Heart, Heart Failure, Patient stories - Norton Healthcare

Women form lasting bond over shared heart transplant journeys

At age 30, Stephanie Deeley was diagnosed with familial cardiomyopathy — the same diagnosis that abruptly took the life of her father when he was just 31. Stephanie received a pacemaker and implanted defibrillator, and lived a full life until five years ago, when she began being shocked repeatedly by her defibrillator. “This is a…

Read Full Story
Employee stories - Norton Healthcare

Ambassador in the emergency department sees role as ‘gift from God’

Meet patient ambassador the Rev. Darlene Gardner — aka the comfort keeper. At the Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital emergency department, her unwavering purpose to help others makes what she does so special. Through her compassion and care, Darlene has made a lasting impact on both the patients and staff at Norton Healthcare. This video…

Read Full Story
Faith and Health Ministries

Hospital greeter prays for patients

Barbara H. Spitznagel, guest services associate, is a front desk greeter at Norton Clark Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She is well-suited for the job — good-natured and easy to approach. Spitznagel is a person of deep faith who was baptized in 2015. She is a member of Graceland Baptist Church in New Albany, Indiana, where…

Read Full Story
Patient stories - Norton Healthcare, Sports Health

Norton Sports Health social worker coaches Bellarmine University athletes to reach peak mental performance

It’s Thursday afternoon at Knights Hall, and the sounds of leather hitting hardwood signal the Bellarmine University men’s basketball team is ready to start practice. Shooting drills dominate this afternoon’s day on the court — catch and shoot, two-dribble pullups, pick-and-pop. It’s easy to see how this physical training would translate to in-game performance. At…

Read Full Story
Brand Feature, Employee stories - Norton Healthcare

Celebration, reflection and appreciation for military veterans: A safety manager’s story

Some people are called to serve. From an early age, they know where their path will lead them, and every move they make is with that goal in mind. Others find it along the way. Andy Wells, safety manager at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, wasn’t ready to jump into college or a skilled trade…

Read Full Story
Brand Feature, Employee stories - Norton Healthcare

A career of service: Navy veteran returns to hometown, brings ‘teamwork, discipline’ to job in health care

For one Navy veteran now building a career at Norton Healthcare, life’s journey so far has taken her from the West End of Louisville to an East Coast naval base, to the Persian Gulf aboard a warship and back to her hometown. Here’s her story. In 2003, amid a layoff from her job working in…

Read Full Story
Brain Cancer, Brand Feature, Cancer, Employee stories - Norton Healthcare, Norton Brownsboro

Hospital welcomes church service to grant wish of patient with brain cancer

In November 2022, Jonathan Parrish’s life took an unexpected turn when he began experiencing concerning health symptoms. Jonathan, a neurodiagnostic technologist at Norton Brownsboro Hospital, found himself grappling with nausea and vertigo. Because of his background in medical care, he wasted no time in seeking help. Medical imaging and blood tests soon uncovered the grim…

Read Full Story
Neurosciences, Patient stories - Norton Healthcare

First Kentucky patient begins lecanemab treatments for mild Alzheimer’s disease

Pam Jeffries’ symptoms presented themselves in the form of a question. “[Pam’s] two grandkids kept asking, ‘Pawpaw, why does Grandma keep repeating herself,’” her husband, Rick Jeffries, said. “The strange thing was, living in the moment, I never knew anything was wrong.” That’s when Rick began paying closer attention. He noticed his wife was different….

Read Full Story
Cancer, Patient stories - Norton Healthcare

Hope that experimental new vaccine for glioblastoma will prevent return of aggressive brain tumor

These days, Bob Krueger spends a lot of time on the road. Every few weeks, he drives roughly 200 miles from his home in Franklin, Tennessee, to Louisville, Kentucky. The time in the car is long, but it gives Bob, his wife Anita, and his daughters some much-needed time to talk, bond and play some…

Read Full Story
Cancer, Employee stories - Norton Healthcare

Coming full circle after cancer diagnosis

Cancer can come in like a wrecking ball, turning lives upside down. When the dust settles, it’s up to you to figure out how to move on. For Shavonda Offutt, that was especially true. On April 16, 2021, Shavonda was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She learned from Blakely D. Kute, M.D., medical oncologist…

Read Full Story
Employee stories - Norton Healthcare, Norton Audubon

Bringing compassion to the art of nursing

In the world of health care, where science and compassion converge, Brian Tran, R.N., a registered nurse at Norton Audubon Hospital, stands out as an artist at heart. His career journey to critical care nursing, marked by dedication and compassion, is a testament to the transformative power of care. “Nurses, patient care associates — we…

Read Full Story
Neurosciences, Patient stories - Norton Healthcare

Successful minimally invasive thrombectomy saves woman on verge of brain bleed

For Brittany Ricks, Thursday, June 8, started just like the previous day. She was preparing for a neighborhood yard sale with family and friends, working in her garage to organize and price items. She was a bit more fatigued than usual and had some aches and pains on the right side of her body, but…

Read Full Story