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For many people, life changing medicine is personal.
UPMC Life Changers are just a few of our employees who go above and beyond to make a difference in the life of their patients and communities. Follow the stories in this series to learn how thy are changing lives in more ways than one.
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string(4233) "UPMC Life Changers are employees who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of patients and staff, friends and family, and the community. Follow their stories in this monthly series to see how UPMC employees are changing lives in more ways than one.
Physical therapist Ryan King got into the health care field to help others. But in 2015, he found himself called to help someone on a deeper, more personal level: He donated a kidney to his neighbor, Joe Chiprean.
"We knew Joe was having kidney issues, but we didn't know the extent of it until February 2015, when his wife Sarah posted on social media that Joe was starting dialysis and was going to be placed on the transplant list," says Ryan, 42, who works as clinical director of Ortho/Neuro Services at UPMC Hamot in Erie.
"Our oldest son is in the same grade as their youngest son, so we knew the Chipreans from school and living near each other," he says. "But we weren't close friends; we were more like neighborhood acquaintances."
Nevertheless, Ryan and Katie felt strongly that they had to do something. Devout Christians, the couple prayed about how to proceed.
"We couldn't turn a blind eye to them," says Ryan. "We put it in God's hands. If every door opened along the way, we felt it was meant to be."
Taking That Next Step
The couple went through the preliminary evaluation, which ruled Katie out as the donor. Ryan, however, appeared to be a possible match. Months of further outpatient testing, including multiple blood tests and CAT scans, determined that Ryan and Joe's blood type and protein antigens matched.
As a potential donor, Ryan says he never felt pressured.
"During the entire process, there's an advocate for the donor and an advocate for the recipient," says Ryan. "At every point along the way, you can change your mind if you decide against it for any reason." The two men also talked openly about the procedure.
“A week before the surgery, Joe said to me, 'We will forgive you if you need to move on and not do this.' But we felt energized and covered in prayer through our friends, family, and our church family. We felt very much at peace with it,” adds Ryan.
The surgery in September 2015 was successful for both men. "After six weeks of recovery, I was back to work," says Ryan. "And Joe now lives a normal life. He's a real estate agent, father, husband, son. He has to take antirejection medicine but doesn’t need dialysis."
Being a Match, Becoming a Friend
There's another bonus to the experience: A wonderful friendship has blossomed between the two families. As they recovered, Joe and Ryan went out to lunch weekly. And on the anniversary of the transplant surgery, the couples celebrate with a fancy dinner at a restaurant.
"We look at each other more as brothers now," says Ryan.
Ryan shares his story often, speaking about the importance of living donor organ transplantation whenever he can. After the Chiprean family honored Ryan with a UPMC Hamot Guardian Angel award in 2016, the Hamot Health Foundation established the Ryan's Choice Fund, which supports transplant patients and creates awareness about living donation.
Ryan says he is humbled and blessed to have been a part of Joe's journey. "The whole experience has changed my outlook about the challenges people face," he says. "It's so easy to live in your bubble when things are going well for you — but so rewarding to help someone in need."
To learn more about living organ donation, please contact UPMC Transplant Services.
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Changing Lives With Living Donation: The Ryan King Story
For Ryan, donating a kidney was about more than just helping out his neighbor.Watch Now
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string(4333) "UPMC Life Changers are employees who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of patients and staff, friends and family, and the community. Follow their stories in this monthly series to see how UPMC employees are changing lives in more ways than one.
When you're a nurse, changing peoples' lives is part of the job description.
Sometimes, though, it's the patients who influence the nurses caring for them.
Heather White, RN, recalls vividly the day 16 years ago when an experience with a patient at UPMC Horizon changed her life. It was early in her career, and White was working with a family who had suffered the loss of a child. In that instant, she knew more had to be done for grieving families.
"I knew right away this was something I was supposed to do," she says. "I remember watching as they walked off the unit after their loss, and they were carrying a clear plastic baggy with an Angel Gown in it. All I could think was, 'Gosh, we should be doing more for them.'"
Doing More for Grieving Parents
The loss tugged on White's heartstrings; after work that day, she headed to the local craft store to pick up supplies for what would become her first memory boxes. White continues to make those boxes that are given to grieving parents before they leave the hospital. Each box is filled with small mementos of a child taken too soon — including footprint and handprint molds, photos, and other items to help parents coping with loss. For White, the boxes are meant to help fill the empty arms of grieving parents.
"Nobody expects to lose a child," says White, who has had additional training to help in her work with grieving families. "Families who lose a baby don't have many memories to fall back on. A memory box can become that memory."
