Patient stories

Elliana’s Journey: Growing strong with Ridgeview Pediatric Rehab

Elliana Kopesky, Belle Plaine, was born with spina bifida, a birth defect where the spinal cord does not close completely during pregnancy. 

Elliana’s Story

Transitional care services: 'step down' option for patients Preventing readmission to a hospital and keeping patients safe while healing

Donna Manser, Le Sueur, was hospitalized for several days with a broken sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine. Though she was recovering as expected, she needed a few extra days of care and therapy before she was ready to go home. 

Donna's Story

Family of pediatric patient experiences family-centered care at Ridgeview

'The nurses treated us like family'

Our 5-month-old daughter, Isla, developed a cough on a Friday afternoon in January. She did well throughout the weekend, until Sunday evening when we noticed she had difficulty breathing and her heart was racing.

Isla's Story

Crohn’s disease patient grateful for individualized care

Sarah Ruder, Glencoe, has a long family history of Crohn’s disease ― an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Sarah’s symptoms began around age 16 and she was diagnosed 5 years later in 2000.

Sarah's Story

"I have lost more than 90 pounds in 9 months — surpassing the expected weight loss by putting in the work!" 

LuAnn's Story

‘I don’t want to be the (future) grandpa sitting at the end of the dock, I want to be the one in the water’

Chris Ohm, Waconia, has been involved in athletics and coaching his whole life. A former collegiate athlete, Chris knew he always carried some extra weight, but never felt overweight or uncomfortable with it.

Chris' Story

Denise’s Story: A testament to the power of early detection

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — an annual campaign which aims to support survivors, raise money for breast cancer research and encourage life-saving screenings. For Denise D., Chaska, her journey with breast cancer began not with symptoms but with vigilance.

Denise's Story

"After dealing with heartburn and diabetes, I was encouraged to explore either surgical or nonsurgical options for weight loss."

Paul's Story