Stories Archive
Compilation of story articles featuring survivors, caregivers and staff at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
Wendy Baer, MD
Winship psychiatric oncologist Wendy Baer, MD, encourages patients with cancer and their friends and families to savor and celebrate their time together.
Earning a Doctorate Despite a Brain Tumor
Priya struggled with frequent headaches and severe fatigue. Then she suffered a seizure which led to the discovery of a brain tumor at 32 years old.
Returning to Life and Career After Treatment
Megan looks forward to returning to life and her career after being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38 and treated at Winship.
Living Whole-heartedly After Colorectal Cancer
Kate was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 37. She navigated her treatment course with help from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
You Couldn’t Be in Better Hands
Winship’s innovative Jaw-in-a-Day procedure offers improved outcomes for patients like Alan needing jaw reconstruction. Today Alan looks forward to being able to return to a normal diet, and maybe even enjoying a burger and fries again one day.
Living a Full Life Despite Prostate Cancer
Excellent care, staying active and practicing gratitude make living with prostate cancer possible—even enjoyable—for this 80-year-old. Don says it was “a pleasure” to find out about proton therapy and that Winship is the only place in the state to offer it.
David Frank, MD, PhD
Winship hematologist David Frank, MD, PhD, shares his perspective on how the research and clinical work done at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University inspires hope for our patients and their loved ones.
Empowered by a Screening Mammogram
After a screening mammogram detected breast cancer, Joanne was referred to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, where she was successfully treated and is now cancer-free.
Finding Hope and Inspiration in Caregiving
Matt and Liz Ames faced a sudden twist in their busy lives when Liz was diagnosed with rare appendiceal cancer just before their 10th anniversary. After extensive research, the couple found hope with Winship surgical oncologist Charles Staley, MD.
Misty Schoenthal
Misty Schoenthal, Winship's patient advocate, shares how she helps patients navigate various situations or challenges that may require the assistance of an additional person to help resolve.
Feeling Safe Makes a Difference
Marsha was shocked to learn she had ovarian cancer and that it had already spread. But her treatment plan from Winship put her at ease – and successfully treated her cancer. She says her experience at Winship was like a "big hug all the time.”
Eryka Murray
Eryka Murray, Winship's Community Outreach and Engagement health educator, shares how reaching out into our communities to engage them in research ensures that our discoveries and treatment breakthroughs address the cancer burden they face.
Experience and Compassion in One Place
Head and neck cancers are complex, which is why it takes a skilled multidisciplinary team to provide the comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation people with them require. But Trina was most impressed by her Winship team’s ability to connect with her as a person.
Chrystal Paulos, PhD
Chrystal Paulos, PhD, shares what led her to a career in cancer research and how she and her team strive to inspire hope through their work at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
A "Get It Done" Attitude Wins
Despite his symptoms, it took years for Charles finally to get a prostate cancer diagnosis. His research and “get-it-done” attitude convinced him to seek proton therapy treatment. It also led him to Winship Cancer Institute and the Emory Proton Therapy Center.
In Good Hands
"When I got diagnosed,” says mother of two and breast cancer survivor Alexandra, “I knew that I wanted to go see the best possible doctors. And as soon as I went to Winship Cancer Institute and met with Dr. Meisel, I knew that I was in the best possible hands."
A New Immune System Gives Hope
Tori's biopsy revealed she had Hodgkin lymphoma. Following successful treatment, she relapsed and went to Winship Cancer Institute where she received a stem cell transplant and "top notch" care that has given her hope.
Clinical Trial Offers Hope
Natalie had no symptoms and learned she had a rare type of cancer only when she had a chest X-ray after a car accident. When standard treatments failed, Natalie was referred to a clinical trial. She says the results have been “miraculous.”
From Back Pain To Multiple Myeloma
Dave never expected the pain in his back would turn out to be caused by cancer. He turned to Winship's world-renowned team of multiple myeloma specialists to treat and manage the blood cancer that was the culprit.
Second Opinions Are Important
A colonoscopy revealed that Jesse had colorectal cancer, the same disease that affected his mom and several members of his family. Jesse’s search for a second opinion led him to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. He says it saved his life.
Cancer Brings Couple Closer Together
When Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, she was unsure whether her boyfriend, Jordan, would be willing to take on the role of her caregiver. He not only rose to the occasion, but had a big surprise for her too.
Team Approach is Key
Dave had a chronic cough for two years before he came to Winship and learned he had renal cancer. He struggled to walk even six feet without being out of breath. Today Dave's cancer is in retreat and he walks 12,000 to 15,000 steps a day.
Thriving Beyond Cancer
Then 39-year-old Brandi had no risk factors for lung cancer. But after experiencing shortness of breath during her regular walks, tests revealed she had stage three lung cancer. Since her successful treatment at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Brandi has rededicated herself to making new memories with her four children.
Without a Trace
For months, Johan dismissed the traces of red in his bowel movements. Then he learned he had a three-inch tumor on his colon. His doctors at Winship convinced him to pursue a course of chemo and radiation before considering surgery. It worked. No surgery was needed after the tumor disappeared without a trace.