News & Insights
A Son’s Gift and a Nurse’s Dedication Give a Retiree a New Lease on Life
For Jim Walsh, a retired sheet metal worker from Local 19 in Philadelphia, the past year has been nothing short of miraculous. On February 13, 2024, he underwent a life-saving liver transplant — a surgery made possible by the extraordinary gift of his son Greg and the...
Ever Wonder Why They’re Called Patients?
For the last several years, I have struggled with 'nerve-like' symptoms in my right leg. In fact, given how long I've dealt with the symptoms, I'd say they are UN-nerving! Multiple physicians, tests, drugs and invasive injections...and still no relief. The other day,...
Mind the Gap: Talking Politics Without Burning Bridges
I grew up in a household with two adults and six children. One of my parents was a Democrat, one was a Republican. My aunts and uncles, who often came to visit, also split their political affiliations. Despite warning us children not to 'talk politics,' I vividly...
Guardian Nurses Founder Supporting Anti-Violence Against Healthcare Workers Bill
Unfortunately, violence against healthcare workers has been in the news once again, with a lethal hostage situation in the ICU at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa., and a brutal attempted murder of a nurse at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla....
A Frightening Trip Through the Healthcare Maze
For nearly four years, Emily Koval experienced recurring episodes of burning pain in her abdomen, which she initially chalked up to a mild ulcer. The symptoms would flare up suddenly, last no longer than a couple of days, and then disappear just as quickly. She talked...
From Coop to Community: How Bird Flu Impacts Us All
While not the most creative cook in the kitchen, I do, on occasion, very much enjoy making breakfast. Omelets, frittatas, French toast, quiche....lots of dishes that require eggs to make. And so, as I arrived to the refrigerated aisle in my local grocery store, I was...
9.4 A Happy Ending!
Jim Walsh got a new lease on life thanks to his incredible care team and the fantastic generosity of his son, Greg, who bravely donated part of his liver. It’s a happy story from beginning to end.
Migraine Relief After Years of Healthcare Headaches
For years, Lexi Livanos lived with the crushing weight of chronic migraines. The pain wasn’t just an occasional inconvenience—it dictated her life. Throbbing headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea would send her retreating to dark rooms, missing out on work, social events, and everyday activities.
9.3 A Frightening Saga
This week, we talk to Emily Koval, whose harrowing journey through the healthcare system could have been much less frightening with clearer communication at every level.
9.2 28 Hours in ER Limbo
When Miriam Rivkin went to the hospital with a detached retina, they discovered another, more urgent problem. Then, failures in communication and chaos in the ER made a bad situation even more frightening.
9.1 Migraine Relief
When the prescribed therapies to treat Lexi Livanos’ debilitating migraines were no longer effective, her doctors dismissed her concerns. Then, with the help of a nurse advocate and a second opinion, she got her voice and her life back.
Glimmers: Your Secret Mood Boosters
Happy New Year! So many of us head into the new year with resolutions, or maybe themes, that you hope will improve your mood. Eating right, getting more sleep, practicing yoga, exercising more. And those are all good, but have you heard about GLIMMERS? Glimmers are...