Patient Stories

Betsy Hilfiger's Close Call: An Unexpected Pancreatectomy

Betsy Hilfiger, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger's sister, never had reason to believe she was at risk for pancreatic cancer. Trained as a nurse, she was well aware of the illness and its known risk factors--smoking and heredity among others. The Hilfigers had some cancer in their family, but none of the cancer syndromes associated with pancreatic cancer or pancreatic cancer itself. But a routine battery of bloodwork showing abnormalities in her liver enzymes led Betsy to discover she pancreatic mucus cell cysts. While initially benign, if left alone they almost always become malignant.

Stories of Hope: Alia's Story

Alia suffered from a a sensitive digestive system that was originally treated as acid reflux. In 2009, as a 19-year-old college freshman, she was diagnosed with a benign tumor in the head of her pancreas. She underwent a Whipple procedure at the Pancreas Center, and part of her pancreas was removed.

Liesbeth Stoeffler's Story: Respiratory ECMO Support Improves Patient's Health, Making Way for Lung Transplant

Liesbeth Stoeffler was an active woman in her 30s when she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that, over time, leads to recurrent pneumonia, lung destruction, and ultimately death. By the time Liesbeth was in her 50s, her disease had progressed to the point that she needed lung transplantation – the only life-saving therapy for patients with cystic fibrosis.

Need a New Liver? Ask the In-Laws

Back in 2000, Elizabeth Macchio, an occupational therapist in her thirties, noticed herself feeling increasingly tired. Her local doctor found elevated levels of enzymatic activity in her liver, but even so, her condition eluded diagnosis for several more years. Finally, in 2004, a diagnosis was made: she had a rare autoimmune liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The functioning of her bile ducts was gradually worsening — without a new liver, she would eventually die.

Stories of Hope: Alyson's Story

Alyson had suffered with digestive issues for much of her life, and in July of 2009 had to undergo a Whipple Procedure to remove a cancerous cyst on her pancreas. In her own words, Alyson explains how she has dealt with this incredibly difficult situation and maintained a positive attitude throughout.