shared that Layne’s SCAD was one of the most severe she had ever seen—and the first to require a three-vessel bypass surgery.

“This was a first for many of us on the team,” Dr. Grodzinsky says. “But because of everything we’ve learned in recent years, we were ready.”

After two weeks in the hospital, Layne came home to her three children and began her long road to recovery—one filled with gratitude, resilience, and hope.

Because of supporters like you, the specialists at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute can provide lifesaving care, pursue breakthroughs in SCAD research, and remain leaders in treating heart disease. Help make a difference for patients like Layne: https://heyor.ca/6aGE22

02/14/2026

Sometimes the smallest valentines take up the biggest space in our hearts!

Our NICU sweethearts at Saint Luke's East Hospital were dressed to impress on their very first Valentine’s Day! 💙🩷💚

02/13/2026

Pregnancy can lead to heart issues unique to women. The new Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Institute for Women’s Cardiovascular Research is participating in two nationwide studies of new treatments for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a condition where pregnancy weakens the heart muscles.

Dr. Anna Grodzinsky, a cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, is excited about how these research trials will help new moms. “We want to know that our hearts are as healthy as they can be going into pregnancy,” she said.

Catch the full Health News You Can Use Segment below.

02/12/2026

All for exceptional care. All for every moment. All for you. Your turn: "I'm All For ____."

Saint Luke's, part of BJC Health, continues our 150-year legacy of serving every corner of the Kansas City region and beyond with pride and purpose. Because we're .

02/10/2026

Like an Olympic torch, the Saint Luke's gratitude basket is passed from one department to another as a token of appreciation. Filled with customized thank-you notes and treats, the team that received it last decides where to send it next.

This month, Nutrition Services chose to recognize the Child Care Center team for the professional, compassionate care they provide to the children of our team members. Their work supports our workforce and helps care for the next generation—reflecting our commitment to supporting team members and their families.

02/09/2026

From registered nurse to President of Saint Luke's Central Region, Jani Johnson closed a chapter of 40 years of leading with kindness. 💙

Jani began her career with Saint Luke’s in 1985 as a staff nurse at Saint Luke’s Hospital. Over the past four decades, she has carried her experience on the front lines of patient care throughout her career. Her skill, leadership, and dedication led to numerous roles of increasing responsibility. She is kind to everyone she interacts with, makes every person feel special, and finds true joy in the success of others.

Former and current staff, from environmental services to medical directors, came to her retirement celebration last week to pay their respect, voice their gratitude, and wish her well. Surrounded by her family, she was celebrated with a non-stop flow of well-wishers.

We thank Jani for her leadership and partnership and wish her well in this next chapter of her life—which she says will include unlimited time spent with her beautiful granddaughter. 😊

02/06/2026

Annmarie made the difficult but necessary decision to have a double mastectomy after her breast cancer diagnosis. She had just moved to Kansas City from Denver when she found a lump on her right breast.

Her Saint Luke's primary care provider ordered an MRI that revealed an eight-centimeter tumor.

“And just like that, I became part of the fast-paced world of oncology,” said Annmarie.

Following a series of consultations with her care team at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Annmarie underwent radiation therapy and opted to have both breasts removed to address her current diagnosis and prevent recurrence. She met with Dr. Dana Rioux-Forker, a Saint Luke's plastic surgeon, a moment she describes as fate.

“I met with Dr. Rioux-Forker, and I immediately felt at ease," Annmarie said. "He gave me hope. He looked at me and said, ‘I’m sorry you have breast cancer, but I’m going to take very good care of you.’"

Dr. Rioux-Forker determined Annmarie was a candidate for direct-to-implant reconstruction, which meant she could have her breasts removed and reconstructed during the same procedure.

“To have all of that done in one day and go home feeling like yourself—it’s incredible,” she said. “There can be a lot of mental anguish with breast cancer—this same-day surgery spared me a lot of those feelings.”

Read the full story: https://heyor.ca/rcPX4o

02/05/2026

Want to wear red on Friday again, Kansas City? Tomorrow, you can! The first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day for to raise awareness and educate about heart disease in women—and yes, Chiefs gear counts.

GO RED for women's heart health on February 6! ❤️

02/03/2026

Long before she became an OB-GYN, Dr. Lucy Lehoczky was intrigued by science.

“Once, when I was sick, I spent my time watching Discovery Health, and I found medicine to be fascinating,” she said. “From that moment on, I decided I wanted to be a physician.”

That early curiosity was also shaped by family influence. Dr. Lehoczky's grandmother, a nurse, often shared stories from her health care career, helping to spark her interest in caring for others.

Today, Dr. Lehoczky is an OB-GYN who cares for patients at Saint Luke’s Women’s Health Plaza, formerly Lintecum and Nickell.

As a pre-med student, Dr. Lehoczky participated in the Summer Scholars program at Saint Luke’s, an experience that further introduced her to health care.

“It is an incredible experience where college students can shadow physicians in different fields for six weeks over the summer,” Dr. Lehoczky said. “It was transformative. I met Dr. Joan Schieber during it, who has been an incredible mentor—and now colleague—to me.”

Dr. Lehoczky finds the most reward in building lasting relationships with patients through open conversations, education, and individualized care. Those same values shape how she reflects on her own journey and the advice she offers to future physicians.

“The journey is long, but each step will have some of the greatest lessons,” Dr. Lehoczky said. “The hours can feel daunting at times, but working in medicine is the greatest privilege.”

On , we recognize and thank Dr. Lehoczky and women physicians throughout Saint Luke’s whose commitment to care continues to make a lasting impact. 💙

02/03/2026

A career in surgery wasn't a sudden decision for Dr. Tammy Neblock-Beirne. It was shaped over time through hands-on care, teamwork, and a growing desire to do more for patients facing serious illness.

Dr. Neblock-Beirne is a general surgeon and breast surgical oncologist at Saint Luke’s, caring for patients at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Saint Luke's East Hospital, and Saint Luke's South Hospital. She has been part of the Saint Luke’s community for more than 20 years. Her path to surgery began in nursing.

“I have always been drawn to surgery, working on a surgical floor during nursing school, and then Surgical ICU as a nurse,” Dr. Neblock-Beirne said. “I was inspired and encouraged to go to medical school by the nurses and physicians I worked with. Caring for challenging, critical surgical patients fueled my desire to learn and do more.”

Dr. Neblock-Beirne is motivated by advances in medical technology and the opportunity to support patients facing complex diagnoses, such as cancer. Throughout her career, she has also traveled to developing countries to provide surgical care in remote areas without reliable access to health services, experiences that have had a lasting impact on her life and career. She values working at Saint Luke’s, where collaboration, teaching, and research foster continued growth.

“Collaborating with a team of experts in other specialties to provide the best care for a patient is very rewarding,” Dr. Neblock-Beirne said.

On , we celebrate Dr. Neblock-Beirne and women physicians across Saint Luke’s who continue to make a meaningful difference for patients each day. 💙

02/03/2026

For nearly 150 years, Saint Luke's has served the Kansas City region with expert, compassionate care.

First breaths. Strong heartbeats. Clear scans. You trust us with life’s most precious moments.

Today, we're stepping forward with a new look as part of BJC Health. While our logo is changing, our commitment to our patients, their families, our team, and our community never will. We love Kansas City and the people who make it home.

We are Saint Luke's—and we're All For Kansas City.

Because every moment deserves exceptional care. 💙

Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City

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