Stories of Hope: Ryan Finlay

Ryan is a tough guy—a combat veteran and an NYPD cop. Once, on active duty, he had to have neck surgery without anesthesia. But, he says, that pain paled compared to his pancreatitis. Every doctor he saw had a different diagnosis. And none of them were able to help. Then he met with Dr. Amrita Sethi and Dr. Beth Schrope at New York-Presbyterian. Dr. Schrope proposed a novel approach called Islet Transplant Therapy, in which sugar-regulating cells from Ryan’s pancreas would be placed in his liver, and then the failing pancreas would be removed. After 6 years on medical leave, countless unsuccessful surgeries and unending pain, Ryan finally was able to return to his Midtown South precinct house and resume his childhood dream of being a New York City police officer.

Learn more about NYP Amazing Story on Ryan Finlay’s Islet Transplant Therapy.