Making a Difference
White's quest to help grieving families did not stop with creating memory boxes. She's now incorporating community-wide events that bring families together through the Makenna's HUGS: Healing & Understanding Gestational Loss and Stillbirth support group.
Every year, Makenna's HUGS, formerly called Empty Arms, holds three events for families in the community— a candlelight memorial, Turkey to Tinsel (focuses on ways to get through the holidays), and a Mother’s Day event.
"Our events are not sad events," she explains. "These gatherings are happy times. We celebrate the baby who touched their lives, even for just a little bit of time."
Along with celebrating each baby's life, White uses the events as a way to connect families with one another, creating a network of understanding and support. She also talks with participants to get ideas for other events and recommendations for programs. These events are open to the public, a good way to "get the word out to people,” says White.
Helping Families: Past, Present, and Future
Recently White spearheaded fundraising efforts to purchase a CuddleCot for the unit. This special bed keeps the baby cool, preserving the body to allow the family to bathe, dress, hold, and spend time with their child.
"The baby can stay with the parents for their entire stay," White explained. "The cot is the parents' memory; it's their time to be with their baby. We really encourage parents to give the child a bath and enjoy the brief moments they have together. These memories can help with their grieving process."
As White looks to the future, she plans on finding new ways to help grieving families at UPMC Horizon because helping those families gives her job meaning. "If I help one person, then it's all worth it."
UPMC offers resources for parents coping with the loss of their child. Visit UPMC Horizon for more information.
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Filling the Empty Arms of Grieving Parents: Meet Heather White
Heather’s mission as a nurse is to provide comfort and healing during the hardest of times.Watch Now
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string(4329) "UPMC Life Changers are employees who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of patients and staff, friends and family, and the community. Follow their stories in this series to see how UPMC employees are changing lives in more ways than one.
Clyde Fritzley has stood behind the volunteer desk at UPMC St. Margaret for 11 years, greeting each person who walks through the doors with a smile.
In fact, the Lawrenceville native has been a constant presence at UPMC for nearly four decades.
"I really enjoyed coming to work," he says. "I think I'm one of the fortunate people who can look forward to coming to work each day."
Fritzley started his career at UPMC working in housekeeping and the mailing room, before finding his way to his current position as a greeter with the volunteer services department. On his first day, he knew that working at UPMC would be different than any of his past career endeavors. For Fritzley, the position is a calling.
A Helping Hand
Whether preparing a cup of coffee for someone seated in the waiting room or gathering a wheelchair for a patient in need, Fritzley sees his roles as an opportunity to give back to the many residents and neighbors of Pittsburgh. Service to others is an important aspect in Fritzley's faith, and he believes any day he can spend helping someone else is a success.
"This job gives me the opportunity to assist patients and their families," he says. "By the grace of God I'm able to be compassionate with their needs and requests. I can develop special relationships with these people, and they can count on me to help them."
He shares what he calls "little words of encouragement" with all those he comes across throughout the day, and working within the volunteer program enables him to interact with a variety of visitors and patients in need.
During a typical day, Fritzley will don numerous hats, including providing transportation throughout the campus, directing visitors and patients to different UPMC locations, overseeing the spiritual care requests, and providing stimulation and activities for patients who require longer stays than anticipated.
A Personal Touch
Thanks to a packed daily schedule, Fritzley is familiar with many of the patients and visitors. He explains that he's come to know many of the patients and sees them as more than just a face, but as a friend, a neighbor, or a person he'll likely come across again in Pittsburgh. He's met tons of people during his years of employment, but a pair of sisters has left a lasting and unforgettable impact.
"I've been helping these sisters for 10 years," he says. "I've really gotten to know them, and every time they come in, I get them wheelchairs and a cup of coffee. They actually call me at the hospital when they're not feeling good or it's been awhile since I've seen them."
Each day he reports to work, Fritzley hopes he'll make a personal connection with someone that crosses his path. "Helping people is my biggest thing when I'm here," he says.
He explains that a visit to the hospital can sometimes be a nerve-wracking experience for families and patients, and he hopes that demonstrating kindness and care can make their experience a little easier. There are many parts to his job that he enjoys, but it's especially rewarding when Frtizley is able to help patients meet their spiritual needs.
"In my faith, God calls us to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet," he says. "We're supposed to look out for each other and help each other. It makes me feel good that I'm able to help my neighbors. At one time or another we'll all need a helping hand and if I can help someone else, then my day feels worthwhile."
To get to know Fritzley and the other friendly faces of UPMC St. Margaret, call 412-784-4000 and find a doctor that's right for you.
