Category: Patient Stories

UNC Health patient Sierra Sumner with her fiance and dog

April 10, 2026

A Grapefruit-Sized Tumor: Surgery for Neurofibromatosis

Sierra Sumner developed a tumor that could have resulted in leg amputation.

Neurosurgery, Patient Stories

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UNC Health patient Larry Stefanski

March 26, 2026

Finding the Right Doctor for a Nerve Tumor

Many patients are referred to the wrong specialty for this issue.

Neurology, Neurosurgery, Patient Stories

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UNC patient Emily Sliwinski with her family

February 11, 2026

Help for Moms with Postpartum Psychosis

A mother of two shares her story.

Maternal Health, Patient Stories, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Health, Pregnancy and Maternal Health, Psychiatry

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UNC patient John Mote with his wife, Ellen

January 23, 2026

Keeping Watch for Lung Cancer Pays Off

John Mote’s doctors jumped into action when longtime surveillance revealed cancer.

Cancer, Lung Cancer, Patient Stories

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UNC Health patient Jenny Hunt

January 9, 2026

When Medications Don’t Help: Surgery for Epilepsy

Mom of two underwent lengthy work-up before targeted brain surgery.

Epilepsy, Neurology, Patient Stories

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Steve Oglesbee and his wife smiling.

November 26, 2025

From Stage 4 Melanoma to Five Years Cancer-Free

Longtime cancer center employee relied on his doctors, nurses and wife.

Melanoma, Patient Stories

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Colette and her daughter, Jacqueline.

November 21, 2025

Mother-Daughter Bond Unbreakable in Face of Cancer

A nurse practitioner became a full-time caregiver for her mom with lung cancer. 

Oncology, Patient Stories

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Susan and her husband enjoy a boat ride on the lake.

November 20, 2025

Cochlear Implants Allow for a Fulfilling Retirement

Hearing loss prevented Susan Heyroth from fully enjoying life.

Hearing, Patient Stories

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Jenn and Damson Huon smile with their son, Bohao, during a family outing by a waterfall.

November 13, 2025

Deep Brain Stimulation Stops a Child’s Round-the-Clock Seizures

Bohao Huon was the first child to receive this treatment at UNC.

Epilepsy, Patient Stories

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UNC Health patient Robert Kim with his family

November 12, 2025

Maximizing Life with Metastatic Cancer

Robert Kim’s neuroendocrine cancer treatment gives him more time with his loved ones.

Cancer, Patient Stories, Rare Cancers

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Gary’s family enjoying a happy moment together outside.

November 6, 2025

Back in the Race After Lymphoma Treatment

Gary Piontak is in remission and enjoying an active retirement.

Oncology, Patient Stories

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James playing happily with his toy trucks at the park.

November 4, 2025

Fewer Seizures, More Trucks: Treating James’s Batten Disease

Treatment for this rare disorder is available at UNC Health.

Neurology, Patient Stories

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