Stories of Triumph

Stories of Triumph

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has touched all our lives. For Jeannie Koski a diagnosis of COVID-19 led to an incredible journey of recovery. On December 26, 2021, Jeannie tested positive for COVID-19 and was quarantining at home trying to manage symptoms and monitor her health. By New Year’s Day her oxygen levels dropped and every breath became more and more labored. She was transported by ambulance from her home in Utica to Memorial Hospital in Seward.

Jim Arneson is very familiar with the recovery process and the importance of having the right care following injuries or surgery. Three years ago, missing a bottom step going downstairs resulted in a knee injury requiring surgery and about a year ago a fall led to hip surgery. “One moment you are celebrating with family and the next you are on your way to the Emergency Room.” Jim said.

Dr. Jacqueline Hobbs has worked with hundreds of moms. She has journeyed with her patients through prenatal visits, labor, delivery and through primary and emergency care. Recently her role changed from medical provider to patient. She found herself in the role of becoming a new mother, going to prenatal exams, prepared childbirth classes, and experiencing labor and delivery from a patient perspective.  As the patient, Dr. Hobbs admits, “It’s really hard to be a patient, not the doctor!”

Marianne Trouba is making every breath count thanks to Memorial Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation. “I am very pleased with the outcome of overall improved lung function and health,” Marianne said. For Marianne, living with decreased lung function was uncomfortable at times. “Every breath was challenging dealing with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as a result of Emphysema,” Marianne said. Emphysema is one of the diseases that comprises COPD.

Moms will be the first to tell you that every delivery and every baby are different. Ashleigh Browning of Beaver Crossing was quick to echo this statement. Ashleigh was under the care of Dr. Ketner and Obstetrics/Gynecology specialist, Dr. Heidrick, at Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic while pregnant with her daughter. Ashleigh and her husband Justin’s first born, Madisyn, was delivered in Lincoln due to some higher risks during that pregnancy. The care received from Dr.

Julie and Raul Escobar were relatively new to Seward County when they found out they were expecting their second child. They chose Memorial Health Care Systems for their family care and maternity care because they wanted to support the local community.

Community members are facing diabetes head-on by becoming knowledgeable about proper diet and exercise and concentrating on making lifestyle changes. Learning how to live healthier lifestyles is made easier by Memorial Hospital’s diabetes classes led by Brenda Roth, ADN, RN and Diabetic Educator. Memorial Hospital's diabetes education program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and recognized by the Centers for Disease Control to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Eighty-six million Americans now have prediabetes – that’s 1 out of 3 adults.

Seward resident Kent Pribyl is full of smiles and thanks after a serious medical incident. Looking at Kent now, you could never tell illness fell on this happy-go-lucky outdoor enthusiast..

As Mark Croghan steps through the doors of Memorial Hospital, he is greeted with smiles at the Specialty Clinic. He has come every week for the past 16 years to receive infusion therapy. “I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency back in 2000. It affects my lungs and I currently have a 40 percent lung capacity,” Mark shared as he prepares for his treatment.

Football. Seth Fitzke loves the intensity of the sport and being part of a team. The Concordia Bulldogs’ tight end set high goals for his final season. But his game was quickly sidelined during a spring practice prior to his senior year; the Seward native sustained a devastating knee injury and tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Pages