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A Friendly Face at UPMC St. Margaret: Meet Clyde Fritzley
More than a friendly face, Clyde has a special place at UPMC St. Margaret.Watch Now
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string(4293) "Noelle Conover is certain her late son Matt would love Matt's Maker Space, a project at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
"He was always a 'maker,'" says the 58-year-old Mt. Lebanon resident. "He loved puzzles, Legos, chemistry — anything that was hands-on."
Matt passed away in 2002 at age 12, just a few months after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Ever since, Noelle has devoted endless hours to keeping his memory alive by helping other families cope with pediatric cancer.
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A Passion for Helping
Noelle works as the project coordinator for the SurvivorConnect program at Children's, part of the Division of Hematology/Oncology's Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Clinic. "We follow 600-plus survivors of pediatric cancer," she says. "It's a passion for me. What we went through with Matt helps me advocate for them." Those in the program are at least five years post-treatment, with an average age of about 20, she notes. "Many of them don't even remember being treated as a child."
Because more and more children are surviving pediatric cancers, SurvivorConnect helps families navigate "new, uncharted territory," Noelle says. During annual check-ups, patients are screened for thyroid and heart issues and can request referrals for specialists or social services.
"We do wellness and educational events, as well as outings like a picnic at Kennywood," says Noelle. "We celebrate survivors; it's like we're their cheerleaders."
Giving Back Through Philanthropy
In addition to her work with SurvivorConnect, Noelle and her family have been instrumental in bringing other changes to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
"Some time after Matt passed away, I got a call from a woman at the Children's Hospital Foundation asking if I wanted to get involved with their work," she says. "My initial reaction was: 'No, why would I?'" After a second call a few months later, Noelle changed her mind. "They were building a new hospital, and they wanted our perspective on what they could do better. I realized I might be able to help other families because of what we went through."
In 2009, the Conovers became donors to Children's. They opened Matt's Media 4 Kids with Cancer, which provides gaming, movies, and computers for kids on the inpatient hematology/oncology unit.
"As a donor, you don't always know where the needs are, but as a patient's family, you see them," Noelle says.
Matt's Maker Spaces
Noelle's latest project at Children's is raising money for Matt's Maker Spaces — a hands-on, cutting-edge place for kids to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). In the Matt's Maker Spaces, patients use 3-D printers or computers to complete projects or solve problems.
The concept has gone beyond the hospital's walls. In 2016, the Conovers helped fund Matt's Maker Spaces in each of the seven elementary schools in the Mt. Lebanon School District. Going forward, the plan is to open at least one Matt's Maker Space each year. Children's is also working with the Conovers and Dave’s employer, Ansys, to deliver hands-on making programs in the Maker Spaces with partners such as the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Science Center.
Noelle never intended to be one of the life changers at Children's — but that's exactly where she ended up.
"I'm in a unique position because I've worn all four hats — the mom of a patient, a volunteer, an employee, and a donor," says Noelle. "It's an amazing place. If my family could get through this with the help of Children's, there's hope for other families, too."
To get involved and learn more about Matt's Maker Spaces, visit Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
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Giving Back Through Philanthropy: Meet Noelle Conover
Noelle’s passion for philanthropy stems from her own experiences at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Learn more about her life-changing work.Watch Now
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string(2998) "A warm sunny day in Pittsburgh means something very special to a group of physical therapy patients at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC Mercy — they get to go fishing.
On Wednesday afternoons in the summer, Charlene Subrick, a physical therapist at the hospital, leads an unusual parade of patients, their families, and UPMC Rehab Institute staff to a fishing spot along the shores of the Allegheny River near PNC Park.
Fishing as Therapy
Gone Fishing is an innovative community re-entry program that Charlene created in 2017 to give rehab patients a chance to enjoy a favorite pastime.
With more than 20 years of experience as a physical therapist, Charlene — who started fishing as a young girl — knew that the fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, balance, and mental focus that fishing requires would be good therapy.
Because many patients use wheelchairs or power chairs, her first challenge was getting them to the river.
"We decided to walk from UPMC Mercy to Steel Plaza, then ride the T to the North Shore,” she says.
"The trip is more than a leisure activity. It’s good practice for negotiating uneven sidewalks, ramps, double doors, street crossings, construction sites, elevators, and other obstacles,” explains Charlene. “When they succeed, it boosts their confidence and sense of independence.”
Although fishing as therapy isn’t a new concept, Gone Fishing is the first program of its kind in the region. After the program’s successful first year, Charlene applied for and received a grant from the Beckwith Institute, which funds new ideas from UPMC staff that impact and improve patient care. The grant allowed her to expand the program and purchase much-needed adaptive fishing equipment.
