Articles

Patient Stories

The Heart of Care

Monument Health physicians and caregivers are committed to delivering high-quality care that makes a difference in our communities. That’s why when a nurse at the Heart and Vascular Institute went the extra mile to ensure a patient facing a critical medical situation in Mexico could receive life-saving care at home, it made a lasting impression.

Patient Stories

Farther Than Ever

Pat Baumann is no stranger to a challenge. As an avid endurance runner, formidable circumstances are kind of his thing.

Patient Stories

Patient Story: I Just Picked Joy

Recovering from a brain tumor and radiation, Grayson Chapeau can once again enjoy ping pong, dancing – and life.  In October 2014, Grayson Chapeau of Spearfish was diagnosed with an […]

Patient Stories

One Tough Ten Year Old

Carter Berlin’s autoimmune disorder diagnosis means he’s had to deal with more in the last six years than most do in a lifetime—but he’s one tough ten-year-old.  Carter Berlin was […]

Patient Stories

Cancer Warrior

After her diagnosis, Carol Engel turned to the experts at the Monument Health John T. Vucurevich Cancer Care Institute. Working together, they’ve defied the odds against stage IV lung cancer.  […]

Patient Stories

The Fight of His Life

Don Gray was hospitalized for 51 days, but he was victorious over COVID-19.  It was the Friday after Memorial Day when Lana Gray returned from work to find her husband, […]

Patient Stories

When a Heart Stops Beating

When Steven Austin’s heart gave out on him, his physicians and caregivers wouldn’t let him give up.  The heart is an amazing piece of organic machinery, pumping blood through the […]

Patient Stories

The Right Place at the Right Time

Katie Young collapsed at a bowling alley; luckily, nurse Amanda Gunter was nearby.  No one ever knows exactly what the future holds. That’s part of what makes life exciting. People […]

Patient Stories

Together We Can

Sometimes winning the fight against cancer starts with a promise.  Kate Frye is the kind of grandmother that any child would be lucky to have. When she talks about her […]

Patient Stories

Patient Story: Gordy Pratt

Diabetes is a serious condition, but when you’re in the business of musical comedy, you tend to face these things with a smile.

Patient Stories

Patient Story: Bob Lantis

Cowboys are tough enough to withstand harsh conditions, and Bob Lantis is no exception. But when his health started to limit his cowboy way of life, Bob turned to Monument Health for help getting back in the saddle.

Patient Stories

Taking It All In Stride

Colin Gholson started his life with ARPKD, a genetic disease that often leads to kidney failure. As the 2020 and 2021 Children’s Miracle Network Champion, one thing is clear — […]

Patient Stories

A Second Chance. Pain Free.

Mary McLaughlin didn’t know if she would ever walk without pain. Orthopedic surgeon Richard Little, M.D., gave her what she needed most: hope.  It’s not uncommon for patients to fear […]

Patient Stories

Health Care on the High Plains

A Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse and a Patient Access Specialist who doubles as an EMT are meeting the health care needs of South Dakota’s most isolated county. Mention Brady Thompson […]

Patient Stories

Cover Story: Health Care on the High Plains

A Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse and a Patient Access Specialist who doubles as an EMT are meeting the health care needs of South Dakota’s most isolated county.

The Worst and Best Day of My Life Patient Stories

The Worst and Best Day of My Life

A surprise birth defect could have cost Linkin his life, had it not been for Jonathan Bigwood, M.D.  Kennedi Springstun had what most would consider a normal pregnancy. Other than […]

Becoming Ben Patient Stories

Becoming Ben

Though he may have been born of tragic circumstances, Ben Ericks has had a great life. If you were to ask him what kept him from being a victim of […]

Patient Story: A miracle and a champion Patient Stories

Patient Story: A miracle and a champion

Brox Hunt of Piedmont is a thriving 5-year-old who loves watching his older siblings play sports, dancing, playing with friends, going to church and everything related to baseball – especially […]

I can, I will. Watch me. Patient Stories

I can, I will. Watch me.

Sam Biberdorf had a long road to recovery after a car accident led to an 11-day stay in the Hospital. Fortunately, Sam had something crucial to getting him back on his feet: A relentless positive attitude.

A Crash Course in Healing Patient Stories

A Crash Course in Healing

No one escapes workplace accidents, but when your job involves soaring through the air on a motorcycle, it’s hard to walk it off.

Hand in Hand Patient Stories

Hand in Hand

The path to better health can be a challenging one. For David and Darlene, the key to success was taking it together.  David and Darlene Fickbohm have embarked on a […]

Patient Story: Thomas Keller Patient Stories

Patient Story: Thomas Keller

Sgt. Thomas Keller thought he had only cracked his rib after dropping a barbell on his chest, but the situation was much graver than he thought. Fortunately, quick action by […]

Hope Patient Stories

Hope

Everyone has something that they hope for, that they look forward to. Holding onto a dream, of one kind or another, helps us stay hopeful. It makes the good times […]

Norma Takes Flight Patient Stories

Norma Takes Flight

With help from Monument Health Hospice staff, a Hill City patient fulfills a lifelong dream.  Norma Henderson had a long, adventurous life filled with great memories.  Born in 1931 in […]

The Beat Goes On Patient Stories

The Beat Goes On

Whitney Driscoll and his son, Ryan, have more in common than just their last name. The father and son find themselves grateful to a comprehensive team of Monument Health caregivers.

The Miracle of Recovery Patient Stories

The Miracle of Recovery

When people suffer catastrophic illness or injury, sometimes they recover in ways that defy expectations  From bad to worse When long-haul trucker Don Wood got sick while on the road […]

Signed, Sealed, Delivered Patient Stories

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

When an accident left a young couple hospitalized far from home, friends and family showered them with kindness using Monument Health’s E-card program.

Not Slowing Down Patient Stories

Not Slowing Down

Kip Wagner was 34 years old when he found out he had type 1 diabetes. His daughter, Katie Washnok, was diagnosed at age 12. Kip’s son, Kevin Wagner, was 25.

A Way to Fight Back Patient Stories

A Way to Fight Back

The Clinical Research department at Monument Health has a rich history of working on medical breakthroughs. For one patient, her participation in a recent study may have saved her life.

Black and Blue on a Black Diamond Patient Stories

Black and Blue on a Black Diamond

After a serious injury, ski patrol transported Morgan Geppert down Terry Peak. After a year of healing, she can’t wait to hit the slopes.

With a Hug and a Smile Patient Stories

With a Hug and a Smile

Having a positive relationship with your physician can make a world of difference in how you feel about your care. For Elizabeth Sterling, every visit with Sonalika Khachikian, M.D., is like seeing a dear friend.

Life is a Marathon Patient Stories

Life is a Marathon

Competing in a half-marathon takes grit, determination and dedication — these are all traits Leah Nixon embodies. She’s also an artist, a mom and an entrepreneur. If a picture is […]

Saving Your Skin Patient Stories

Saving Your Skin

Mohs surgery allowed Jim Phillips to continue his lifelong love of the outdoors despite skin cancer.

One of our Own Patient Stories

One of our Own

There is never a good time or place to have a life-threatening medical emergency, but Danny Morris is thankful help was nearby when he needed it.

Full Send Patient Stories

Full Send

Simultaneous double knee replacement surgery is a big commitment, but Clint Petersen had the guts and a burning desire to return to his active lifestyle. More than a year later, […]

Don’t Stop the Music Patient Stories

Don’t Stop the Music

It started with macaroni and cheese. At least that’s the way Kili Cole tells the story. At age 11, Kili was a healthy girl who loved playing tennis, painting and […]