George Hawthorne was severely injured in a motorcycle accident in another state. He suffered a spinal cord injury which affected not only his legs, but his arms as well. Hawthorne was taken to Memphis, Tennessee for his initial medical care. He was there for approximately...
In December 2022, Virgil "Dwayne" Lix suffered a stroke affecting the left side of his body. Because of this, he was unable to use his left arm and leg. He was also having trouble with memory and attention as well as various other things. He...
When it comes to spinal back pain, there are many options for treatment. Choosing the treatment plan best for you can be overwhelming. Marilyn Schott sought the care of Kev Gamadia, DO, neurosurgeon with Cape Spine and Neurosurgery, a Saint Francis Medical Partner, to help...
When pain or dysfunction affects our mobility, it can feel debilitating. James Price of Mill Spring, Mo., was in considerable, extreme pain for several years before his life changed by seeking care from R. August Ritter III, MD, orthopedic surgeon at the Saint Francis Orthopedic...
With the beginning of each new year comes new challenges, opportunities and journeys. Jayne Anderson of Farmington, MO, began 2022 embarking on a journey of healing, rehabilitation and defying many odds with her strength and positive spirit following a massive stroke. On January 4, Anderson was...
Decisions about end-of-life care can be heavy and challenging. However, the Hospice Services Program at Saint Francis Healthcare System helps make the process as easy and comfortable as possible for patients and families. Debbie Petty, who has had four family members use the Saint Francis Hospice...
We have all dealt with some level of pain. For some it is the occasional ache, while others deal with more chronic issues. There are times when we ignore it and hope it will go away on its own. Sometimes it does. Other times something...
At Saint Francis Heart Hospital, your heart is our calling. Althea Miller of Cape Girardeau experienced this personalized care when she began seeing Harold W. "Bill" Stites III, MD, FACC, electrophysiologist at Cape Cardiology Group, a Saint Francis Medical Partner, following the onset of heart...
Jack Essner was in the prime of his life when he almost lost it. It was August 8, 2016, a hot summer day before his senior year of high school. Essner recalled getting halfway through a three-mile run during soccer practice. The next thing he remembers...
In June 2021, Kathie Ross of Villa Ridge, Ill., discovered a tumor on her thyroid. Following a biopsy with inconclusive results, her endocrinologist suggested she speak with a surgeon. Although she was initially referred to a surgeon of another healthcare system, she chose to find...
Keith Graham, MD, D-ABSM, pulmonologist at Cape Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, recounts his experience with Saint Francis Inpatient Rehabilitation. "When one thinks of an angel, often slight & unassuming angels come to mind. They fly blissfully through the sky, strumming their harps or playing their horns....
Life was turned upside down for 37-year-old mother of three Tasha Bollinger of Chaffee when she suffered a stroke on December 28, 2020. The stroke affected not only her movement but also her speech and ability to eat. Tasha was admitted to Inpatient Rehabilitation at...
Will Rhodes With unknown underlying medical conditions, 43-year-old father and fiancé Will Rhodes of Jackson found his life taking a drastic turn after contracting COVID-19 in February 2021. Finding himself in the hospital for over a month, his story is a true testament to what one...
At just five weeks pregnant, young mother Baylee Alsup of Cape Girardeau found a lump in her left breast. Concerned, she brought it to the attention of her obstetrician, Jessica Lemmons, MD, FACOG — and Baylee’s unexpected battle with cancer began. When initially examined, the lump...
When it comes to patient care, our nurses strive to live out our Mission to provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ every day. Jeff Darnell of Advance, Mo. experienced this when he came to Saint...
At Saint Francis, we are 'Called to Serve You' — and our auxiliary and volunteers display this daily through their selfless service to our Mission. Edna Ohmart of Cape Girardeau served as a volunteer at Saint Francis Medical Center for nearly thirty years, along with...
Saint Francis Healthcare System is proud to provide the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU features 18 beds, a variety of advanced medical technology and a staff who works to treat each baby and family with compassion, love and care...
Patients of Saint Francis' Center for Joint Replacement & Revision share their experiences in their own words. General CJRR Testimonials Staff recognition: Amy, Ronnie, Morgan RN Very caring and clean place. Got to room fast when I called. Thank you! Staff recognition: Lisa (NA), Amy, Ronnie, Hannah Loved the therapy....
Hospice can be a scary word for families when caring for a loved one. However, Hospice services at Saint Francis Healthcare System offers ongoing at-home care to patients, their families and so much more. Laverne Kackley suffers from dementia, Parkinson's disease and has had three strokes....
Julie Baker Caplan is very thankful for the help she and her father received from Saint Francis Hospice during her father's last days. Richard Baker, 88, had heart problems and declining health so Julie decided to bring her father from his assisted living facility to...