More Than a Day of Fun
A few hours spent fishing is a fun way for the therapists to interact with their patients outside of the hospital. It’s also good therapy for the patients.
"We practice eye and hand coordination by casting, retrieving, and trying to put bait on their hook," Charlene explains. "The therapists are there to help the patients. Family members can come, too; it gives them a chance to be out with their loved one and see therapy in action.
"Doing this shows the patients that anything is possible," she says. "It's kind of blown me away, too. I’ve gained confidence to do other activities with my patients that might seem out of the ordinary. I know now that I can put something together and it will work."
RELATED: Bonding Through Books in the NICU: Meet Suzy Guess
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On Summertime Fishing Trips, One Physical Therapist Inspires Hope
Learn how Char takes her physical therapy patients on fishing trips of a lifetime.Watch Now
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string(6574) "UPMC’s Life Changers are employees who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of patients and staff, friends and family, and the community. Follow their stories in this monthly series to learn how UPMC employees are changing lives in more ways than one.
Can a weekend away designed specifically for stroke survivors and their caregivers somehow refresh everyone involved? Yes, according to UPMC's Stacey Mlodzianowski, an occupational therapist specializing in stroke recovery. When Stacey attended her first stroke camp as a volunteer, she knew she had discovered something unique.
"Every year that I volunteer at stroke camp, I witness magic," she says. "It is truly amazing to watch couples and family members support and love each other in this manner."
A 'New Perspective'
Stacey is referring to Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, an Illinois-based nonprofit that has successfully organized over 200 camps since its inception in 2004. The weekend getaways are designed to address the unique needs of stroke survivors and their caregivers.
"I offered to volunteer when I worked as an occupational therapist in New Jersey to get away from the work grind," she says. "Little did I know the weekend would be such a rewarding — and life-changing — experience."
A typical weekend retreat at the camp includes companionship, education sessions, good food, helpful stroke resources, luxurious pampering, music, and live entertainment, as well as outdoor activities like hiking, walking, rock climbing, fishing, and swimming.
Some camps offer indoor games like Nintendo Wii. The American Stroke Association says that these activities can produce "significant motor improvement in speed and extent of recovery" after a stroke.
Perhaps most importantly, the stroke camp provides a sense of fellowship and belonging to everyone involved. "The weekend gives me a new perspective on how I approach treatment with my own patients,” she says. “It is vital to make family education and training part of stroke rehabilitation," says Stacey. "Caregivers are impacted by their loved one's stroke, but sometimes can feel isolated. At the camp, survivors and caregivers build a network of support and encouragement that extends far beyond the weekend through social media, support groups, and personal communication. Many who attend feel they have become a family."
Image: Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp
Bringing It Closer to Her Patients
Stacey knew she wanted to bring the idea to Pittsburgh when she began working at UPMC. "I set up preliminary meetings and, with the help of some coworkers, a grant was approved to host the first-ever stroke camp in Pennsylvania," she explains. "Eighteen months later, the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute and the UPMC Stroke Institute sponsored a Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania."
Image: Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp
The weekend was a hit with attendees, their caregivers, and the many volunteers who made it a success. In fact, the Pittsburgh stroke camp is now an annual event.
"As an occupational therapist, I find volunteering and coordinating Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in Pittsburgh rewarding for many reasons," says Stacey. "I am able to witness a survivor on their journey from the hospital, back home, and into the community."
When Feeling Better Means Getting Better
Survivors know how different daily life is after a stroke. They return to environments where they once felt capable, independent, and optimistic. Constant language and information processing challenges, occasional memory lapses, communication issues, fear of recurrence, and managing significant lifestyle changes can be exhausting. Too often, stroke survivors experience depression because they miss doing so many of the things they once enjoyed.
"This past summer, a few survivors went fishing on the Ohio River using adaptive equipment," recalls Stacey. "Getting the chance to do a favorite hobby again meant so much to them. Everyone was smiling,” she recalls.
For survivors and caregivers stroke camp provides a weekend of peace, support, tranquility, and comfort that can help restore their optimism. “Stroke camp is more than a fun weekend,” says Stacey. “It is a place to learn that there are ways of adapting an activity that makes it possible with their new abilities."
To learn more about Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, visit www.strokecamp.org or call 309-688-5450.
Life changers like Stacey Mlodzianowski and her team are committed to your care and recovery. If you or a loved one has been affected by stroke, call the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 1-877-AT-REHAB.
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Life Changers in Stroke Recovery: Stacey’s Story
Stacey goes above and beyond for her stroke patients and their caregivers.Watch Now
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