Powerful Patient Stories

Many brave patients face seemingly insurmountable odds as they experience the fight of their lives. Overcoming that adversity is made possible when their tenacity meets the power of modern medicine and the dedication of experts at UF Health. Their remarkable journeys serve as our inspiration to continue pushing the boundaries — with leading-edge treatments, pioneering research and compassionate care — to impact more lives. Each story is a testament to science and empathy working hand in hand to redefine what’s possible.

Team USA bobsledder Elliot Markuson. (Photo by Christopher Bilowich/UF Health)

From Gridiron to Ice Track: An Ole Miss Linebacker’s Unlikely Push to the World Stage

In Our Collaboration, Powerful Patient Stories
Team USA’s Elliot Markuson sought out UF Health to fix years of football collisions and a bobsled crash that dam
Steven taking a photo

Steve Took a Chance on a New Treatment, Now He’s Cancer-Free

In Powerful Patient Stories
Steve, battling advanced prostate cancer, was told he had 18 months to live.
Austin throwing a frisbee

A Life Rewired: How Deep Brain Stimulation at UF Health Helped a Young Man Restore Control

In Powerful Patient Stories
Austin underwent deep brain stimulation to regain his movement and his future.
Shiniqua and her youngest son at the playground

Shiniqua’s Miracle: Groundbreaking Care at UF Health Saves Mother’s Life and Pregnancy

In Powerful Patient Stories
To beat her peripartum cardiomyopathy, a pregnant Shiniqua and her baby needed world-class care.
Keri doing yoga on the beach

Keri Beats Unbearable Back Pain With Complex Spine Surgery at UF Health Jacksonville

In Powerful Patient Stories
Keri underwent a complex spine surgery at UF Health that changed her life.
Alecia and Dayshai walking in UF Health

Alecia Defeats Decades of Heart Failure With Historic Transplant at UF Health

In Powerful Patient Stories
Alecia Cosey’s long, grueling journey ended with a heart transplant at UF Health that made U.S. medical history.
Emilie Lynch

Purpose Beyond a Cure: Advancing Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

In Powerful Patient Stories
"I'm able to empathize with what patients are going through because I went through it myself."
Charlie Welborn

Double Blessings: Charlie’s Lung Transplant Story

In Powerful Patient Stories
"It was like, 'Wow, what a blessing.' Truly a blessing in such a short amount of time."
Harvey and Amy Doliner in a plane.

Absolute Altitude: UF Health Jacksonville Saves Harvey After Life-Threatening Accident

In Powerful Patient Stories
“I walked through the edge of the plane’s propeller, which was spinning at a couple thousand RPMs.”
Grace Huber

The Gift of Grace: Series of Surgeries Saves Baby Grace From Rare Heart Defect at UF Health

In Powerful Patient Stories
"When you look at Grace now, you'd never guess what she's been through."
Dacvid and Karen are both University of Florida alumni and love traveling together.

UF Health Jacksonville Races to Save David From Cardiac Arrest After Crossing Finishing Line

In Powerful Patient Stories
“I remember crossing the finish line, looking at my watch and then I don’t remember much until that evening.”
Eduardo

Facing A Rare Lung Disease, Eduardo’s Family Never Gave Up Hope

In Powerful Patient Stories
“Everyone was so amazing. It felt like a dream. The entire staff was always making sure he was comfortable.”
Jeanne Dickman

UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine Hosts Ceremony to Honor Patient’s New Heart

In Powerful Patient Stories
"Arts in Medicine made my dream come true. This ceremony was a gift beyond words.”
Taylor Green

After Struggle With Brain Tumor, Taylor’s Back To Living His Best Life

In Powerful Patient Stories
“My doctors at UF Health knew exactly how to treat me. Now I’m healthy and back to doing what I…
Courtney

Courtney and the Cancer She Never Planned For

In Powerful Patient Stories
“Every member of my team was amazing. I have immense love for them and am blessed to have them in…
Grant Halloway leaps a hurdle over a bright blue sky.

On Track for Greatness: How Gators, UF Health Paved the Way for Grant Holloway

In Amazing Athletes, Our Collaboration, Powerful Patient Stories
From one angle, the silver medal reflects the brightness of Grant Holloway’s track and field career.
Grace Norman, a Paralympics gold medalist running.

Amazing Grace: UF Health Helps Grace Norman Push For Gold in Paris

In Amazing Athletes, Our Collaboration, Powerful Patient Stories
Grace Norman will be going for another gold in the women’s paratriathlon in Paris as a member of Team USA.
Faith Dillon with an American flag draped over her shoulders

UF Health Helps Team USA Taekwondo Athlete Faith Dillon Get Back to Fighting Shape

In Amazing Athletes, Our Collaboration, Powerful Patient Stories
When Faith Dillon was 5 years old and saw her first Jackie Chan cartoon, taekwondo became her true passion.