Northwestern Medicine

In part 3 of Brad’s transplant journey, go inside the operating room and watch as Brad undergoes a rare awake kidney transplant.

In part 2 of Brad’s search for a kidney donor, his wife goes through the process of determining if she’s a match.

Brad needed a kidney transplant. The hardest part? Finding a donor. In part 1 of his journey, follow along as Brad begins his search.

Northwestern Medicine research is giving hope to older adults diagnosed with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, the study found that older patients who receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment can experience longer survival while maintaining their quality of life. This represents a shift in the approach to care for older adults with glioblastoma, who may often be offered shorter, less aggressive treatment courses. Led by Osaama Khan, MD, director of the Brain Tumor Program at Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Warrenville, the study highlights the importance of a coordinated care approach that brings together neurosurgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology. For Dave Mason, 86, the findings reflect his own care journey. Nearly four years after his glioblastoma diagnosis, Dave continues to live at home with his wife Karen, exceeding typical survival expectations. “Part of the reason he is doing so well is because we gave him the opportunity and the benefit of treatment,” says Robin Buerki, MD, a Northwestern Medicine neuro-oncologist who helps oversee Mason’s ongoing care. “This research from the Northwestern Medicine team shows that we can improve outcomes and have good outcomes with older patients. I want patients and families to know there is a lot of hope, and that past statistics do not always reflect how our patients are doing today.” Thank you to ROBERT H. LURIE COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER OF NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY and Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern for spearheading this work and helping expand access to innovative care for our patients.

At Northwestern Medicine, excellence extends beyond the workplace. Congratulations to Jessica Peterson, lactation consultant, and Melanie Lee, RN, Labor and Delivery nurse at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, on reaching Everest Base Camp in Nepal after a 12-day trek through the Himalayas. At 17,600 feet, the iconic destination is a significant achievement for any hiker. We're proud to celebrate Jessica and Melanie on this incredible accomplishment.

At just 21, Kendall Schara was diagnosed with cancer following her wisdom tooth surgery. As volleyball captain at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Kendall was shattered at the thought of never being able to play again. “I spoke to a lot of my teammates that night,” says Kendall. “I spoke to one in particular and told her, ‘I’m just so glad we got to play together for one last day.’” Thankfully, she came to Northwestern Medicine for treatment. She started a 24-hour chemotherapy drip, but her best option relied on a stem cell transplant. Only 30% of stem cell recipients find a match within immediate family, which meant the process could take a while. Our team tested Kendall’s immediate family and prepared to start searching donor networks for a match. Then, her sister Elle came back as the perfect match. “Hearing that my sister was a perfect 12 out of 12 match I was in shock,” says Kendall. “I didn’t think my sisters would be a match, let alone a perfect match.” Kendall’s team got to work arranging a transplant. But our care went beyond cancer treatment and the transplant. Because stem cell transplants can affect patients’ ability to have children, Kendall underwent fertility preservation with Kara Goldman MD, medical director of Fertility Preservation at Northwestern Medicine, in the hopes of starting a family one day. “Fertility preservation is a critical part of comprehensive cancer care. Infertility remains one of the most common complications of cancer treatment,” says Dr. Goldman. Kendall received stem cells from Elle, and both made a full recovery. Kehinde Akekola MD, a hematology and medical oncology specialist, says Kendall’s athleticism and positive attitude worked to her advantage. “Both her young age and the absence of other medical conditions played a big role in how quickly she recovered,” Dr. Akekola explains. Now, Kendall is in remission, and both she and Elle are on college volleyball courts preparing for next season.

A set of magnetic beads positioned around the esophagus can make acid reflux a thing of the past.

University of Illinois basketball player Jason Jakstys is back on the court this summer, months after a season-ending diagnosis of venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The condition occurs when a blood vessel is compressed near the shoulder, risking limited blood flow to the arm. Jason first realized something was wrong the day before the University of Illinois men’s basketball game against University of Maryland on January 21, 2026. While sitting in class, he experienced discomfort in his left arm. Despite those symptoms, he played in the game the next day. The day after the game, the pain had intensified, signaling that the issue was more serious than a routine injury. An ultrasound determined it was a blood clot, and Jason was immediately put on blood thinners. Further evaluation led to the diagnosis of venous TOS. Venous TOS is rare, but it occurs more often in high-level athletes whose repetitive overhead movements can compress blood vessels and threaten their ability to compete. “I was definitely surprised and devastated. I put in two years of hard work and then, in a matter of seconds, my season was over,” says Jason. “I really wanted to be a part of the team and to play March Madness.” Ahead of the team’s history-making run in the NCAA tournament, Jason underwent surgery performed by Andrew Arndt, MD, director of thoracic surgery. “The definitive management to prevent clot recurrence is a first rib resection, which means removing the uppermost rib, closest to the collarbone,” says Dr. Arndt. Jason’s recovery exceeded expectations. “After a little over a week, I was kind of getting the itch to start moving again,” says Jason. “Within a month I was shooting, doing everything I could besides weightlifting and playing.” “I think that’s a testament to his own motivation,” says Dr. Arndt. “He wasn’t about to let this hold him back or beat him down.” As Jason recovered from surgery, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team made an exciting run in the NCAA tournament. Jason was medically cleared to travel with the team to Houston for the Sweet Sixteen and then Indianapolis for the Final Four, creating a bittersweet experience for the sidelined player. “Obviously you want to put on the jersey. You want to get in the game,” says Jason. “But it was so great being a part of the team.” Watching the games, Dr. Arndt says he was rooting for both the Illini and for his patient. “I loved following their run. I hope they have more to come and I hope he’s part of it,” says Dr. Arndt. After experiencing March Madness from the sidelines, Jason is more motivated than ever to be on the court contributing to the team’s success, with his surgeon cheering him on.

It’s not like us to brag, but when we say, “What makes us better, makes you better,” we mean it. And we couldn’t be prouder of the results from @usnews, 2026 – 2027. #USNews