Talon Zuelsdorf and his family struggle with Type 1 Diabetes. Because of your support, you have made his life a bit easier.
Read full storyBill Johnson suffers from heart disease. And yet because of your support and his diligent exercise and healthy eating, he is able to live a more normal life.
Read full storyEyes bright with wonder and excitement, two year old Meesha raced down the street as fast as her little legs could carry her. In her hands she carried the torch of Tomorrow’s Hope, across her face she wore a smile of pure delight. Just over a year ago, Meesha was diagnosed with ALL-acute lymphocytic leukemia, cancer of the blood that accounts for 75 to 80 percent of all childhood leukemias. (more…)
Read full storySeven year old Kelly Ketchpaw, pink and blue butterfly painted across her face, looks to be as happy and healthy as any other seven year old. And she is now. She has been in remission for four years. Even before Kelly was born, doctors could see a spot on Kelly’s brain that couldn’t be diagnosed because of its inaccessibility. When Kelly was little more than two years old she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. (more…)
Read full storyHis wife says he was the picture of health, exercising and eating right. He had to be to keep up with their family’s active life. But even being head of a healthcare system doesn’t mean you’ll never get sick. Mike Wallace, CEO and President of Fort HealthCare in Fort Atkinson, learned that lesson when he felt a lump in his neck at work one day.
At first, Mike and his doctor thought the lump might be related to some dental work, so they tried a course of antibiotics. When that didn’t work, more tests followed, then the diagnosis: T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (more…)
Read full storyRide with a Buddy is one of Tomorrow’s Hopes loudest, most heartwarming events. Survivors and people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses are matched with a buddy for a fun, group ride on a motorcycle or in a classic car. It’s a chance for everyone to forget their health struggles for a little while and just enjoy the moment.
Years ago, Karen Wolff – after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma – was matched with a buddy for the motorcycle ride. Chris Woods looked like a burly tough guy, but Karen felt an instant connection – he reminded her of her son. It was an emotional ride for Karen, and the two became friends. (more…)
Read full storyOn really good days, ten year old Connor’s mailbox is flooded with postcards from across the United States and across the world. On really tough days Connor faces nausea and vomiting as a result of radiation and chemotherapy treatments that he continues to undergo, fighting the growth of inoperable brain tumors. Since his diagnosis approximately a year ago, Connor and his family have been riding a roller coaster of wonderful days, exciting experiences and days that a ten year old shouldn’t have to endure. (more…)
Read full storyErin Errickson has lived with cystic fibrosis (CF) her entire life. As a young child, her hospital stays were nearly non-stop. This chronic disease affects the lungs and digestive system and causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus. This leads to life-threatening lung infections and other complications. Just a few decades ago, most children with CF didn’t survive to adolescence. Erin’s mother used to kiss her daughter goodbye every night in the hospital not knowing if she would make it through the night.
At 16, Erin was diagnosed with CF-related diabetes, an added complication to her already challenging health condition. But Erin never gave up living. (more…)
Read full storyWhen Mitchel was only four years old, he began not feeling well. His parents noticed he was thirsty all the time and having to go to the bathroom every 10 to 15 minutes. He was crabby, often mad and irritable. After noticing that something wasn’t right, his Mom took him to the Watertown Hospital Emergency Room where they discovered that he had type 1 juvenile diabetes. His blood sugar was so high they were surprised he wasn’t in a coma or having seizures.
After a few days in the hospital, Mitchel was allowed to go home—but things haven’t been the same since. Looking at him now — a happy, energetic, fun-loving kid — you’d never know that his life is far from normal. Mitchel and his family are grateful to the doctors and nurses at UW Health Partners in Lake Mills and Johnson Creek. Tomorrow’s Hope provides funding for programs that help families like the Langholffs to assist the people they love and focus on the future. (more…)
Read full storyIris is a smart, artistic, and high-energy girl who loves to sing, play the piano, ride her bike and run around like other kids her age. She has big beautiful eyes and a bright smile. If you look very closely, you might notice that she wears a colorful hearing aid—but otherwise you’d never know that she’s been through nine surgeries and has a serious heart condition.
When Iris was born, the roof of her mouth was not completely formed—a condition known as a cleft palate. Although this abnormality has been repaired, Iris is also being treated for cardiomyopathy which is sometimes associated with cleft palate. Cardiomyopathy means there is a disease of the heart muscle which affects its physical structure and strength. At its worst, it can to heart failure, heart arrhythmias, disability or death. (more…)
Read full storyBob Scott’s father struggled with diabetes, heart disease and eventually Alzheimer’s. It was devastating for Bob to see his father’s health decline, and that experience always stayed with him.
As an adult, Bob began facing his own chronic health concerns. Genetics were working against him, but his own eating habits and lack of exercise played a big role in his poor health. Like so many Americans, Bob found himself overweight and living with diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Then, in 2002, he had his first heart attack. Stents and multiple medications followed, and his wife and sons worried they might lose Bob too soon. (more…)
Read full storyAlthough she is nearing the end of her life, Doris Steffen is grateful that she is able to spend the time she has remaining living together with her family.
Doris has lived in the same home for nearly 65 years. So as Doris’ health has declined, her family has made it a priority to find a way to care for her at home. Without help from Rainbow Hospice Care, they’d be forced to move Doris into a nursing facility.
With Rainbow Hospice Care available, Doris is visited each morning by a hospice CNA (certified nursing assistant) who helps Doris shower, dress, do her hair, and other personal care activities. At night, a CNA from Rainbow’s “Tuck-in Program” made possible by Tomorrows Hope funding, helps Doris get ready for bed. (more…)
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