When Jenny missed her annual mammogram two years in a row, she never imagined how much it would matter. A family member had become seriously ill, and Jenny’s own healthcare slipped down her priority list. Then the COVID-19 pandemic began, and she wasn’t sure routine screenings were still being offered. As soon as restrictions eased, Jenny scheduled her mammogram at Ascension Franklin. She did not have a history of breast cancer or any reason to suspect anything was wrong. How

The annual flower sale at Ascension Mercy Hospital. Ascension Mercy Hospital has an impressive history of volunteerism and fundraising that spans almost 70 years. Since 1958, volunteers have donated countless hours and helped raise more than $1.5 million. Last year, 115 active volunteers contributed nearly 22,000 hours of service. Some volunteers help patients navigate the hospital or provide transport. Others organize fundraisers or turn yarn and fabric into craft items that

Volunteer Jeff rocks a set of twin babies in the NICU at St. Elizabeth. For almost 70 years, volunteers have been part of the fabric of Ascension St. Elizabeth, offering their time and talents to help provide patients with the best care possible. A tradition of service The hospital’s volunteer program dates back to 1958, when 21 women came together to form the group. Early volunteers served as hostesses, assisted patients, maintained medical records and supported departments

Growing up as identical twins, Stefanie usually went first. When Samantha was nervous about new things, like a trip down the water slide or getting sixth-grade shots, Stefanie would leap, and Samantha would follow. Decades later, the sisters found themselves facing something much bigger. This time, Samantha went first. A proactive approach and early detection Samantha had a proactive approach to her breast health because she knew she had dense breast tissue. She was a part of

Cliff pictured with staff at the Reiman Cancer Center Inside Cliff’s Kitchen, you’ll find the home chef whipping up mouth-watering dishes like pecan pie, fried catfish, ribs, lasagna and his staple 13 cheese mac and cheese. Behind the chef, though, is a lengthy battle with his own body that started in February 2026. The 45-year-old began experiencing issues with his stomach, where part of it had begun hanging down in front of the lower half of his legs. On February 4, 2026, t

Shirnese and Martina Sullivan-Koyn, a registered nurse at Ascension All Saints Family Health Center and facilitator of the Birth and Babies group. For Shirnese, being a mother is one of the greatest joys in her life. Her passion for motherhood and love of family is coupled with her heart’s desire to serve others, and make a meaningful difference in the world. As a mother of four boys, Shirnese has seen firsthand how having a strong support system and compassionate caregiver

For Dr. Paul Durbin, every day of work as an internist for Ascension Medical Group in Racine is an opportunity to serve and help others. Over the past 28 years, Dr. Durbin’s genuine care and compassion have guided his practice, where he treats each patient like family. Everything he does as a physician is rooted in his Christian faith, and his dedication to serving others: “My Christian faith is really important to me,” Dr. Durbin shared. “As a Christian, Christ taught us t

Colden, left and Benny, right, hosted a lemonade stand in memory of their Auntie Amy on her Birthday. More than $1,100 was raised in her memory. Amy Duchac spent more than 20 years raising funds for the Reiman Cancer Center in honor of her friends and loved ones battling the disease. In that time, she raised and donated over $70,000 to Reiman through her annual ladies only golf outing. In 2022, Amy received the words that no one ever wants to hear: you have cancer. After spe

After a stroke, a Parkinson's disease diagnosis or a traumatic brain injury, life can change drastically. Whether it’s getting dressed, carrying on a conversation or shopping at a grocery store, things that once felt automatic can suddenly take tremendous effort. At Ascension Elmbrook’s Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic, patients who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or neurological deficit work with therapists to regain or improve skills many of us take for granted.

For many men, talking about health and their well-being is not something they were raised to do. “Toughing it out,” “pushing through” or downplaying symptoms is common among men. Whether it's putting off a doctor's appointment or avoiding difficult health conversations, studies show men are less likely to seek preventive care and more likely to delay addressing health concerns, increasing their risk for serious illness and poorer outcomes. This is especially true when it come

Ascension St. Elizabeth Cancer Care Team The Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital Cancer Center is a special place. Along with the difficult journeys that come with a cancer diagnosis, there are also moments of comfort, support and peace. Those moments are made possible by a team of associates driven by compassion and a shared commitment to helping others. Amie Reckling, the cancer center’s manager, has experienced that atmosphere from both the associate and patient perspective.

At the Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center at Ascension Mercy Hospital, caring for patients goes beyond providing expert treatment. It’s about creating an environment where patients feel supported, comforted and celebrated throughout their cancer journey. Recently, donor generosity helped bring several thoughtful enhancements to the cancer center, helping make the experience a little brighter for patients and families. Tranquility ceiling tile Having to undergo a breast ultrasou

At 62 years old, Mary has a lot to be grateful for: A beautiful family, supportive friends, a meaningful, 38 year career as a CNA and memories from a recent trip to North Carolina she will cherish forever. But Mary has also experienced her own set of challenges. For the past 25 years, Mary has lived with anxiety and depression that at times have left her feeling hopeless. Mary first recalls experiencing depression and anxiety in 2001 during one of the hardest years of her

Eli, 17, before and after TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy. At 17 years old, Eli is thinking about college tours, career plans and a future helping other young people facing mental health challenges. Not long ago, however, imagining the future was difficult for Eli. “Before TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) [Therapy], I wasn’t really thinking of a future whatsoever,” Eli said. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want one; it’s that I couldn’t picture one. I had been

In August 2021, Emma wanted to be anywhere but Melanie Buchaklian’s office. She had just spent a week in the hospital after attempting suicide, and had already gone through years of therapists and medications. She felt as if nothing worked. On that August day, she sat in Melanie’s office at Ascension All Saints and refused to speak. She yelled, asking when she could leave. The last thing she wanted to do was open up to another therapist. Fast forward to today, and Emma can’t

Amy was desperate for moments of clarity, peace and calmness. In 2023, her life was difficult as she tried to balance numerous tribulations. The mental health of her children was troubled. Her husband was facing serious health concerns that led to two long hospitalizations. She felt strong feelings of depression and anxiety. Amid these challenges, a familiar name came to mind. Amy heard that one of her fellow church members — Sue Schmidt — was a licensed clinical social work

Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin adults quietly carry the weight of mental health challenges. Behind every statistic is a person — a mother, a son, a friend, a coworker — doing their best to navigate a season of darkness.

Anyone who has experienced an uncertain medical diagnosis knows that the days between questions and receiving answers can feel the longest. For patients facing a possible breast cancer diagnosis, having someone steady to walk that path with them makes all the difference. Katie Thiel, registered nurse and a breast care coordinator, takes on that role at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Ozaukee. Katie joined Ascension in 2020 and started her career on a post-surgical floor at A

Autumn Bednarek, left, and Dr. Stephen Shopbell, right, with the new TMS chair Drew loves art. She loves making jewelry and gifting things to her family and friends. She loves her French Bulldog, and has a pet cat near and dear to her heart. Drew is bright, positive and happy. She didn’t always feel that way, though, and wasn’t sure if she ever would. “I’ve struggled with my mental health since middle school, maybe even elementary school. It’s been part of my life for quite

Maria pictured at the Angel of Hope Clinic. It was May of 2025 when Maria fell, and her fall quickly became something serious. On what was intended to be a relaxing vacation in her home country, Maria slipped on water that had pooled on the kitchen floor. She and her family later learned her kneecap was broken in half and that she would need surgery. As the family sought care, they faced obstacles. After the fall and once Maria returned home to Milwaukee, her family learned