 |
|
|
|
Patients Tell Their Stories - Michael Biegner |
|
|
|
|
Events |
|
|
Patients Tell Their Stories - Michael Biegner
Cycling is Michael Biegner's passion. Annually, he participates in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, the nation's original fundraising bike-a-thon whose proceeds benefit the Jimmy Fund. Michael rides between 70-192 miles during two days through 46 Massachusetts towns. Without question, Michael possesses fortitude, endurance and a seemingly unlimited amount of energy.
Three years ago while riding, Michael was having difficulty breathing. Cognizant that this restricted ability was impacting his cycling, Michael consulted his primary care physician, who in turn sent him to Cooley Dickinson Hospital for a stress test. Truthfully, Michael assumed that the cause of his strained breathing was minor, so he rode the seven miles from his home to Cooley Dickinson.
Hours later, Michael was told that there was a 2½ inch blockage in his right artery. Surgery ensued and four stints were inserted.
But that is not the only life-saving experience Michael has had with Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Another experience in 2004 solidified Michael's high opinion of CDH and its value to our community.
For several days, Michael felt an unusual pain in the upper right quadrant of his stomach. Surmising it was a possible gall bladder attack, Michael's primary care physician again referred him to Cooley Dickinson Hospital for testing.
When initial blood tests returned inconclusive, an ultrasound was ordered. While nothing abnormal was discovered in the area where Michael felt pain, the ultrasound did reveal a small growth, only one centimeter in diameter, on the lower lobe of his right kidney.
The diagnosis-renal cell carcinoma, a stealth cancer that easily and quickly metastases to other organs. Says Michael, "The odds of finding this cancer the way they did were astronomical." Four months after its early detection at Cooley Dickinson, Michael underwent surgery to remove the lower portion of his kidney. Today, Michael remains cancer free.
Michael speaks passionately about the care he experienced at Cooley Dickinson. "I have nothing but praise for the staff and my experience at the hospital," says Michael. "Cooley Dickinson saved my life in no uncertain terms."
Over the years, other occasions for visiting the hospital have been less life-threatening and more life-affirming. Three of Michael's four children were born at CDH. He also fondly recalls the many visits with his children to Cooley Dickinson's Emergency Department for the treatment of minor injuries resulting from, in one case, a sledding accident. Says Michael, "My family has always received the best care at Cooley."
Isn't it good to know that Cooley Dickinson is here for you and your family, too?
Your gift to the Annual Fund translates into meaningful and life saving benefits for all our patients. Gifts from community members like you help to secure the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, retain a skilled and experienced medical staff and provide the compassionate, patient centered care our region has come to expect from Cooley Dickinson.
Your support is essential to the continued strength of Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Please make your tax-deductible gift today.
There are many compelling reasons to give. Help us make a great community better.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|