Tara and Robert Thomas had been trying to have a baby for years and had suffered several setbacks — then an extraordinary act of friendship made their dreams come true. Mandy Dugan and her husband, James, already had four children ranging in age from 3 to 10 years old. When their friends told them of…
Phil Hayes celebrated his 77th birthday this year. It was a milestone he wasn’t sure he would get to see more than 30 years ago when a heart attack permanently damaged his heart muscle. After having a heart attack in 1987, Phil spent the first 10 years of his recovery from emergency bypass surgery struggling…
Aaron C. Spalding, M.D., is a radiation oncologist with a straightforward approach to medicine. “I was raised in a way to try to use the blessings in my life to help others. For me, that means serving patients in our region who are unfairly afflicted by cancer,” Dr. Spalding said. A Louisville native, Dr. Spalding…
Twice as many women will die from stroke than breast cancer. Not only are women more likely to have a stroke compared with men, they also are less likely to recognize the symptoms. Understanding what’s happening is critical to getting lifesaving treatment as quickly as possible. Stroke symptoms in women Stroke symptoms in women sometimes…
Greater Louisville is famous for allergies and congestion that affect residents year-round. But it’s November when Norton Community Medical Associates offices see a seasonal spike in sinus complaints. “We see an increase in colds and viruses this time of year, and they can cause congestion,” said Richard Gibson, M.D., internal medicine physician with Norton Community…
Louisville researchers are turning their success with immunotherapy toward a new foe — the deadly glioblastoma brain cancer. Renato V. LaRocca, M.D., a neuro-oncologist and cancer medicine specialist with Norton Cancer Institute, is working on new treatments that use immunotherapy to turn the body’s immune system against the cancer. Norton Healthcare is among several institutions…
A new study shows cancer is on its way to becoming the leading cause of death in more counties nationwide. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed records for 32 million people in the U.S. who died between 2003 and 2015. It found that while overall deaths due to heart disease and…
Dread going to work on a Monday morning? Don’t tell that to Heather Ritchey. The hairstylist of 15 years shows up to her job at Fritz’s Salon in Louisville, Kentucky, with a huge smile on her face every day. After an eight-year battle with epilepsy, Heather feels fortunate to pick up a pair of scissors….
Adam D. Lye, M.D., is a proud Kentuckian. The medical oncologist/hematologist grew up in Covington and attended medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington. For fun, Dr. Lye and his family like to go for hikes around the commonwealth. He also follows Kentucky country musicians Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and…
Brandon Miller was loving life. Until it came to a screeching halt. On Jan. 7, 2007, Brandon sped down the Gene Snyder Freeway. He quickly approached something in the middle of the road — a couch had fallen off a vehicle. The 25-year-old swerved and, in an instant, his life changed forever. His truck flipped…
Physicians are seeing more cases of an otherwise rare spine infection — osteomyelitis — that can be caused by injecting bacteria along with heroin. Heroin users risk showering their bloodstream with bacteria that live on their skin and needles. The bacteria can travel to the spine, plant there and fester into a painful infection. A…
As an oncology-certified nurse, Gina Morrison, R.N., has learned there are two sides to cancer care — the side fighting cancer cells in the body and the side taking care of a person’s heart and spirit. Cancer patients can get lost navigating the path between the two. That’s where Gina comes in. After three years…