Patient stories
At the VCU Medical Center, helping patients get on with and return to healthy, fulfilling lives is our ultimate goal. Behind all our groundbreaking research, latest technology and innovative treatments are the real people whose lives are changed every day. There are thousands of them, and they have thousands of stories to tell — many filled with hardships, perseverance, seeming miracles, hope, tears and joy.
We’d like to share just a few of the stories from patients who turned to the VCU Medical Center for help in 2012.
Pregnant with her first child, Paula Belmonte experienced a preterm birth with her son, Santiago. After forming strong bonds with the staff of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over the next five months, the family’s hospital stay ended with the happiest of outcomes, a clean bill of health and a trip home. Read more »
Tony Carr landed his dream job as a pilot soaring among the clouds. But one fateful day, a plane crash left him fighting for his life. His long, painful recovery tested him both physically and mentally but, through his journey, he discovered a renewed sense of hope. Read more »
Just three months before her daughter’s wedding, Roberta Richardson received devastating news: “You have two years to live.” She vowed to fight. And fight she did. She participated in a clinical trial at the VCU Massey Cancer Center and emerged the winner, knocking cancer out. Read more »
Living with multiple chronic conditions, Maureen Peterson used to see so many doctors she couldn’t keep their names straight. Just getting to her appointments added stress and burden to her life. But now, thanks to the VCU House Calls program, she receives the primary care she needs in the comfort of her own home. Read more »
As Mary Hostinsky approached 95 and her health began to wane due to aortic stenosis, a team at the VCU Pauley Heart Center was simultaneously preparing to offer a brand-new procedure geared specifically to patients like her. So, within 90 days after a diagnosis that traditionally meant a dire prognosis with few treatment options, she was on her way back to a picture of health. Read more »