Research has the power to transform lives, offering hope and solutions to those facing complex health challenges. In this article, we explore the stories of five Duke Health patients who have experienced life-changing outcomes thanks to cutting-edge research and dedicated healthcare professionals.
Akenji and Asanti Dingaoyo
Janae Dingaoyo's twin boys, Akenji and Asanti, were born prematurely at just 23 weeks, weighing barely a pound each. Their journey in the Duke Children's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was marked by resilience and progress. At two months, Asanti required a delicate surgical procedure to close a hole in his heart, and both twins later overcame a serious eye disease. The compassionate care of the nursing staff kept the family hopeful, and today, the boys are thriving, full of energy, and getting along just fine.
Sabrina Lewandowski
Sabrina Lewandowski, diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer at 30, found hope at Duke's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. Under the care of Dr. Henry Friedman, she received an experimental treatment that rotated different chemotherapy drugs, outsmarting her tumor. More than a year of this treatment, combined with radiation, extended her life beyond expectations. Today, 23 years later, Lewandowski is alive and well, volunteering to support brain tumor research at Duke and cherishing every moment.
Yvette Crawley
Yvette Crawley's retirement plans were shattered by a retinal disorder called macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). With her vision deteriorating, she feared a future of limitations. However, a groundbreaking gene therapy implant at the Duke Eye Center, the first of its kind in the region, significantly slowed the degeneration. Crawley's procedure empowered her to make choices in her retirement, and she embraces the freedom to continue growing.
Creed Kolasa
Creed Kolasa, diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at six months, faced a grim prognosis. Duke Children's Hospital offered a new treatment, a clinical trial to restore the protein that holds muscle together. Creed's participation in the trial has allowed him to walk, go to school, and enjoy his favorite activities. The weekly drug infusions have transformed his life, and the Kolasa family makes the long drive to Durham for his care and Duke football games.
Alfonzo Grafton
Alfonzo Grafton's lung cancer was not responding to traditional chemotherapy. A clinical trial at the Duke Cancer Institute, funded by the National Institutes of Health, offered a new hope. The medication targeted a specific protein, and Grafton's body reacted positively, making him a 'super responder.' He felt like he was living again and could spend time with his family. Grafton's story highlights the importance of funding research to find cures and improve lives.
These stories demonstrate the profound impact of research and healthcare innovation. They remind us that with continued support for research, we can solve more health challenges and save countless lives. Research truly has the power to change the world, one patient at a time.
