Feature Stories

Minimally invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Gave Mrs. Claus a New Life

“Thank you for fixing our Grammie.” 

That’s the note 71-year-old Cheri Robinson’s grandchildren made for Craig Hampton, MD, FACS, a board certified cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Joseph Medical Center (SJMC) in Tacoma. After Robinson underwent a successful minimally invasive mitral valve surgery in November 2023, she brought the handwritten note with her to a follow-up appointment with Dr. Hampton. Learn more.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and Seattle Kraken Team up to Fight Cancer 

St. Anne Cancer Center has become like a second home to Katie Sanchez. In April 2024, Sanchez noticed a lump on her neck.

“‘You feel that, right?’” Sanchez remembers asking her husband. “I knew something wasn’t right.”

Sanchez got an ultrasound and a biopsy which revealed the unimaginable. She said the world stopped in its place when she heard the words ‘stage three non-Hodgkin lymphoma.’ Learn more.

One Man’s Journey Through Breast Cancer 

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, less than 1% of all breast cancer occurs in males. Jonathan Lyons is one of those rare cases. When he developed a lump in his left breast, he brushed it off as a swollen sweat gland for several months. He had no idea that  it could be breast cancer. Learn more.

A Simple Question, a Life-saving Screening

A simple question at Frank Savereux’s annual exam may have saved his life. At 51 years old, he went to his yearly check-up, and his primary care provider asked him: “Would you like to do a PSA screening today?” Savereux’s immediate response was, “What’s that?” Learn more.

Seahawks Boye Mafe delivers Crucial Catch game ball to St. Francis Hospital staff

Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe delivered a “Crucial Catch” game ball to health care providers at St. Francis Hospital, recognizing their vital role in early cancer detection. The Crucial Catch initiative, supported by theSeahawks and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection through the NFL's nationwide program. Learn more.

A Ride to Save a Life

Mike Cullum and Brenda Cullum love riding motorcycles. Together, they have been on countless rides, but their most recent one held special meaning. On Sept. 21 at Renegade Classics in Pasco, Wash., surrounded by a community of motorcycle enthusiasts, Mike and Brenda revved their engines, kicked up their kickstands, and hit the road for a good cause. Learn more.
   
   
   

The Sky's the Limit for the Loftons

In 2023, Jason and Jules Lofton attended a barbeque with friends. After the celebration, Jason’s phone pinged. It was a notification from Facebook. A photo of him had been uploaded to the social media platform. When he looked at the photo of himself with friends, his smile suddenly faded away. Jason turned to Jules, handed her the phone and asked, “is this what I look like?” Learn more.
   
   
   

Build 2 Lead Recognized for Transforming Lives of South King County Youth

Build 2 Lead (B2L) is at the forefront of providing youth of color the tools they need to change systems and build skills for the future. Formed during COVID-19 as health disparities widened in our region and across the country – B2L set the goal of creating non-traditional pathways specifically for BIPOC youth through programs and partnerships. Learn more.
   
   
   

All Aboard: VMFH Spine Surgeon Helps Deliver Healthy Baby on Washington State Ferry

In life, you can't always predict every twist and turn. Dr. Eric Varley, a spine surgeon at Virginia Mason, experiences this life lesson nearly everyday – both in – and outside of the OR. Learn more.
   
   
   

Finding Hope in Community: Carl Moore’s ALS Journey

Carl Moore had never heard the term ALS - or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - until he was diagnosed 30 years ago at age 32. Before his official diagnosis, Carl experienced several symptoms over the course of 18 months, but hadn’t put them together as a cause for great concern. Learn more.
   
   
   

Celebrating a Life of Service: Sister Jude Mary Connelly, OSF

Sister Jude Mary Connelly played a vital role at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, serving her team members and community for decades. Her roles spanned from nurse to chaplain, administrator, member of the board of directors, and more. On March 28, 2024, she passed away at the age of 83. Learn more.

David Nosacka named CFO of the Year by PSBJ

David Nosacka, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) and CommonSpirit Health Northwest Region Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been recognized as CFO of the year by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Learn more.

Nurses Throw Graduation Party for Mom in the Hospital–Then Another for Her Twins

The medical team at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s Birth Centers can add another title to their resumes: party planners. They recently threw a graduation ceremony in the hospital for a mother who earned her PhD just three days before giving birth to twins. Learn more.

Dr. Leizl Sapico Honored for Shaping the Future of Postpartum Care

Dr. Leizl Sapico, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, goes above and beyond in her role caring for patients. As a clinician, she became passionate about finding a way to ensure birthing people are cared for not only during their pregnancy, but also in the pivotal time after birth, a time referred to as the fourth trimester. Learn more.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Unique Fellowship Gives Residents the Opportunity to be on Set of Grey’s Anatomy

For about six weeks, two Virginia Mason Franciscan Health residents, Anna Melio and Oriyomi Alimi (pictured on right), participated in the Grey’s Anatomy Communications Fellowship Program in Los Angeles, a unique program that gives residents the opportunity to work alongside Grey’s Anatomy writers. Learn more.

Carefully Crafted, Centered in Patient Care

When you walk into the Jane Thompson Russell Cancer Care Center at St. Anthony Hospital, warm wood ascends up the tall walls, inviting you in. Take an immediate left upon entering the Cancer Care Center, and you’re welcomed into a space of healing – a reprieve from chemotherapy and infusions. Learn more.

Tips for Preventing Stroke and Seeking Help if it Occurs

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and in recognition, the Stroke Center at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is sharing information about stroke, including preventative tips, what to do if you or a loved one have a stroke, and services VMFH provides to patients across the region.  Learn more.

Hands-on robotics experience sparks students interest in health care

How does unwrapping a Starburst wrapper relate to robotic surgery? It doesn't at first glance, but for a group of 25 students from Thomas Jefferson High School and Evergreen Middle School, bringing those two experiences together ignited a sense of wonder and helped them see themselves in a surgeon's shoes. Learn more.
     
     

Lenny’s Transplant Story - The story of how two gifts altered his life

Two gifts have altered Lenny Price’s life. The first was given to him in 1974, when he was 12 years old. It was a beautiful, brass saxophone. As soon as his little fingers played methodically along the keys, he fell in love, and a dream took flight. He knew from that moment on he wanted to be a professional saxophone player. Learn more.