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

Every day, patients across Ascension Wisconsin share appreciation for the compassionate nurses who made a positive difference in their healing journeys. When a grateful patient at Ascension St. Elizabeth needed treatment in the wound care department, his nurse Halle was a bright light during a challenging time, sharing “Halle’s amazing care and continuous positive attitude were essential in my care. I truly enjoyed talking with her at each visit. I had a few setbacks but she

A new logo for Safe Place for Newborns was released in April 2026 In April 2001, Helen Healy’s vision for saving the lives of babies in Wisconsin had come to fruition with the signing of the Safe Haven Law. Her brother was involved in passing similar legislation in Minnesota, and when Helen learned of a baby dying in a Wisconsin dorm room, she knew she couldn’t sit idle. “I couldn’t shake the thought that if a young, scared mother knew there was a safe, legal, compassionate

Every day, physicians across Ascension Wisconsin provide compassionate care to patients. From answering questions with kindness, to providing unwavering support through diagnosis, treatment and recovery, physicians make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients. In honor of National Physicians Week, we're highlighting some of the dedicated physicians recognized by patients through Ascension Wisconsin Foundation’s Guardian Angel program. Dr. Breana Cummens, family medicine

After enduring the unthinkable, survivors of assault and abuse may not know where to turn for support and resources. Thanks to the support of donor generosity and grant funding, one place they can count on for compassionate care is the Ascension Wisconsin Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. The Ascension Wisconsin SANE program provides care and resources to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and elder abuse. SANE also connects survivor

Grace pictured with leftover blocks from a quilt she made for a raffle done in support of heart month in 2014. Dedication is something Grace knows all too well. She is a dedicated aunt and great aunt who is known for the cherished quilts she gifts her nieces and nephews as they turn 50 and to her great nieces and nephews as they graduate, a longtime supporter of Ascension Wisconsin Foundation and – for the past 28 years – a dedicated participant of the Preventative Health and

Cardiac Rehab Team at Ascension St. Elizabeth Shortness of breath doesn't always feel like an emergency. Sometimes it feels like being out of shape, or pushing a little too hard. That’s what Courtney H. believed — right up until she couldn’t catch her breath at all. While mowing the lawn, Courtney was out of breath. Going up the stairs, she struggled to breathe normally. At times, when she spoke, she struggled to catch her breath. Even completing simple tasks after laying dow

Bill Saenger, middle, pictured with his wife Jessie and the cardiac rehab team at Ascension Calumet Throughout their 57-year marriage, Bill and Jessie Saenger have called many places home — from Kentucky and Tennessee to Colorado and California, before finally returning to Brillion, Wis. One place they never imagined becoming part of their story, though, was Ascension Calumet Hospital in Chilton. In October 2024, Bill was hospitalized with heart failure, kidney failure and pu

Amanda, Ryan and their three sons Amanda Gintoft’s family has a long history at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee. Her mom received care there, she was born there and she delivered her four children there. It’s also the place where she experienced great heartbreak. In 2017, Amanda learned she was pregnant with her second child, a daughter named Greta. After experiencing a miscarriage not long before, Amanda and her husband Ryan were excited to grow their family once mo

Milwaukee is home for Andrea Wallace. It’s where she met her husband, started her family, fell in love with the lake and found a job she...