I was hospitalized at UMass Memorial when I was in my 20s. I was majorly dehydrated because my digestive system was malfunctioning. I remained hospitalized for approximately one month while tests of every kind were administered. One such test was a liver biopsy administered by Dr. Guenter Spanknebel. He became the doctor who would finally diagnose my condition and who would treat me for many years. It was through his care and concern that I was able to live through a devastating disease. I finally had surgery and have been alive for over 30 more years. Thank you, UMass Memorial, Dr. Spanknebel and my surgeon Dr. Conolly.

—Rita Zeffert

… I was able to live through a devastating disease

UMass Memorial has been taking care of me and my family for the past 32 years: My sister's diabetes, my Crohn’s disease and brain cancer, and my mom's uterine cancer—see the whole story in my video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=We9gyMHluOY).

THANK YOU to the doctors and nurses of UMass Memorial!

—Dave McGrath

I am well because…

UMass Memorial has been a big part of my son’s life. He spent just under three months in the NICU at UMass Memorial due to a birth defect called gastroschisis. He suffered rare complications due to the defect, which left him with short bowel syndrome. We expected a NICU stay of six months or more but due to the amazing team at the NICU, he was home and doing wonderfully at just three months old. As he grew, however, he suffered complication due to his short bowel syndrome. He is now under the care of an amazing gastroenterologist at UMass Memorial, which has allowed him to have a better chance of getting through his complications.

—Megan Turcotte

My son is well because…

I had a liver transplant at UMass Memorial in May 2011. It was the first time I had ever had surgery. I have the whole transplant team to thank for still being alive and doing well today. I still have blood work done every three months and see Dr. Graham Barnard every six months. It's been life changing, but I feel pretty normal again. I owe my survival to my unknown donor and the transplant team at UMass Memorial. They are the best!!! Thank you to the entire staff at UMass Memorial.

—Pamela Godfrey

I am well because…